Make the most of the heatwave with a trip to one of Kent’s Blue Flag beaches
When the temperatures start to soar, we Brits love nothing more than flocking to the coast and, here in Kent, we’re lucky enough to have plenty of beautiful beaches right on our doorstep.
Eight beaches in the county have been given the Blue Flag stamp of approval, which means they have been recognised as well-managed seaside spots with excellent water quality. So, if you’re looking for somewhere to soak up some rays and take a dip during the heatwave, here’s where to go…
BOTANY BAY, Broadstairs
Just down the road from Broadstairs’ Viking Bay is the more secluded, but just as picturesque, Botany Bay. It might be a little less bustling and with fewer shops and bars nearby, but the sandy shores are complete with striking white cliffs and playful rock pools. If you do fancy a bite to eat, there’s a cafe and a pub, the Botany Bay Hotel, on the clifftop.
JOSS BAY, Margate
Who needs to go all the way to Cornwall to ride the waves? Joss Bay has its very own surf school where you can learn to catch waves like a pro and, when you’ve finished, you can relax on the golden sand, tucked away behind the chalk cliffs. There’s a beach cafe, deck chairs for hire and plenty of parking.
MAIN SANDS, Margate
There’s no denying that, in recent years, Margate has become a summer hotspot for tourists and locals alike. Whether it’s live music and fairground rides at Dreamland, quirky cocktail bars overlooking the coast or a portion of vegan fish and chips, it’s the ultimate hipster hangout. The large stretch of sand is accompanied by rows of arcades, traditional swing boats and lots of places to eat and drink, including a shed serving booze right on the beach.
MAIN SANDS, Ramsgate
After a walk around the historic Royal Harbour, find a spot on the sandy beach at Ramsgate and watch the boats going in and out until sunset. There are children’s rides and inflatables, so it’s great if you’re bringing the whole family, and a promenade if you’re in the mood for a stroll. It gets busy in the summer but, with 250 metres of beach, there’s more than enough space for everyone.
MINNIS BAY, Birchington-on-Sea
For those who aren’t content with simply sunbathing, Minnis Bay has a great range of exciting activities to try. Have a go at windsurfing or kiteboarding, hunt for crabs in the paddling pool, or pay a visit to the nearby sailing club. When you’re ready to take a break, you can head to the picnic area or, after 6pm, light up a BBQ on the beach.
SHEERNESS, Isle of Sheppey
This sand-and-shingle beach is perfect for those who want to find sea creatures on the shore. It also has a large promenade for fantastic views over the Estuary and towards the Essex coastline. It’s a short walk from the town centre, which has plenty of places to refuel with food and drink, whether that’s a pint in a pub garden or snacks from the supermarket to take back to the beach.
ST MILDRED’S BAY, Westgate-on-Sea
This small, sandy beach is something of a hidden gem on the busy Thanet coastline. It doesn’t draw in the crowds like nearby towns like Margate and Broadstairs, so you and your family have more space to stretch out and sunbathe on the sand. There’s also a wine bar and bistro on the seafront if you want to spend the evening watching the sun go down over the water.
TANKERTON, Whitstable
Tankerton is famed for its dramatic slopes, which make for a stunning coastline, but the beach itself is certainly not to be ignored. It’s a shingle beach, with rows of colourful wooden huts lined up along the shore and cafes dotted around the promenade. It’s also only a short and pleasant walk from Whitstable with its independent shops and fresh oysters.
