When I first moved down to the south of England, I was dismayed by the pebbly beaches of Brighton and Whitstable – this is not a beach. Luckily, over the years I discovered a handful of beaches with golden sand in Kent (some are even have a seaside award). Here are my favourite sandy beaches to visit in Kent.
Best sandy beaches in Kent (mapped)
Viking Bay, Broadstairs
Broadstairs was a favourite holiday destination for Charles Dickens (you can visit his museum here too). And it’s easy to see why.
Aside from the sandy beach, there is surprisingly a lot of fun things to do despite the town’s diminutive size making it perfect for family days out. There’s gift shops like Arrowsmiths and Memento, the most difficult mini golf course I’ve ever played, one of the best ice cream parlours in Kent and a charming cinema. You might also be surprised by the excellent range of restaurants in Broadstairs too. If you’re a foodie, you won’t want to miss the Broadstairs Food Festival either.
- 200 meters long
- Refreshment shops nearby
- Play park
- Seaside Award 2024
- Designated for bathing
- Deckchair Hire
- Dog Ban in place (no Dogs allowed at any time from 1st May until 30th September)
- BBQs allowed only after 6pm
Nearest Car park – Broadstairs Harbour Car Park (CT10 1EU) – 69 spaces
Accessibility – there is a cliff lift, but it’s seasonal. There is easier access on the road (Harbour Street).
https://www.visitkent.co.uk/attractions/viking-bay-2822
Best things to see and do in Broadstairs
Botany Bay, Broadstairs
Although just around the corner from Viking Bay (11 minute drive), Botany Bay feels like another world from the hustle and bustle of Broadstairs. Botany Bay is one of Kent’s most photographed bays, most known for its stunning chalk cliffs and sea stacks that seem to have erupted from the sand.
While the picture looks busy, beyond the sea stacks at the top of the picture there’s an even larger stretch of beach (perhaps some people didn’t explore enough!). It’s quieter here, making it the perfect spot if you’re looking to escape the crowds. There’s not a lot to do nearby, but I can recommend the nearby Botany Bay Hotel restaurant if you’re looking for a meal with a view.
Parking however is more difficult as it’s a residential area with permit parking, so it can be a bit of a lottery. If you are able to walk 22 minutes, Visit Thanet recommend parking at Palm Bay Avenue (CT9 3PP) which has over 200 spaces. At least the walk along the cliff top comes with sea views.
- 200 meters long
- Beach kiosk for refreshments
- Combined Blue Flag and Seaside Award 2024
- Dog ban in place from 1st May until 30th September
Nearest Car park – Palm Bay Avenue (CT9 3PP) – over 200 spaces
Accessibility – 15 steps to access beach (no lift or ramp)
https://www.visitthanet.co.uk/attractions/botany-bay-1891
Margate Main Sands, Margate
Margate is one of my favourite coastal towns in Kent. There is so much to see and do compared to other coastal towns in Kent, you could make this a weekend trip. And many people do, meaning it’s slightly busier than others on this list. The beach does have a tidal pool which is fairly unique for any beach in Kent and you can even book a sauna session on the beach.
Still, if the beach gets too busy for you, there’s an art gallery, incredible caves to marvel at, some of the best gift shops in Kent, a retro amusement park and even a museum dedicated to crabs. I recommend grabbing a takeaway fish and chips from Beach Buoys for that authentic British seaside experience on the beach (although you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants and places to drink in Margate in general).
While there isn’t a car park within stones throw of the beach, there is plenty of parking at Dreamland which is only a 5 minute walk and at the time of writing costs only £9 for the whole day.
- 200 meters long
- Seaside Award 2024
- Tidal pool
- Deck chair and lounger hire
- Dog ban in place from 1st May until 30th September
Nearest Car park – Belgrave Road (CT9 1XG) – 400 spaces
Accessibility – has wooden sloped access
https://www.visitthanet.co.uk/attractions/margate-main-sands-2274
Best things to see and do in Margate
See my list of best things to do in Margate.
Joss Bay, Broadstairs
Sandwiched between Botany Bay and Viking Bay, Joss Bay is another alternative sandy beach in Broadstairs. What makes Joss Bay unique is the surfing school, Joss Bay Surfing School (Surfing England Accredited Surf School) so it’s perfect for surfing and swimming. There’s also Joss Bay Cafe nearby for refreshments.
If you like taking photographs, I recommend visiting Neptune’s Tower and North Foreland Lighthouse.
- Combined Blue Flag and Seaside Award 2024
- Designated for bathing
- 2025 Seasonal Lifeguards: Daily Saturday 24th May – Sunday 7th September 10am-6pm
- Seasonal Toilets
- Beach Shower
- Disabled Access to the beach
- Disabled Toilets
- Surf School & equipment hire / lessons
- Kiddies’ Corner with bouncy castle and trampolines (seasonal)
- Deckchair & Lounger Hire
- Beach Shop & Cafe
- Dog Ban in place between 10am – 6pm, from 1st May until 30th September.
