Whitstable isn’t your typical bucket and spade sort of beach. With its timber groynes and corners of boatyard gubbins, it's still very much a working fishing harbour.

People don’t generally come to Whitstable Beach to swim or sunbathe - although of course you can. These days it’s more about finding a seat at one of the beachfront eateries and getting to work on some delicious, locally caught seafood. Native oysters are the main draw, but delicacies like lobster, crab and mussels are equally tasty, best washed down by a pint of the local stout.

Behind the seafront is pretty Whitstable town, a favourite weekend escape from London and often thronged with visitors. Wander between the cottages and neat seaside terraces and you’ll find some lovely cafes and inviting boutiques - it’s also home to what is surely one of the country's best looking Wetherspoons, housed in a converted art-deco cinema.

Why visit Whitstable Beach

• A charming and rather classy Kent seaside town Pretty houses, a laid-back beach and lovely independent shops.
• The perfect romantic getaway It's under an hour and a half on the train from London.
• A foodie destination You'll find delicious seafood stalls, cafes and beachside pubs.
• Freshly caught Whitstable oysters World-famous and best enjoyed right on the seafront.
• Vibrant local events From the Whitstable Oyster Festival to art markets and live music.

How to get to Whitstable

• By train Direct services run from London Victoria and London St Pancras to Whitstable in around 1 hour 20 minutes.
• By car Easily reached via the M2 motorway; Whitstable is about 60 miles from central London.
• By bus Regular local services connect Whitstable with nearby towns such as Canterbury, Herne Bay and Margate.
• By bike or on foot The Crab and Winkle Way cycle and walking route links Canterbury to Whitstable.

The spacious, blue flag winning cove of Minnis Bay is tucked into the lee of Birchington-on-Sea on the North Kent coast. A sleepy seaside spot, it’s often overlooked by day-trippers in favour of the bright lights of Margate, but sandy Minnis Bay has fun for all the family. You can find thrill-seeking windsurfers and kitesurfers whipping around the bay, but if you prefer a quieter life, take a dip in the large Victorian tidal paddling pool built into the beach.

Once the sunbathing is finished and the sand castle construction is complete, head up to the brasserie overlooking the beach and treat yourself to a plate of fish and chips and a glass of something cold.

Why visit Minnis Bay

• A family friendly Kent beach Great for kids, with soft sands, gently sloping shoreline, tidal paddling pool and children's play area near by.
• A blue flag beach Minnis Bay has won a blue flag for its clean waters and good facilities.
• Great for watersports Try windsurfing or kiteboarding and there's also a sailing club nearby.
• Plenty of amenities and parking You'll find public toilets, lifeguards on duty, drinks and ice creams, free on-road parking and a paid-for car park.
• A pub overlooking the beach The recently refurbished bar and restaurant is great spot for post-beach food and drink.

How to get to Minnis Bay

• By train The nearest stations are Birchington-on-Sea (about a 15-minute walk to Minnis Bay) and Westgate-on-Sea, both on the London Victoria and St Pancras to Margate line.
• By car Easily reached via the A28 and A299 (Thanet Way), with parking available close to the seafront. Around 1 hour 45 minutes’ drive from central London.
• By bus Regular Stagecoach services run from Canterbury, Margate and Ramsgate to Birchington, stopping near the beach.
• By bike or on foot Minnis Bay sits on the Viking Coastal Trail, a popular cycling route around the Isle of Thanet.

The British seaside doesn’t get more classic than Margate on the North Kent coast. Famously regenerated and home to many London emigrees, the hip coffee houses, independent shops and brunch spots now sit almost-comfortably next to the greasy spoon caffs and neon-lit arcades.

Whatever else might have changed, the beach is still the heart of the town. Margate Main Sands is an open and spacious 200 metre sweep of golden sand, perfect for sandcastles. It’s still the place to settle down in a deckchair, bury your feet in the sand, chomp on a stick of rock and see if Martin Parr takes your photo. Alternatively, the Harbour Arm, with its collection of restaurants and cafes, makes a great place to watch the world go by over small plates and a glass of natural wine.

