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Looking for the best beaches in Kent for photography, Instagram shots, or just a place to admire breathtaking natural beauty? This curated list features 12 of Kent’s most photogenic beaches perfect for photographers, influencers, or anyone who loves capturing scenic coastal landscapes.
From dramatic white cliffs to colourful beach huts, these Instagram-worthy Kent beaches offer backdrops that stand out in every season. Whether you’re planning a seaside shoot or just want to know where to find Kent’s most beautiful beaches, this is your go-to guide.
Cover photo: Mermaid Beach, Folkestone
1. Botany Bay, Broadstairs
This beach is famous for its chalk cliffs, quiet sandy coves, and dramatic sea stacks, making it one of the most photographed locations in Kent.
Photo Tip: Visit during golden hour to catch the glowing cliffs and tidal pools that mirror the sky. Early morning sunrises here are magical.
2. Kingsgate Bay, Broadstairs
Just around the corner from Botany Bay, Kingsgate Bay offers hidden sea caves, towering chalk formations, and a natural chalk arch you can walk through at low tide.
Photo Tip: Capture the chalk arch at low tide for a perfectly framed coastal shot without the crowds.
3. Dungeness Beach, Romney Marsh
This shingle desert is unlike any other beach in Kent. Think: driftwood, abandoned boats, weathered huts, and two lighthouses – an artist’s dream.
Photo Tip: The minimal, moody landscape is best shot at sunrise or sunset for that surreal, otherworldly vibe.
4. Viking Bay, Broadstairs
With its curved sandy shore, Victorian promenade, and colourful beach huts, Viking Bay is Kent’s postcard-perfect beach.
Photo Tip: Capture the bay from above near the bandstand, or snap night shots when fairy lights glow along the esplanade.
5. Mermaid Beach, Folkestone
A lesser-known pebble cove tucked beneath cliffs, Mermaid Beach is hidden and peaceful, perfect for intimate beach portraits and dramatic seascapes.
Photo Tip: Capture the curve of the beach resembling a mermaid’s tail with the cliffs rising behind.
6. St Margaret’s Bay
Framed by the White Cliffs of Dover, this secluded beach offers one of the most iconic views in Kent.
Photo Tip: The towering cliffs and colourful huts give every shot a dramatic edge, especially during golden hour.
7. Tankerton Beach, Whitstable
Tankerton’s unique feature, The Street, is a natural sand spit that appears at low tide, perfect for one-of-a-kind beach photos.
Photo Tip: Walk The Street during low tide for that endless ocean illusion. The colourful beach huts also make for charming backdrops.
8. Reculver Bay, Herne Bay
Home to the ancient Reculver Towers, this beach blends sea views with a dramatic history.
Photo Tip: Capture the silhouette of the towers at sunset, or use them to add historical depth to a wide coastal shot.
9. Stone Bay, Broadstairs
Often less crowded than Viking Bay, Stone Bay boasts sandy shores, chalk cliffs, and colourful beach huts for a timeless British seaside look.
Photo Tip: Shoot along the curve of beach huts for a classic retro vibe or from the clifftop path for panoramic views.
10. Deal Castle Beach
A pebble beach with colourful boats, historic architecture, and the iconic Deal Pier.
Photo Tip: Frame your shot with the Georgian houses in the background or from the pier looking back at the shore.
11. Shakespeare Beach, Dover
This secluded pebble beach sits beneath the cliffs near Dover and is a hidden gem for peaceful photos.
Photo Tip: Capture the contrast of old boats, dark pebbles, and white cliffs. Great for atmospheric beach photography.
12. Minnis Bay, Birchington
A family-friendly beach with wide-open sands and west-facing views for stunning Kentish sunsets.
Photo Tip: Visit during low tide for a vast, mirror-like expanse, or catch the orange glow of the setting sun over the horizon.
Conclusion: The Most Photogenic Beaches in Kent
Whether you’re an amateur photographer, TikTok creator, or just love snapping the perfect holiday shot, these beaches are Instagram gold. From Broadstairs’ iconic coves to the rugged beauty of Dungeness and the tranquil charm of Minnis Bay, Kent’s coastline is packed with hidden photo ops.
So grab your camera or phone and head to the coast. Your next viral post might just come from one of these most beautiful beaches in Kent.
Sandgeek 