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There are a variety of beaches along Kent’s coastline, catering to all kinds of visitors. Kent’s beaches, which range from the recognisable white cliffs of Dover to the sandy shores of Margate, are renowned for their unspoiled beauty, fascinating past, and lively seaside communities. Kent’s beaches provide incredible experiences along the breathtaking English coast, whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, thrilling water sports, or relaxing getaways.
The diversity of Kent’s coast means there is something for everyone, from Broadstairs’s picturesque golden sandy beaches to the abandoned shingle ghost towns of Dungeness. Dover has much history to explore because of its connection to both world wars. Whitstable is a fantastic seaside town for food lovers because of its iconic harbour markets and fresh oysters. Folkestone is an emerging art retreat where creative works can be found across the town.
Kent’s seaside has good transport links, and many beaches can be easily accessed by train, bus, or car. Trains from London can take as little as an hour.
The Kent coast runs across five unique areas called Districts, each contributing to its share of the coast.
1. Botany Bay, Broadstairs
Botany Bay is widely regarded as the best sandy beach in Kent.
Botany Bay is a secluded gem on the Kent coast. It is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers, with its magnificent chalk stacks, golden sand, isolated coves, and breathtaking views.
The calm waters of Botany Bay are ideal for swimming and watersports. Its cleanliness and ‘Excellent’ water quality (2024) have won it numerous accolades, including the coveted Blue Flag Award 2025. It is used for taking a bath.
It has a lot of facilities, such as stores, restaurants, and summertime lifeguards.
2. Stone Bay, Broadstairs
Stone Bay is known for its gentle sands, gorgeous white chalk cliffs, and placid waves. It provides a tranquil haven from the busy town centre of Broadstairs. Its gently sloping dunes and calm waves make it a favourite place for swimming, paddleboarding, and rock pooling.
The beach is spacious and wide. With amenities including bathrooms, deckchair rentals, and lifeguard coverage in the summer. Stone Bay is a popular family-friendly beach destination.
In terms of water quality, safety, and cleanliness, Stone Bay received the Seaside Award 2025 designation. The water quality rating was ‘Good’ in 2024. Being adjacent to the vibrant town core offers countless attractions, dining options, and activities.
3. Margate Mains Sands
Golden sands, classic arcades, and a lively atmosphere can be found at Margate Main Sands Beach. It provides a mixture of contemporary excitement and traditional beach charm. With a tidal pool and kid-friendly activities, families can enjoy traditional beachside fun and entertainment.
Popular water sports include swimming, and stand-up-paddleboarding. Local businesses provide equipment rentals and instruction.
The beach’s amenities, cleanliness, and ‘Excellent’ water quality (2024) earned it the Seaside Award 2025 and Blue Flag Award 2025. Seasonal lifeguards are on duty in the summer to help keep swimmers safe.
Margate Old Town, Dreamland, and Turner Contemporary Art Gallery are among the many attractions. Throughout the year, Margate holds many festivals and events, with the beach serving as a vibrant background.
4. Viking Bay, Broadstairs
The charming beach resort of Viking Bay in Broadstairs 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.
The beach features numerous dining options, deckchair rentals, children’s rides and amusement arcades. The High street has stores, hotels, restaurants, art galleries, and museums.
Several businesses provide watersport courses and equipment rentals. You can also rent traditional beach huts for more privacy and storage.
Viking Bay’s amenities, cleanliness, and ‘Good’ water quality (2024) have earned it the Seaside Award 2025. In summer, the beach is patrolled by seasonal lifeguards to help keep visitors safe.
5. Joss Bay, Broadstairs
Families, surfers, and beachcombers all use this pristine sandy beach. There are stores, cafes, restrooms, and parking near the beach. Given how many surfers visit the beach, the surf schools provide instruction and equipment rentals. This is handy given that this beach is regarded as the best surfing beach in Kent.
Seasonal lifeguards during the summer makes Joss Bay a safer place to swim. The beach’s amenities, ‘Excellent’ water quality (2024), and cleanliness have earned it the Blue Flag Award 2025.
6. Tankerton Beach, Whitstable
Tankerton Beach is renowned for its lovely surroundings and warm, family-friendly atmosphere. There are colourful beach chalets along the seafront, which can be rented. Watersports are popular activities at Tankerton Beach.
With its expansive views of the sea, the Tankerton Slopes are ideal for leisurely walks. The wildlife of Long Rock Country Park (nature reserve) is a popular tourist attraction.