Why visit Margate

• Margate Main Sands is a classic British beach One of Kent's most popular beach spots and a famous seaside destination.
• Perfect for a cheeky break Just a short hop from London, Margate is a fun-filled weekend getaway.
• Great places to eat and drink Margate has a top-tier restaurant scene, serving everything from innovative modern British cuisine, to fresh from the fryer fish and chips.
• Interesting and arty vibes Home to many artists and the Turner Contemporary Gallery.
• Old school seaside charm The old fashioned arcades, cafes and pubs which Margate was built on are still alive and thriving, with iconic Dreamland amusement park its beating heart.

How to get to Margate

• By train Direct trains run from London St Pancras International (around 1 hour 30 minutes via High Speed) and from London Victoria (around 2 hours). The station is just a short walk to the seafront.
• By car Easily reached via the A299 (Thanet Way) from the M2; Margate is about 75 miles from central London with plenty of town parking.
• By bus Regular Stagecoach services connect Margate with Canterbury, Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Whitstable.
• On foot or by bike Margate sits on the Viking Coastal Trail and the Thanet Coast Path, making it a great stop for both cycling tours and coastal walks from Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Minnis Bay.

A twenty minute stroll takes you away from the hustle and bustle of Margate to this quiet stretch of coastline beneath craggy cliffs. Here you’ll find one of the best seawater swimming pools in the country.

Built in 1937, Walpole Tidal Pool is one of the biggest and the oldest in the UK, with a concrete wall encircling almost four acres of water. At high tide the walls are submerged, allowing the sea water to refresh itself and there’s also a natural spring which rises within the pool’s walls. It’s an unbeatable spot for a swim. Come along at low tide if you’re bringing little ones or you fancy a relaxing dip, as high tide can sometimes get a little brisk.

Why visit Walpole Bay Tidal Pool

• A historic seawater pool: Built in 1937, this Grade II-listed pool is one of the largest tidal pools in the UK, covering nearly four acres.
• Perfect for wild swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip in clean, naturally replenished seawater that renews with every high tide.
• Family-friendly swimming: Visit at low tide for calm, shallow waters ideal for kids and relaxed bathing.
• Beautiful coastal setting: Nestled beneath Margate’s dramatic cliffs, with sweeping sea views and easy access to the beach promenade.
• Unique heritage spot: The pool’s mix of natural spring water and tidal flow makes it a one-of-a-kind coastal experience.

How to get to Walpole Bay Tidal Pool

• By train: The nearest station is Margate, around a 20-minute walk from the pool, with regular direct services from London St Pancras and Victoria.
• By car: Follow the A28 or A299 (Thanet Way) to Margate, where you’ll find parking along the seafront and nearby residential roads.
• By bus: Regular Stagecoach services run from Canterbury, Ramsgate and Birchington to Margate, stopping close to Walpole Bay.
• By bike or on foot: Easily reached via the Viking Coastal Trail — the scenic walking and cycling route that links the beaches of the Isle of Thanet.

Botany is the first of a chain of gorgeous sandy beaches located on the tip of Thanet's snout, as it noses out into the North Sea. Mid-way between Margate and Broadstairs, it’s a lovely walk along the Kentish clifftops from either direction.

Once the haunt of smugglers, you’re now more likely to find film crews here - it’s been the location of many a music video and advert. The bay is famous for its towering white chalk stacks, which erosion has left standing like gappy teeth in the sand. At low tide you can wander between them, hunt for fossils and dip your toes in the rockpools.

Why visit Botany Bay

• Iconic chalk stacks: The bay’s dramatic white cliffs and chalk formations are among Kent’s most photographed coastal landmarks.
• A beach with history: Once a smugglers’ haven, Botany Bay is now a peaceful escape that often features in films, TV shows and music videos.
• Perfect for exploring: At low tide you can walk among the chalk stacks, discover rockpools teeming with sea life, and hunt for fossils in the sand.
• Scenic walks: Enjoy a stunning clifftop walk between Margate and Broadstairs, with panoramic sea views and access to neighbouring bays.
• Family-friendly sands: Sheltered and sandy, it’s ideal for picnics, paddling and beach games.

