Posted:
Searching for the ideal location to plunge into the enticing water of Kent’s picturesque coastline?
Kent’s beaches, which range from sandy bays to secret rocky coves, have made it a popular choice for people looking for a cool dip in picturesque settings. Kent’s coastline offers something for everyone, whether you’re organising a family day at a lifeguarded beach or a lone swimmer looking for a quiet, uncrowded location.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to Kent’s top swimming beaches, emphasising spots with clear seas, soft waves, and lots of local facilities. These are the cleanest beaches in Kent. So grab some sunscreen and towels, and explore some of Kent’s best beaches to unwind and chill by the water.
Lifeguard Services
Lifeguards offer important benefits that contribute to making sure that everyone has a fun and safe time at the beach, pool, or water park. They are trained to act quickly in emergency situations, perform rescues and provide first aid as required. By keeping an eye on swimming areas, providing advice on water safety, and enforcing regulations to safeguard swimmers, lifeguards also contribute to the prevention of accidents. In addition to lowering the chance of drowning and injury, their presence gives swimmers peace of mind, enabling them to unwind and enjoy the water with greater confidence.
Read our Beach Safety tips to help you stay safer at the beach and waters
Designated for Bathing
To safeguard the health of swimmers, the Environment Agency monitors the water quality during the bathing season. This site is designated for bathing. The bathing period is from 15 May to 30 September.
Click here to view the official list of all waters that are designated for bathing
Water Quality
In order to provide swimmers with safe and hygienic swimming experiences, the UK takes water quality at its beaches very seriously. Environmental authorities oversee the routine monitoring of bathing water quality, which measures the amount of contaminants and pollutants.
Strict criteria are used to classify beaches from “Excellent” to “Poor,” and the public can view the results every season. A maximum of 3 stars are awarded. Lower ratings encourage changes to safeguard the marine environment and public health, while higher ratings indicate safer, cleaner seas that are better for swimming and water sports. This dedication contributes to the year-round safety, cleanliness, and enjoyment of UK beaches.
Excellent
Good
Sufficient
Poor
Click here to find out the water quality of all bathing waters in England
Tidal Pool
A tidal pool is a seawater pool on the coastline that naturally fills with seawater during high tide which is retained when the tide recedes. They provide a peaceful, secure space for swimming and wading. Tidal pools give swimmers constant access to seawater independent of tide changes.
Tidal pools provide swimmers, particularly small children and beginners, a protected, calm area away from the more powerful currents and waves of the open sea.
Because tidal pools are often isolated from open water, swimming in them can be safer and cleaner because there is less chance of encountering jellyfish, seaweed, or floating garbage.
Joss Bay, Broadstairs
Sandy Beach
Seasonal Lifeguards
Designated for Bathing
Water quality: Excellent (2024)
Families, surfers, and beachcombers all use this 200-meter-wide golden sandy beach. There are stores, cafes, restrooms, and parking at the beach. Given how many surfers frequent the beach, the surf schools provide instruction and equipment rentals.
Because there are seasonal lifeguards on duty during the summer, it is a safer place to swim. The beach’s amenities, ‘Excellent’ water quality (2024), and cleanliness have earned it the Blue Flag 2025 title and the Seaside Award 2024.
Additionally, it is designated for bathing, which is practical given that this beach is regarded as Kent’s top surfing beach.
Botany Bay, Broadstairs
Sandy Beach
Seasonal Lifeguards
Designated for Bathing
Water quality: Excellent (2024)
With its magnificent chalk stacks, golden sand, isolated coves, and breathtaking views, this hidden jewel on the Kent coast is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers. It’s ideal for wandering down the shore, sunbathing, and relaxing on its 200 meters of golden sand.
Numerous accolades, including the esteemed Blue Flag Award 2025, have been awarded to it for its facilities, ‘Excellent’ water quality (2024), and cleanliness. This beach is designed for bathing.
