Posted:
Kent’s beaches are just a stone’s throw away from Canterbury. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your coastal adventures! Take a look at the best beaches for students to visit in Kent.
Students who want to relax and explore the shore will find that Kent’s beaches are the ideal getaway. Kent offers a beach for every mood, whether you want to explore secret coves, laze on sandy beaches, or try water activities like paddleboarding and surfing.
From the vibrant scenes of Margate and Whitstable to the peaceful seclusion of lesser-known spots like Seasalter, there’s no better place to soak up the sun, enjoy a beach day with friends, or take a refreshing break from student life.
We have chosen our favourite beaches in densely populated areas with good public transport links for safety and convenience.
1. Whitstable Beach Front
Whitstable is the nearest seaside town to Canterbury taking around 20 minutes by car or 30 minutes by bus.
Whitstable Beach Front is a pebble beach situated along the Crab and Winkle Way, a well-liked path for walking and cycling that links Whitstable with Canterbury. The trail is a great way to spend a day outside exploring the local countryside as it follows a picturesque old railway line. Heading west you will find West Beach which is known for its
Whitstable, renowned for its oysters and quaint seaside town ambience, is a destination not to be missed. Enjoying water sports like paddleboarding, strolling along the shore, or just lounging with a coffee are all made possible by the pebbly beach. Visit the neighbourhood seafood restaurants or unwind in a casual tavern by the water after your exploration. The harbour is bustling with market stalls and eateries. Remember the yearly Oyster Festival in Whitstable, which is a student favourite!
2. Tankerton Beach, Whitstable
Tankerton is in Whitstable. Travelling from Canterbury takes around 20 minutes by car or 30 minutes by bus.
Tankerton Beach is a picturesque and family-friendly destination with a quiet shingle beachfront and vibrant beach cottages. This award winning beach is popular for swimming, canoeing, and paddleboarding, and features eateries, ice cream parlours, and cafes.
The Tankerton Slopes offer leisurely walks with stunning coastline views, while Long Rock Country Park is a coastal nature reserve with wildlife. The famous sandspit, ‘The Street’, stretches almost half a mile into the sea.
3. Herne Bay Central Beach
Herne Bay is another nearby seaside town to Canterbury taking around 30 minutes by car or 40 minutes by bus.
Herne Bay is a charming Victorian beach town known for its clean, well-maintained beach. It features a shingle beach with stunning views and colourful cottages. The promenade offers beautiful gardens, while the Herne Bay Pier offers an amusement park, marketplaces, and artisan fairs.
4. Seasalter Beach
Getting to Seasalter from Canterbury takes around 20 minutes by car or 35 minutes by bus. Public transport options will require a 25 minute walk.
Seasalter Beach in Kent offers a peaceful coastal getaway with great views of the Thames Estuary. The sandy and pebbled beach offers breathtaking sunset views and is popular among photographers and nature enthusiasts. It is secluded and away from the busier parts of town. It offers limited amenities.
The area is also a segment of the Kent coast’s Saxon Shore Way, perfect for leisurely walks and cycling.
Seasalter is a peaceful village near Whitstable, a bustling coastal town known for seafood and quaint shops.
5. Dover Harbour Beach
Travelling from Canterbury to Dover takes around 30 minutes by car, bus, or train. It is right in the centre of town with great public transport options.
Dover Harbour Beach, located in the heart of Dover, is a shingle beach with clean waters and a relaxed atmosphere. The beach is surrounded by the White Cliffs of Dover, offering stunning views of the English Channel.
The beach is within easy walking distance of toilets, shops, restaurants, ice cream vendors and historic attractions such as Dover Castle, one of England’s largest and most ancient castles.
6. Shakespeare Beach, Dover
Travelling from Canterbury to Dover takes around 30 minutes by car, bus, or train. It is right in the centre of town with great public transport links.
Shakespeare Beach is located just a short walk south of Dover’s town centre where Dover Harbour Beach lies. This tranquil shingle beach is named after the famous playwright William Shakespeare, who is believed to have visited the area.
The beach is within easy walking distance of toilets, shops, restaurants, ice cream vendors and historic attractions such as Dover Castle, one of England’s largest and most ancient castles.