How to get to Botany Bay

• By train: The nearest stations are Broadstairs and Margate, both around a 30-minute coastal walk or short taxi ride from the bay. Regular direct trains run from London St Pancras and Victoria.
• By car: Follow the A28 or A299 (Thanet Way) towards Broadstairs, then follow signs to Kingsgate or Botany Bay. Limited seafront parking available near the beach.
• By bus: Stagecoach Loop and 8A services connect Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate with stops close to Botany Bay.
• By bike or on foot: Botany Bay sits on the Viking Coastal Trail, offering a scenic cycle and walking route linking all the Thanet beaches.

Clean, spacious and usually not too busy, Kingsgate is the perfect sandy spot to spread out your towel and settle down for a happy day of picnics and paddling.

It’s just round the corner from Botany Bay, and you can walk between the two at low tide, past a natural arch in the chalk cliffs. Low tide also reveals little coves and sea caves to explore, once used by smugglers. You can also still spot the entrance to the secret tunnel which used to run between Botany and Kingsgate, now long since been bricked up.

The bay is overseen on one side by Kingsgate Castle (now turned into flats) and on the other by a family-friendly pub, with fabulous sea views from the beer garden.

Why visit Kingsgate Bay

• Peaceful and spacious: Clean, sandy and often quieter than neighbouring bays, Kingsgate is perfect for relaxed days of picnicking and paddling.
• Natural beauty: Explore sea caves, coves and a striking chalk arch revealed at low tide, offering plenty to discover along the shoreline.
• Historic charm: Once a hotspot for smugglers, the bay still hides the sealed entrance of a secret tunnel that once connected it to Botany Bay.
• Iconic backdrop: Overlooked by Kingsgate Castle on the cliffs and a seaside pub with a beer garden and sea views.
• Linked to Botany Bay: You can walk between the two beaches at low tide for a scenic coastal adventure.

How to get to Kingsgate Bay

• By train: The nearest stations are Broadstairs and Margate, both around a 30-minute walk or short taxi ride from Kingsgate. Regular trains connect from London St Pancras and Victoria.
• By car: Take the A28 or A299 (Thanet Way) and follow signs for Kingsgate or Broadstairs. Limited parking available near the seafront and at nearby Botany Bay.
• By bus: Stagecoach Loop and 8A services run between Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate, with stops close to Kingsgate Bay.
• By bike or on foot: The Viking Coastal Trail passes nearby, making it easy to reach Kingsgate Bay via a scenic clifftop walk or cycle from neighbouring beaches.

Completing the trinity of beautiful beaches all connected at low tide, Joss Bay sits alongside Botany and Kingsgate. It’s a popular spot for a family beach day, with honey-coloured sands shielded by an arc of tall white cliffs behind.

It’s also Kent’s best surfing beach, with sand bars and chalk reefs bringing the waves. If you’re a beginner, Joss Bay’s shallow waters and reliable waves make it an ideal place to learn. Book a session at the surf school, safe in the knowledge you’re watched over by lifeguards in the summer months at least.

Why visit Joss Bay

• Kent’s top surf spot: Known for its consistent waves, sand bars and chalk reefs, Joss Bay is the go-to beach for surfing on the Kent coast.
• Great for beginners: The bay’s shallow waters and gentle breaks make it ideal for learning to surf, with lessons available at the local surf school.
• Family-friendly fun: Golden sands, summer lifeguards and sheltered cliffs make this a safe and inviting spot for a classic seaside day.
• Beautiful coastal scenery: Backed by dramatic white cliffs and open sea views, perfect for photography or a relaxed beach walk.
• Connected to nearby bays: At low tide you can walk along the beach to Kingsgate and Botany Bay, exploring the stunning Thanet coastline.

