DAYS OUT : BEACHES
BEACHES
From sandy summertime havens and clifftop pathways to windswept stretches of shingle and marshy estuaries that teem with wildlife , whatever you are looking for from a day at the beach , Kent is certain to deliver . The Blue Flag award is the internationally recognised ultimate stamp of beach approval based on cleanliness , water quality , safety and general beauty , and there ’ s so many Blue Flags flying proudly along Kent ’ s sweeping coastline that we ’ re spoiled for choice . Broadstairs and its collection of bays and coves make for a perfect balmy day spent by the water building sandcastles , while the grassy cliffs of St Margaret ’ s Bay , which sits on the 160-mile Saxon Shore Way , offer panoramic ocean views , and other-worldly Dungeness is an eerie seascape bristling with unique flora and fauna . Here ’ s our pick of the bunch …
Stone Bay A glorious escape from the hustle and bustle of city living , sheltered sands edged by impressive white cliffs give Stone Bay an air of secrecy and seclusion .
Botany Bay Chalk stacks and white cliffs are a real focal point at this secluded gem while a sandy bay gently slopes towards turquoise water for a truly tranquil swim .
Minnis Bay Brilliant for watersports and sunset walks , Minnis Bay is a long family-friendly stretch of beach offering excellent sailing , windsurfing , paddling , kayaking and a paddling pool for little ones .
Tankerton An old-fashioned shingle beach with pretty painted beach huts and sensational sunsets , low tide here reveals an expanse of sandy beach , rockpools made for crabbing , and a natural causeway which stretches right out into the sea .
West Bay Relish the comforting feel of soft sand between your toes while searching the shores for crustaceans in rock pools which are great for seaside exploration .
Minster Leas Beach Sensational views are par for the course on this long sand and shingle beach , which is perfect for year-round coasting and brisk autumn walks along the wide grassy promenade .
St Mildred ’ s Bay St Mildred ’ s Bay backs on to a promenade and the sea wall follows the pristine cliff formations around the bay . Here , you can dust off your tennis skills or try your hand at putting before cooling off with a dip in the deep blue sea .
Margate Main Sands These gentle sweeping sandy bays right on the edge of the thriving seaside town are perfect for sandcastles and taking in the view . A boardwalk gives easy access to the beach and is the perfect spot to while away a sunny afternoon while younger kids splash at the water ’ s edge .
Dungeness Lying at the southernmost point of the county is the fascinatingly weird and wild seascape of Dungeness . A shingle beach teeming with wildlife , Dungeness has an artistically apocalyptic feel to it , its stunning strangeness heightened all the more by the converted WW2 buildings , fishermens ’ huts and lighthouse that stand like chess pieces upon its diverse landscape .
Sandwich & Pegwell Bay If you are craving a peaceful and serene day of relaxation on what comes closest to your very own private beach , look no further . This saltmarsh is also a haven for nature lovers , and is Kent Wildlife Trust ’ s largest reserve .
Hythe Bay This completely unspoiled pebble beach slopes down into waters which quickly become deep when the tide is in . With plenty of benches for those not wanting to sit on the pebbles , stare out to France and spot boats on the horizon or wander down the nostalgic high street .
Deal Deal ’ s prettiness does not stop at the immaculate pebble beach complete with its long pier and smattering of wooden fishing boats ; charm and charisma soaks all the way from the shoreline into the winding streets lined with elegant Georgian townhouses that rub shoulders with fishermens ’ cottages .
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