Beaches in Thanet: Visit Beaches and Attractions in Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs

Award Winning Beaches

There are 5 beaches with the prestigious Blue Flag 2024 Award and 12 with the Seaside Award 2024.

Blue Flag 2025 winners: Margate Main Sands, Botany Bay, Joss Bay, Minnis Bay, St Mildred’s Bay, and Ramsgate Main Sands

Dogs on the Beach

Many beaches in Thanet have dog restrictions at certain times of the year. Dog restrictions do not apply outside of the stated dates and times. Although some beaches have dog restrictions on the beach itself, dogs may still be allowed with a lead on the promenade next to the beach.

Margate Main Sands: Dogs are not allowed on the beach from the 1st of May to the 30th of September

Viking Bay: Dogs are not allowed on the beach from the 1st of May to the 30th of September.

Ramsgate Main Sands: Dogs are not allowed on the beach from the 1st of May to the 30th of September.

Botany Bay: Dogs are not allowed on the beach from the 1st of May to the 30th of September between 10 AM to 6 PM.

Minnis Bay: Dogs are not allowed on the beach from the 1st of May to the 30th of September between 10 AM to 6 PM.

Joss Bay: Dogs are not allowed on the beach from the 1st of May to the 30th of September between 10 AM to 6 PM.

West Bay: Dogs are not allowed on the beach from the 1st of May to the 30th of September between 10 AM to 6 PM.

St Mildred’s Bay: Dogs are not allowed on the beach from the 1st of May to the 30th of September between 10 AM to 6 PM.

Stone Bay: Dogs are not allowed on the beach from the 1st of May to the 30th of September between 10 AM to 6 PM.

Westbrook Bay: Dogs are only allowed on the beach with a lead from the 1st of May to the 30th of September between 10 AM to 6 PM.

Louisa Bay: Dogs are only allowed on the beach with a lead from the 1st of May to the 30th of September between 10 AM to 6 PM.

Walpole Bay: Dogs are only allowed on the beach with a lead from the 1st of May to the 30th of September between 10 AM to 6 PM.

Kingsgate Bay: Dogs are welcome all year round on this beach because there are no dog restrictions in place.

Palm Bay: Dogs are welcome all year round on this beach because there are no dog restrictions in place.

Dumpton Gap: Dogs are welcome all year round on this beach because there are no dog restrictions in place.

Western Undercliff: Dogs are welcome all year round on this beach because there are no dog restrictions in place.

Fulsam Rock: Dogs are welcome all year round on this beach because there are no dog restrictions in place.

Epple Bay: Dogs are welcome all year round on this beach because there are no dog restrictions in place.

Pegwell Bay: Dogs are welcome all year round on this beach because there are no dog restrictions in place.

Broadstairs Undercliff: Dogs are welcome all year round on this beach because there are no dog restrictions in place.

Grenham Bay: Dogs are welcome all year round on this beach because there are no dog restrictions in place.

Find out more about what restrictions are in place for dogs on the beaches in Thanet District.

Attractions in Thanet

Kent’s Thanet District is a bustling seaside neighbourhood with a variety of activities. Important highlights aside from the magnificent sandy beaches include:

• Turner Contemporary is a notable Margate art gallery that features modern and contemporary works of art.
• Dreamland in Margate is a retro amusement park with festivals, live music, and classic rides.
• Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour – The only royal harbour in the United Kingdom that offers views of the marina, features cafes, and nautical heritage.
• The Charles Dickens Museum honours Broadstairs’ ties with the well-known writer.
• Margate Caves are a historically significant and intriguing subterranean site.
• The Hornby Visitor Centre honours the renowned Margate-based model train and toy business.
• Investigate the WWII subterranean refuge system at the Ramsgate Tunnels.
• Viking Coastal Trail: A beautiful shoreline trail for bicyclists and walkers.
• Quex Park: Features a craft hamlet in Birchington, gardens, and the Powell-Cotton Museum.
• Shell Grotto: An enigmatic Margate subterranean tunnel covered in millions of seashells.
• Thanet’s centre for dining and shopping, Westwood Cross Shopping Centre has a variety of stores, eateries, and a movie theatre.
• The well-liked annual Broadstairs Food Festival features regional food and cooking skills.
• Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve: Great for hikes along the shore and birding.
• The Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum in Manston features WWII fighter jets and memorabilia.
• The RAF Manston History Museum tells the past of the local aircraft industry and the RAF base.
• One of the most significant Roman sites in Britain is the Roman fort at Richborough.
• One of the oldest ecclesiastical buildings in England, Minster Abbey is located in Minster Village and offers peace and history.
• Free historical walking tours showcasing the rich history of the quaint town of St. Peter’s are offered by St. Peter’s Town Tours.
• Pugin’s The Grange: Known for his work on the Houses of Parliament, architect Augustus Pugin created this ancient Ramsgate home.
• Bleak House: Parts of David Copperfield and Bleak House were written by Charles Dickens in this Broadstairs clifftop house.
• Fossil hunting along the Kent Coast: The coastal regions of Thanet, such as Kingsgate Bay, are ideal for fossil hunters since they reveal artefacts from prehistoric marine life.
• Ellington Park is a lovely park in Ramsgate that offers family-friendly activities, a bandstand, and historical elements.

Transport

This district has convenient road connections to the highway system, making it easily accessible. By train, Thanet is connected to the major London stations and mainland Europe (Eurostar). It takes a little over an hour from St Pancras International via the High Speed 1 railway. Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover offer cross-channel services too. Bus services are in operation.