Minnis Bay, Birchington
Sandy Beach
Seasonal Lifeguards
Designated for Bathing
Water quality: Excellent (2024)
Tidal pool
With a long expanse of golden sand, free parking, and an outdoor play area for children, Minnis Bay is a lovely, sunny beach. In addition to providing beach activities, it is a culinary paradise with restaurants along the shore.
The beach’s amenities, ‘Excellent’ water quality (2024), and cleanliness have earned it the Blue Flag 2025 Award and the Seaside Award 2025. It has seasonal lifeguards to provide a safer swimming experience especially since this beach is designated for bathing.
St Mildred’s Bay, Westgate-on-Sea
Sandy Beach
Seasonal Lifeguards
Designated for Bathing
Water quality: Excellent (2024)
Tidal pool
Explore the appeal of St Mildred’s Bay, a charming section of shoreline ideal for leisure and fun. It’s the perfect place for children and sun seekers alike because of its serene waters, and soft sands. Take pleasure in swimming, making sandcastles, or just lounging in the sun.
The water quality at this beach, which has been approved for bathing, is ‘Excellent’ (2024). In the summer, lifeguards monitor the beach.
Renowned for its cleanliness, St Mildred’s Bay has won the Seaside Award 2025 award and earned Blue Flag 2025 accreditation.
Margate Main Sands
Sandy Beach
Seasonal Lifeguards
Designated for Bathing
Water quality: Excellent (2024)
Tidal pool
Golden sands, classic arcades, and a lively atmosphere can be found at Margate Main Sands Beach. It offers a mix of traditional seaside charm and contemporary thrill on more than 200 meters of sand. With a tidal pool and kid-friendly activities, families can enjoy traditional beachside fun and entertainment.
The beach’s amenities, cleanliness, and ‘Excellent’ water quality (2024) earned it the Seaside Award 2025 and Blue Flag Award 2025. In the summer, seasonal lifeguards are on duty on the lookout in waters that are designated for bathing.
Stone Bay, Broadstairs
Sandy Beach
Seasonal Lifeguards
Designated for Bathing
Water quality: Good (2024)
With its gentle sands, breathtaking white chalk cliffs, and placid waves, Stone Bay in Broadstairs provides a tranquil haven from the town centre. Its gently sloping dunes and calm waves make it a favourite for swimming, paddleboarding, and rock pooling.
For safety, cleanliness, and water quality, Stone Bay received the Seaside Award 2025. The water quality of Stone Bay, which is designated for bathing, is certified as ‘Good’ (2024).
Viking Bay, Broadstairs
Sandy Beach
Seasonal Lifeguards
Designated for Bathing
Water quality: Good (2024)
Tidal pool
The charming seaside resort of Viking Bay in Broadstairs, Kent, is well-known for its golden sands, vibrant atmosphere, and family-friendly facilities. It provides visitors with a range of activities because of its lovely coastline, intriguing history, and charming coastal atmosphere.
Viking Bay’s amenities, ‘Good’ water quality (2024), and cleanliness have earned it the Seaside Award 2025. During the summer, seasonal lifeguards monitor the beach.
Herne Bay Central Beach
Pebble Beach
Seasonal Lifeguards
Designated for Bathing
Water quality: Sufficient (2024)
Famous for its spotless and well-kept beach, Herne Bay is a well-liked coastal town with a classic Victorian charm. Herne Bay Central is a shingle beach featuring colourful beach chalets and incredible views.
The water quality in Herne Bay Central, which is designated for bathing, was graded as ‘Sufficient’ in 2024. During the summer, seasonal lifeguards are on duty at his award-winning beach.
Tankerton Beach, Whitstable
Pebble Beach
Seasonal Lifeguards
Designated for Bathing
Water quality: Excellent (2024)
Tankerton Beach is renowned for its lovely surroundings and warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Compared to the seashore close to the main town, this shingle beach is more tranquil. Bright beach cottages line the seafront, some of which can be rented out for the day. Paddleboarding, canoeing, and swimming are all popular activities at Tankerton Beach.