How to get to Joss Bay

• By train: The nearest stations are Broadstairs and Margate, each about a 30-minute walk or short taxi ride from the bay. Trains run regularly from London St Pancras and Victoria.
• By car: Follow the A28 or A299 (Thanet Way) towards Broadstairs, then follow local signs to Joss Bay. There’s a large pay-and-display car park close to the beach.
• By bus: Stagecoach Loop and 8A services connect Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, stopping near Joss Bay.
• By bike or on foot: Located on the Viking Coastal Trail, Joss Bay is easily reached via scenic clifftop paths or coastal cycle routes linking all three bays.

Genteel Broadstairs with its bandstand and beach huts feels like the opposite of cheeky Margate. Neat little streets slope downward to the Victorian seafront Parade, with its vast views over the beach and beyond to where the North Sea meets the sky.

It may not be the biggest, but Viking Bay is picture-perfect - a cove of soft golden sand, with brightly-coloured beach huts behind and white cliffs above. These are blue flag waters, clean and well-kept.

On hot days it can get pretty busy, so we’d recommend cooling off on a bench with an ice cream from the fabulous 1950s-style ice cream parlour which overlooks the little green clifftop park.

Why visit Viking Bay

• Classic seaside charm: Broadstairs’ main beach is a quintessential English seaside cove, complete with golden sands, beach huts and a traditional promenade.
• Blue Flag quality: Viking Bay’s clean, well-maintained waters and excellent facilities make it ideal for family beach days and safe swimming.
• Beautiful setting: Framed by white chalk cliffs and colourful beach huts, it’s one of Kent’s most photogenic coastal spots.
• Plenty to do nearby: Enjoy fish and chips on the Parade, browse the shops in Broadstairs’ winding streets, or take a stroll along the clifftop promenade.
• Perfect for summer days: On hot afternoons, grab an ice cream from the retro 1950s-style parlour overlooking the bay and watch the waves roll in.

How to get to Viking Bay

• By train: Broadstairs station is just a 10-minute walk from the beach, with regular direct trains from London St Pancras and Victoria.
• By car: Follow the A28 or A299 (Thanet Way) towards Broadstairs, then follow signs to the town centre and seafront. Parking available in nearby pay-and-display car parks.
• By bus: Frequent Stagecoach services run between Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs, stopping close to Viking Bay.
• By bike or on foot: Viking Bay is a key point on the Viking Coastal Trail, with clifftop paths linking it to neighbouring bays and coastal viewpoints.

A little bit further from London and quieter than the Whitstable to Ramsgate main drag, St Margaret’s near Dover is a peaceful stretch of shingle, backed by the iconic Kentish white cliffs. It feels a little wilder here, the perfect place for secluded picnics with epic clifftop views.

The beach is the spot from which intrepid channel swimmers set off, as it’s the nearest location to France on mainland Britain. On clear days you can see the French coast. Stop for lunch at the historic pub down on the beach, the closest you can get to France while ordering a pint.

Why visit St Margaret’s Bay

• Peaceful and secluded: Quieter than the busier Kent resorts, St Margaret’s Bay offers a tranquil escape beneath the famous White Cliffs of Dover.
• Dramatic scenery: Backed by chalk cliffs and overlooking the English Channel, it’s a stunning spot for photography, picnics and sea views.
• Historic significance: This is the closest point on the UK mainland to France, and it’s from here that many Channel swimmers begin their crossing.
• Wild coastal charm: The shingle beach feels unspoilt and natural, perfect for walkers, nature lovers and those seeking a quieter coastal experience.
• Great local pub: Enjoy lunch or a drink at the waterfront pub — the nearest you can get to France while sipping a pint on English soil.

How to get to St Margaret’s Bay

• By train: The nearest station is Dover Priory, around a 10-minute taxi ride from the bay, with regular direct trains from London St Pancras and Victoria.
• By car: Follow the A2 towards Dover, then take the B2011 and signposts for St Margaret’s at Cliffe. Limited parking is available near the beach and at the top of the cliffs.
• By bus: Local Stagecoach routes connect Dover and Deal with St Margaret’s at Cliffe, stopping within walking distance of the bay.
• By bike or on foot: Part of the Kent Coastal Path and National Cycle Route 1, it’s a scenic journey for walkers and cyclists exploring the White Cliffs.