7. Minnis Bay, Birchington
Travelling from Canterbury to Birchington takes around 30 minutes by car or 60 minutes by bus. It is not easily accessible by train alone as it takes around 75 minutes with a changeover and a long walk.
Minnis Bay is a beautiful beach with a large stretch of golden sand, free parking, and a kids’ outdoor play area. It offers beach activities and is a culinary haven with beachfront eateries.
The beach offers watersports like kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and sailing, and features a tidal pool.
8. Margate Main Sands Beach
Travelling from Canterbury to Margate takes around 40 minutes by car, 60 minutes by bus, or 40 minutes by train. It is right in the centre of town with great bus and train options.
Margate Main Sands Beach is a British seaside destination with golden sands, traditional arcades, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Watersports like paddleboarding and windsurfing are popular, and nearby companies offer lessons and equipment rental services.
Attractions include Margate Old Town, Dreamland and Turner Contemporary Art Gallery. Margate hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, with the beach providing a colourful backdrop for these events.
Margate is a highly popular and attractive seaside town worth visiting for students.
9. Viking Bay, Broadstairs
Travelling from Canterbury to Broadstairs takes around 40 minutes by car, 90 minutes by bus, or 30 minutes by train. It is close to the centre of town with great public transport links.
Viking Bay is a picturesque seaside destination known for its soft golden sands, lively atmosphere, and family-friendly amenities.
The beach is accessible via slopes, stairs, and a lift, and offers children’s rides, deckchair rentals, and dining options. The harbour offers more eateries and stunning views, while the high street offers shops, hotels, restaurants, art galleries, and museums. There are multiple companies offering watersport lessons and equipment rentals.
Viking Bay is the best beach for students to visit because of its amenities and attractions. There are several events throughout the year that take place which are worth a visit.
10. Stone Bay, Broadstairs
Travelling from Canterbury to Broadstairs takes around 40 minutes by car 90 minutes by bus, or 30 minutes by train. Stone Bay is a 15-minute walk away from Viking Bay.
Stone Bay Beach is a serene, peaceful spot in Broadstairs, known for its soft sands, white chalk cliffs, and calm waters. Stone Bay is family-friendly with facilities like restrooms, deckchair rentals, and summer lifeguard coverage.
The town is close to Charles Dickens, who spent summers there. The Viking Coastal Trail passes near Stone Bay, offering stunning views of the Kent coast.
11. Ramsgate Main Sands Beach
Travelling from Canterbury to Ramsgate takes around 35 minutes by car, 60 minutes by coach, 90 minutes by bus, or 45 minutes by train of which half the time is spent walking.
Ramsgate Main Sands Beach is a popular British seaside destination with a wide stretch of sandy beach, perfect for families and beachgoers. The beach offers a variety of activities, including watersports. Ramsgate Royal Harbour is a blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.
The town’s history is also evident with the Ramsgate Tunnels, which offer an intriguing look into the town’s history during World War II. Nearby attractions include the Ramsgate Maritime Museum and King George VI Memorial Park.
12. Sunny Sands Beach, Folkestone
Travelling from Canterbury to Folkestone takes around 40 minutes by car, 50 minutes by coach, 60 minutes by bus, or 70 minutes by train. The train does require a changeover and a long walk.
Although Folkestone is further away than the other beaches on this list, it is a beach town worth visiting.
Sunny Sands Beach in Folkestone is a popular sandy beach which is perfect for tanning, sandcastle building, and beach activities.
The beach is conveniently located near the town centre, offering easy access to nearby stores, cafes, and restaurants. The nearby Folkestone Harbour Arm is a popular destination for dining, entertainment, and outdoor activities including a large screen for sporting events.
There are large parks and playground areas. The town is full of history and art.
13. Deal Castle Beach
Travelling from Canterbury to Deal takes around 35 minutes by car, 60 minutes by bus, or 60 minutes by train which requires a changeover.
Deal and Walmer are beautiful seaside towns featuring pebble beaches known for their Georgian and Victorian architecture. The iconic Deal pier is situated near the town centre and offers amazing views of the English Channel.
The promenade features many amenities including toilets, eateries and attractions. Its location right in town means it is teeming with shops, restaurants, pubs and activities. The Walmer Lifeboat Station is a notable monument in maritime history.
Sandgeek 