The beach’s cleanliness, safety, and ‘Excellent’ water quality (2024) have been recognised with the 2024 Seaside Award 2025 and Blue Flag Award 2025.
Westbrook Bay, Margate
Sandy Beach
Seasonal Lifeguards
Designated for Bathing
Water quality: Excellent (2024)
Explore the allure of Westbrook Bay, a more sedate substitute for Margate’s busy Main Sands. Families with small children will love this place because of its sandy beaches and soft waves. Take pleasure in lounging on the beach, making sandcastles, or splashing in the waters.
In the summer, lifeguards monitor the beach. The water quality was assessed as ‘Excellent’ (2024) and it is designated for bathing. Westbrook Bay received recognition for water quality, safety, and cleanliness with the Seaside Award 2025.
West Bay, Westgate-on-Sea
Sandy Beach
Seasonal Lifeguards
Designated for Bathing
Water quality: Sufficient (2024)
Tidal pool
West Bay is a large stretch of sandy beach that is serene. Its soft sand and gentle slope make it an ideal place for family beach activities, sunbathing, and sandcastle construction.
It is the ideal location for families with children because of the spacious, open areas for play and the serene waters.
Lifeguards monitor the beach in the summer. West Bay received recognition for water quality, safety, and cleanliness from the Seaside Award 2025. The water quality of West Bay, which is designated for bathing, is certified as ‘Sufficient’ (2024).
Ramsgate Main Sands
Sandy Beach
Seasonal Lifeguards
Designated for Bathing
Water quality: Excellent (2024)
Ramsgate Main Sands is a large sandy beach that is perfect for families and beachgoers who wish to relax by the ocean, build sandcastles, or just soak up the sun. There is always something to do thanks to its lively promenade, mouthwatering restaurants, and thrilling sights. Make lifelong memories while immersing yourself in the traditional British coastal experience.
Lifeguards monitor the beach in the summer. Ramsgate Main Sands received recognition for water quality, safety, and cleanliness from the Seaside Award 2025 and Blue Flag Award 2025. The water quality was assessed as ‘Excellent’ (2024) and it is certified for bathing.
Sunny Sands Beach, Folkestone
Sandy Beach
Seasonal Lifeguards
Designated for Bathing
Water quality: Sufficient (2024)
Folkestone’s Sunny Sands Beach is a well-known sandy beach that’s ideal for beach activities like tanning and sandcastle making. Its calm waters make paddling and swimming safer.
Note: During the summer, lifeguards sometimes patrol the beach.
The water quality assessment for the designated bathing water was graded as ‘Sufficient’ (2024).
Sheerness Beach, Isle of Sheppey
Sand and Pebble Beach
Seasonal Lifeguards
Designated for Bathing
Water quality: Excellent (2024)
Sheerness Beach, a popular destination on the Isle of Sheppey, has been awarded a Blue Flag Award 2025 for its pristine waters and well-maintained grounds, making it a great area for swimming and family vacations.
Sheerness Beach meets stringent standards for cleanliness and safety, as evidenced by its accolades. ‘Excellent’ was the rating given to the water quality (2024) for water which has been designated for bathing.
Leysdown Beach, Isle of Sheppey
Sand and Pebble Beach
Seasonal Lifeguards
Designated for Bathing
Water quality: Good (2024)
Leysdown Beach is well known for its traditional beach attractions, which give visitors a sense of beach life in the past in Britain. Traditional beach holidays are evoked by the nearby ice cream shops, fish and chip businesses, and amusement arcades.
Leysdown Beach won the Seaside Award 2025 for having clean waters and well-kept infrastructure. Bathing is permitted on this beach, which has ‘Excellent’ water quality (2024).
There are other beaches in Kent which do not have lifeguard services. They may have a high water quality rating and also be Designated for Bathing. View all beaches in Kent
Please note that these evaluations are based on data and observations which may be outdated. Please use this information at your own risk. We will not be held liable as a result of the information on this website.
Sandgeek 