10 Best Sandy Beaches in Kent
Beaches in Kent
Well-known as the Garden of England thanks to its fragrant landscapes and rolling hills, the county of Kent is also home to miles of breath-taking coastline. While some of the Kent beaches have stones and shingles, others are picture-perfect with lapping waves and soft golden sand that glistens in the sun on those brighter days.
Here are ten of the best sandy beaches to enjoy when you visit Kent:
Botany Bay – Broadstairs
Quintessentially British, Botany Bay in Broadstairs is a hidden gem offering spellbinding views of towering white cliffs and visually impressive chalk stacks. It’s a hot spot for fossil hunters and sunbathers alike, providing a secluded place to relax and unwind.
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Joss Bay – Broadstairs
If you love nothing more than digging your toes into soft sand, don’t miss Broadstairs’ Joss Bay. Stretching over 200 metres, this part of the Kentish countryside is sheltered by striking white cliffs and is an attractive place for families to come and play.
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Dumpton Gap Beach - Broadstairs
Dumpton Gap Beach is a lovely little retreat if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. Radiating natural beauty, the 150-metre sandy bay is complemented by a wide promenade which reaches all the way to Louisa Bay.
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Kingsgate Bay – close to Broadstairs
As one of the most visually impressive beaches in the UK, Kingsgate Bay is famous for its high chalk cliffs and sea caves. Overlooking the southern end of the beach lies Kingsgate Castle which provides incredible views over the bay itself.
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St Mary’s Bay – Broadstairs
St Mary’s Bay, also known as East Cliff, has an unmissable feel-good vibe. Walk along the elegant promenade which follows the gentle curve of the bay and take in the sights of coastal life.
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St Mildred’s Bay – Margate
Small but sweet, St Mildred’s Bay is just a short walk from Margate and is home to a variety of cafes and restaurants as well as stunning beach chalets. Adjacent to the seaside town of Westgate, this beach is overlooked by cliffs and has a beautiful promenade.
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Walpole Bay – Margate
Whether you want to hire a beach hut for the day or splash around in the sea on a jet ski, Walpole Bay in Margate is the place to be. Attractions include crazy golf and, with plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby, you can satisfy your hunger in style.
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Minnis Bay – Margate
If you’re looking for an action-packed holiday or day trip, Minnis Bay offers a number of activities for families including swimming and a wide range of water sports.
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Sunny Sands Beach – Folkestone
Not far from Folkestone, Sunny Sands Beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. As one of the closest sandiest beaches to London, it’s busy during summer, but makes for a wonderful daytrip by the coast.
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Pegwell Bay – Ramsgate
Pegwell Bay in Ramsgate is an area of intense geographical interest. Home to a large stretch of sea cliffs, this part of coastline is more suited for walks and explorative days out than sunbathing and is itself considered a nature reserve.
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Staying by the Kent Coast
When planning a short stay by the coast, don’t miss the Marquis at Alkham, a luxury boutique hotel in Folkestone complete with exquisite accommodation and a fine-dining restaurant in the countryside. The 200-year-old former village inn offers a first-class restaurant with rooms and is within close proximity to Kent’s top sandy beaches.