The well-known sandspit, called “The Street,” is a shingle and sand path that forms naturally during low tide. It extends over half a mile into the sea. People often walk along this path and take photos.
There are cafes, ice cream shops, and neighbourhood restaurants along the seafront. The beach’s ‘Excellent’ water quality (2024), safety, and cleanliness have earned it the Blue Flag Award 2025.
7. St Margaret’s Bay, Dover
St Margaret’s Bay is a stunning shingle beach in Dover’s White Cliffs Country. Alongside the expansive promenade are colourful beach chalets which can be rented for privacy and storage. It has walking paths along the cliffs and through quaint neighbourhoods.
Convenient amenities include food kiosks, restrooms, parking, and deckchair rentals. The beach has breathtaking views of the English Channel and is the nearest location in England to France. France can be seen on a clear day.
During World War II, St Margaret’s Bay was a front-line defence location that was heavily guarded. Chartwell, the old home of Winston Churchill, is also located there.
St Margaret’s Bay received the ‘Excellent’ water quality classification in 2024, making it a well-liked swimming and watersports location.
8. Sunny Sands Beach, Folkestone
Sunny Sands Beach is a well-liked sandy beach in Folkestone. It is ideal for activities like tanning and sandcastle construction. Lifeguards periodically monitor the beach in the summer which makes swimming and paddling are safer. In 2024, the water quality was rated as ‘Sufficient’ and deemed suitable for bathing.
The beach is well-situated close to the town centre, providing quick access to neighbouring eateries, shops, and cafes. Folkestone Harbour Arm is a well-liked spot for dining, entertainment, and outdoor activities, including a big screen for sporting events.
The town is rich in art and history. It features playgrounds and extensive parks nearby which are great for nature enthusiasts.
9. Herne Bay Central Beach
Herne Bay is a well-liked coastal town with a classic Victorian charm. Herne Bay Central is a shingle beach with colourful beach homes and breathtaking views. The beach is famous for being spotless and well-kept.
Beautiful gardens can be seen along the seafront. The Herne Bay Pier has an amusement park, shops, and craft fairs. Being so close to the town centre, there are many facilities and dining options.
The water quality at Herne Bay Central Beach was graded as ‘Sufficient’ in 2024. It is also designated for bathing. During the summer, seasonal lifeguards are on duty at his award-winning beach.
10. Minnis Bay, Birchington
With a long expanse of golden sand, plenty of parking, and an outdoor play area for children, Minnis Bay is a lovely, family-friendly beach. In addition to providing beach activities, it is a gourmet paradise with restaurants nearby.
The beach features popular a tidal pool where water-based activities are very popular in the summer. Swimming and watersport activities such as paddleboarding are frequent.
The beach’s amenities, ‘Excellent’ water quality (2024), and cleanliness have earned it the Seaside Award 2024 and the Blue Flag Award 2025. It has lifeguards on duty during the summer for convenience and safety.
11. Dover Harbour Beach
Dover Harbour Beach is a pebble beach with calm seas and a laid-back vibe. It is situated right in the centre of Dover along with Dover Marina. The White Cliffs of Dover provide a picturesque backdrop for the beach. Magnificent views of the English Channel can be seen from atop the cliffs. Ferries can be seen docked at the busy Port of Dover.
The marina is open for exploration, and the promenade is roomy. Toilets, stores, restaurants, ice cream shops are all easily accessible on foot from the shore. Historic sites like Dover Castle, one of England’s biggest and oldest castles, are worth a visit.
12. Hythe Beach
Hythe Beach is a pristine, well-kept pebble beach. It is great for swimming. Popular water sports include paddleboarding and kayaking. Beautiful views of the French coastline and the English Channel can be seen from its long promenade.
Nearby is Hythe’s old town centre, which is well-known for its churches, independent shops, pubs, and cafes. A trip to St Leonard’s Church and the Royal Military Canal are worth a visit.
The beach has been designated for bathing and the water quality received a rating of ‘Excellent’ (2024).
13. Deal Castle Beach
Deal and Walmer are two beautiful seaside towns with pebble beaches. They feature Georgian and Victorian architecture along the beachfront. The iconic Deal pier is located close to Deal town centre where you can experience breathtaking views of the English Channel.
The promenade has a lot of facilities, such as restaurants, restrooms, and attractions. It is brimming with stores, eateries, bars, and activities due to its central location. One significant landmark in maritime history is the Walmer Lifeboat Station.
Sandgeek 