- BBQs allowed only after 6pm
- Rockpooling
Nearest Car park – N Foreland Hill (CT10 3PG) – 200 spaces
Accessibility – has sloped access
https://www.visitkent.co.uk/attractions/joss-bay-2186
Best things to see and do near Joss Bay
- North Foreland Lighthouse
- Neptune’s Tower
Ramsgate Main Sands, Ramsgate
Another sandy beach with plenty of things to see and do before and afterwards nearby, Ramsgate is a great option for a family day out. The Ramsgate Tunnels have guided tours of the subterranean tunnel system used to shelter 60,000 people during WWII air raids.
There are lots of restaurants and bars near the beach for refreshments like The Royal Pavilion, Perico Lounge and A La Turka. There’s a Peter’s Fish Factory nearby so you can have fish and chips on the beach too.
Ramsgate was also in the top ten sunniest places in the UK. Ramsgate is home to the only Royal Harbour in the UK – given this status by King George IV because he was so impressed with the hospitality he received.
- 250 meters long
- Seaside Award 2024
- Designated for bathing
- 2025 Seasonal Lifeguards: Weekends & Bank Holidays Saturday 24th May – Sunday 13th July then daily Saturday 19th July – Sunday 7th September 10am-6pm
- Toilets
- Disabled Toilets
- Beach Shower
- Disabled Access to the beach
- Deckchair Hire
- Dog Ban in place at all times between 1st May and 30th September.
- Parking
- BBQs allowed only after 6pm
Nearest Car park – Marine Esplanade (CT11 8TD) – 257 spaces
Accessibility – has sloped access
https://www.visitkent.co.uk/attractions/ramsgate-main-sands-2408
Best things to see and do in Ramsgate
Minnis Bay, Birchington-On-Sea
There aren’t a lot of things to do in Birchington (although if you have a car you can always drive to nearby Herne Bay or Margate), but provides an alternative sandy beach in Kent that’s also the closest if you’re coming from London.
- Combined Blue Flag and Seaside Award 2024
- Designated for bathing
- Seasonal Toilets
- 2025 Seasonal Lifeguards: Weekends and Bank Holidays Saturday 24th May – Sunday 13th July then daily Saturday 19th July Sunday 7th September 10am-6pm
- Beach Shower
- Bay Information
- Picnic area
- Beach Chalets for hire (03333 660 661)
- First Aid point
- Parking and disabled parking
- Dog Ban in place from 1st May until 30th September (dogs not permitted at any time)
- BBQs allowed only after 6pm
Nearest Car park – Street parking along the Parade (CT7 9QY)
Accessibility – has sloped access
https://www.visitkent.co.uk/attractions/minnis-bay-2299
Stone Bay Beach, Broadstairs
Stone Bay Beach is my favourite sandy beach in Kent, maybe I shouldn’t be recommending it as I don’t want it getting too busy! And that’s one of the reasons why I like it. Another reason is the incredible NāMAKA cafe, located right on the beach. Their menu has everything from cakes and Açai Bowls to smoothies and Bailey’s hot chocolate. They also have deck chairs you can lay on, free for customers. And did I mention the plentiful free parking?
- Seaside Award 2024
- Designated for bathing
- 2025 Seasonal Lifeguards: Weekends and Bank Holidays Saturday 24th May – Sunday 13th July then daily Saturday 19th July – Sunday 7th September 10am-6pm
- Beach Chalets for hire (03333 660 661)
- Bay Information/Inspector
- Seasonal Toilets
- No Dogs are allowed on this beach from 1st May until 30th September, between 10am – 6pm.
- BBQs allowed only after 6pm.
Nearest Car park – Street parking along the Parade (CT7 9QY)
Accessibility – has sloped access near Dickens Road
https://www.visitkent.co.uk/attractions/stone-bay-2569
Walpole Bay Beach, Margate
If Margate Main Sands is too busy, hop over to Walpole Bay Beach where it’s a little quieter. If you want to take your relaxation to the next level (or just warm up before or after a cold dip in the sea!), check out People Care Planet Care Community Sauna on the beach which is free to use. A tidal pool is also available to use (it is believed to be the biggest tidal pool in the UK, reaching depths of 6ft).
- Seaside Award 2024
- Designated for bathing
- Disabled Access to the beach
- Cafes and restaurants nearby
- Dog restrictions in place (must be kept on a lead between 10am and 6pm, from 1st May to 30th September)
- BBQs allowed only after 6pm. Please take rubbish & coals, etc away, and ensure they are fully extinguished
Nearest Car park – Street parking
Accessibility – has sloped access at Hodge’s Gap or Newgate Gap
https://www.visitkent.co.uk/attractions/stone-bay-2569
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