Top 10 Beaches in Kent

We are fortunate to live in a beautiful county which is rich in scenic countryside and stunning coastlines. From the ever-popular Broadstairs and Whitstable to the more peaceful Seasalter, we are truly spoilt for choice in beaches. 

1) Tankerton Beach, Whitstable

If you are looking for a peaceful and calming beachy spot, then look no further! Tankerton Beach a shingle beach which is perfect for safe bathing! There is a Marine Parade promenade which is beautiful to behold! It is an ideal spot for paddling and studying rockpools when it is low tide. There is a well-maintained grassy area which is perfect for a picnic or making the most of the stunning views. It is a very popular location for families particularly during the summer months!

2) Joss Bay, Broadstairs

Calling all surfers! Joss Bay is a hotspot for lovers of surfing the tide with a renowned surf school on this coastline and surf hire facilities. As well as being popular with surfers, Joss Bay is a great family beach. It is a sandy beach which is overlooked by chalk cliffs and has a range of facilities such as café, toilets, deckchair hire and car parks. It an ideal spot for walks and cycle rides. 

Interestingly, the beach is reportedly named after Joss Snelling who was an 18th century smuggler. 

Why not complement your seaside trip with a spot of afternoon tea? Our blog ‘Top 5 Afternoon Tea Locations in Kent’ will enlighten you on the best places to enjoy tea and cake in Kent. 

3) Louisa Bay, Broadstairs

If you are seeking peace and quiet then Louisa Bay near Broadstairs could be the perfect beach for you! It is located close enough to town to avoid being too secluded but it is situated away from typical tourist hotspots. There are decent facilities at Louisa Bay as well as plenty of rock pools to explore! 

4) Deal Beach, Deal

Why not pay a visit to the beautiful Deal Beach? There is a long pebble beach; perfect for leisurely strolls. There is a 1950’s pier which is long and has a café and fishing decks. If you stroll far enough along the beach, you will eventually stumble across Deal Castle. Once your beach rambling is complete, pay a visit to the historic town of Deal which is bursting with things to do and useful facilities.

5) Seasalter Beach, nr. Whitstable

Seasalter is small, largely residential, town near the bustling Whitstable. It is a quiet area with a sand and shingle beach. The sandy area is exposed when the tide withdraws with the majority of the beach being made up of shingle slopes. There is a sailing club and water-skiing amenities alongside restaurants and famed oysters. The beach is dog friendly.

6) St. Margaret’s-at-Cliffe & St. Margaret’s Bay

Pay a visit to the charming village St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe then pop to the secluded St. Margaret’s Bay! St. Margaret’s Bay is a shingle beach offering a quiet escape from other bustling beaches and coastal towns. You can take a trip up to the top of the cliffs to take in breath-taking views then take a gentle stroll to the historic South Foreland Lighthouse. On the beach itself there are various facilities including kiosks as well as rock pools and water-sports options. 

7) Sandgate Beach, nr. Folkestone

2 miles from Folkestone, Sandgate is a small coastal town. Sandgate Beach is a large pebble beach which is popular for picnics, fishing and anyone looking for a relaxing time taking in the seaside sights. There is a promenade which stretches between Hythe and Folkestone; it is popular with walkers and cyclists alike. There are fantastic amenities such as benches, cafes, and kiosks. 

8) Dymchurch Beach

Dymchurch boasts a sandy, flat, 3-mile beach. At low tide, the beach is wide and is ideal for traditional beach activities such as making sandcastles, soaking up the sun and paddling. This is a very popular beach, and the tide can come in quickly due to the flatness. Dymchurch Beach is a firm favourite for families with the amusements and amenities available to keep the little ones occupied!

9) Dungeness Beach, nr. Lydd

On the outskirts of Romney Marsh, Dungeness Beach is a vast shingle beach. Dungeness is known for being a barren location. However, there are 2 lighthouses and the nuclear power station which break up the otherwise flat land. Dungeness is not your typical seaside location. The environment is fascinating; it is actually classified as a desert! Yet it hosts a variety of wildlife including over 600 species of plants and an array of uncommon insects. Dungeness is a hotspot for angling; this is helped by the water and sewage emitted from the power station that has attracted an abundance of sea life. If you are seeking the unusual then give Dungeness Beach a visit. 

10) Palm Bay Beach, Margate

Dog owners rejoice! Palm Bay Beach welcomes dogs all year round. Palm Bay is relatively close to Margate centre and situated between Walpole and Botany Bay. Despite being a beautiful sandy beach, Palm Bay Beach tends to be quieter and less frequented than its neighbouring beaches. So, if you are a dog owner seeking a relatively quiet coastal walk, Palm Bay Beach could be perfect for you!

There’s nothing more quintessentially British than a good cup of tea and once you add delicious savoury sandwiches and all the sweet treats you can handle, you have one of the UK’s most loved traditions, Afternoon Tea. If you're a budding tea enthusiast or just fancy indulging, we have compiled a list of some of the popular afternoon tea locations that you can visit across Kent. Whether you are looking for a country house, quaint little tea shop, luxurious hotel or even a spa break, they have all made the cut.