DAYS OUT : BEACHES
BEACHES
Utterly striking , serene and full of thriving wildlife ; it comes at no surprise that our county is widely known for its gorgeous coastline . Whether you enjoy brisk walks in the crisp air with your pooch , like to make the most of the warm weather and rush down to the suntrap towns in the summer season , or simply seek a picturesque haven to escape to , a perfect setting for your dream day beside the sea is promised . Home to nine Blue Flag beaches , an internationally recognised stamp of approval cleanliness , water quality and safety , Kent boasts coastal hotspots that are a cut above the rest .
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 , which has been awarded a Blue Flag for its water quality . The sandy bay gently slopes towards the 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 nearby play area 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 that 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 yearround coasting and brisk 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 converted WW2 buildings , fisherman ’ s huts and a lighthouse that all 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 also an important reserve of the Kent Wildlife Trust .
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 lengthy 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 fisherman ’ s cottages .
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