The only sandy beach in the local area, Sunny Sands is a fun and family-friendly little beach. It’s perfect for kids, with calm waters ideal for a spot of splashing about, safely watched over by lifeguards. It’s also home to the annual Folkestone sandcastle building competition. Prepare yourself for the crowds on a sunny weekend though. And also make sure you check the tide times, as at high tide Sunny Sands all but disappears.

Keep your eyes peeled for the Folkestone Mermaid, perched on a rock and looking rather thoughtfully out to sea. This life-size bronze sculpture is based on the famous Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, but modelled on a local woman (and has legs not a tail).

Why visit Sunny Sands

• Family-friendly fun: Folkestone’s only sandy beach is ideal for families, with gentle waves and summer lifeguards making it a safe spot for swimming and paddling.
• Perfect for kids: Build sandcastles, play beach games, or even join in the annual Folkestone Sandcastle Competition — a highlight of the local calendar.
• Central seaside location: Just steps from Folkestone Harbour Arm and the Creative Quarter, with cafés, shops and ice cream stalls nearby.
• Local landmark: Don’t miss the bronze Folkestone Mermaid statue gazing out to sea — a modern twist on Copenhagen’s famous Little Mermaid.
• Check the tides: The beach almost disappears at high tide, so plan your visit for low tide to make the most of the sand.

How to get to Sunny Sands

• By train: Folkestone Central station is about a 15-minute walk from the beach, with regular high-speed trains from London St Pancras.
• By car: Take the M20 towards Folkestone and follow signs to the Harbour. Paid parking is available nearby, but it fills up quickly on sunny days.
• By bus: Local Stagecoach routes connect Folkestone town centre and surrounding areas, with stops close to the harbour and beach.
• By bike or on foot: Easily accessible from the Harbour Arm and the Lower Leas Coastal Park via the promenade — a lovely seaside walk or cycle.

A glorious three mile stretch of sand about halfway between Folkestone and Dungeness. Always popular but never too crowded, Dymchurch is ideal for a family day at the beach. Think towels spread out and a cooler full of picky bits beside you. Make sure to check the tide times though, because at high tide there’s not a lot of sand to write home about.

When the sea starts getting a bit too close, pack up and take a stroll around Dymchurch, a classic little seaside town. Buy an ice cream and explore the amusement park with its vintage-y dodgems and carousel rides. If you’re feeling adventurous, board Dymchurch’s famous miniature steam railway and ride the rails down to Hythe, New Romney, and Dungeness.

Why visit Dymchurch Beach

• Wide sandy beach: Stretching for three miles between Folkestone and Dungeness, Dymchurch offers plenty of space for sandcastle building, sunbathing and seaside fun.
• Family favourite: Calm waters and soft sands make it ideal for families, picnics and paddling — just be sure to check tide times before you visit.
• Classic seaside charm: Explore Dymchurch’s nostalgic amusements, from traditional dodgems and carousels to ice cream parlours and cafés.
• Heritage steam railway: Take a ride on the famous Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway — a miniature steam train line that runs right along the coast.
• Relaxed atmosphere: Always lively but never too crowded, it’s a great spot for a laid-back day by the sea.

How to get to Dymchurch Beach

• By train: The nearest mainline station is Folkestone Central, about 20 minutes away by taxi or local bus. For a more scenic route, ride the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway directly to Dymchurch.
• By car: Follow the A259 coast road between Folkestone and New Romney — there’s parking available close to the beach and in the village centre.
• By bus: Stagecoach services run regularly between Folkestone, Hythe and Dymchurch, stopping near the seafront.
• By bike or on foot: The flat coastal route between Hythe and Dymchurch is perfect for walking and cycling, with great sea views all the way.

Greatstone is a real hidden gem. A proper sandy beach, one of the best in Kent, but somehow it never gets that busy. Maybe it’s the location: a little out of the way, with the flatlands of Romney Marsh behind and the wilds of Dungeness down the coast.

The path from the carpark leads down to a two-mile sweep of soft golden sand, backed by dunes spangled with pink and yellow flowers. Greatstone is a good old fashioned sort of beach - there’s loos, a fish and chip shop but not a whole lot else, so make sure you bring sandwiches and your bucket and spade. It’s not bad for swimming, but best to wait for high tide, as it’s an extra half-mile walk to the water when the tide’s out. Dogs are allowed off-season and it’s a nice stroll down the coast to the Pilot Inn and Dungeness Nature Reserve.

Why visit Greatstone Beach

• A true hidden gem: One of Kent’s best sandy beaches, yet often blissfully quiet thanks to its tucked-away location on the edge of Romney Marsh.
• Wide golden sands: A vast two-mile stretch of soft sand backed by wild dunes dotted with coastal flowers — perfect for long walks and picnics.
• Old-fashioned seaside charm: Basic facilities like toilets and a fish and chip shop keep things simple and traditional — bring your own picnic for a full day out.
• Great for swimming and beach games: Wait for high tide for the best swimming; at low tide the sea retreats far into the distance, leaving plenty of space for sandcastle building and games.
• Dog-friendly in winter: From autumn to spring, dogs can roam freely, and it’s a lovely stroll down to the Pilot Inn or Dungeness Nature Reserve.

How to get to Greatstone Beach

• By train: The nearest mainline station is New Romney, accessible via connections from Ashford International. From there it’s a short taxi or bus ride to Greatstone.
• By car: Follow the A259 between Hythe and Dungeness, then take local signs to Greatstone. There’s a car park close to the dunes with direct beach access.
• By bus: Stagecoach routes link Hythe, New Romney and Dungeness with regular stops near the beach entrance.
• By bike or on foot: Cycle or walk along the scenic Romney Marsh coastline — the flat terrain and coastal views make for a relaxed journey.

Dungeness is a windswept corner of shingle under the shadow of two defunct power stations. It may not sound that enticing, but, if you like that sort of thing, the area has a pleasing bleakness. The shingle stretches away, dotted with weatherboarded cottages and strange mid-century bunkers, while pylons stride behind and seabirds call overhead. It’s certainly got atmosphere.

Dungeness is a site of special scientific interest. It contains rare plants and insects and flocks of coastal birds. It’s a place for birdwatching, long walks and contemplation. The RAF once built an early radar system here, a collection of odd concrete tubes known as ‘Listening Ears’. They chose Dungeness as it was one of the quietest places in Britain.

Why visit Dungeness

• Otherworldly landscape: A vast, windswept expanse of shingle dotted with weatherboard cottages, rusting boats and strange relics of the past — unlike anywhere else in the UK.
• Wild and atmospheric: Beneath the looming power stations, you’ll find an eerie beauty and a sense of total solitude — perfect for quiet reflection and photography.
• Haven for wildlife: Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Dungeness is home to rare plants, insects and flocks of migratory and coastal birds.
• Fascinating history: Explore remnants of wartime radar experiments, including the famous ‘Listening Ears’ — early sound mirrors built by the RAF.
• Great for walking and birdwatching: Wander the wide open shingle plains, visit the RSPB Nature Reserve and spot seabirds wheeling overhead.

How to get to Dungeness

• By train: The nearest mainline station is Ashford International, with connections to Folkestone and London. From there, take a local bus or drive to Dungeness. Alternatively, ride the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway to the end of the line at Dungeness.
• By car: Follow the A259 to New Romney, then take signs to Lydd and Dungeness. Parking is available near the old lighthouse and RSPB visitor centre.
• By bus: Local bus routes connect New Romney and Lydd with Dungeness, though services are limited — check schedules in advance.
• By bike or on foot: The flat, open terrain of Romney Marsh makes Dungeness ideal for cycling or walking, with coastal paths offering striking sea views.