Key information
Pebble Beach
Toilets
Showers
Seasonal Lifeguards
Parking nearby
Cafes/ Restaurants
Designated for Bathing
Water quality: Sufficient (2024)
Seaside Award 2025
Pier
Dog ban (1st May to 30th September)
Herne Bay Beach: Traditional Seaside with Pier and Promenade
Herne Bay’s central beach offers classic coastal charm with a Victorian pier, arcades, beach huts, and safe swimming. A great family-friendly destination along the north Kent coast.
Herne Bay is a well-liked beach town with a traditional Victorian charm that dates back many years. Herne Bay Central Beach is the most popular beach in Herne Bay featuring breathtaking views and colourful beach huts. It is made out of shingles. It is renowned for being clean and well-maintained. The area has a classic British seaside ambience because of the colourful beach cottages lining the promenade. Enjoy a walk on the promenade which is lined with beautiful gardens, cafes, restaurants, shops and ice cream vendors.
With breathtaking views of the coastline, the promenade along the seashore is ideal for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. Beautifully designed gardens may be found along the route, such as Memorial Park and Waltrop Gardens, which are great for leisurely strolls or picnics.
The town organises the week-long Herne Bay Festival every summer, which includes street performances, live music, food vendors, and kid-friendly events.
Herne Bay Pier
One of the beach’s most notable features is the Herne Bay Pier. Even though a storm in 1978 destroyed the old pier, the shorter one that remains today is a bustling location with family-friendly amusement rides, mini-golf, and other games. There are several restaurants on the pier that provide ice cream, snacks, and seafood. Both residents and visitors throw lines into the sea to fish at this fantastic location. The pier’s vibrant ambience is enhanced by frequent and seasonal activities including artisan fairs and live music. The pier marketplace sells souvenirs, jewellery, clothing, beach toys and more.
Attractions
One of the world’s oldest freestanding clock towers is the Herne Bay Clock Tower, which dates back to 1837. It’s a famous seaside landmark that provides insight into the town’s fascinating past.
Activities on the sea that are popular at Herne Bay Beach include kayaking and paddleboarding. Those who wish to give these hobbies a try might rent equipment and take training. Because of its windy conditions, Herne Bay is a popular place for sailors and windsurfers, making it ideal for both novices and experienced aficionados.
Not far from the pier is Herne Bay Mini Golf near the amusement arcade and casinos.
Herne Bay Sailing Club can regularly be seen participating is thrilling watersports. The slope is used to launch watercraft such as jet skis into the water.
A short journey will take you to The Reculver Towers and Roman Fort which has a fascinating history. The Seaside Museum Herne Bay hosts events and exhibitions throughout the year. A leisurely stroll in The Downs will uncover spectacular views complete with picnic areas. Not too far is the expansive woodlands of Wildwood Trust where there are over 200 hundred species of animals. Whitstable Sailing Club participate in water sports during the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herne Bay Beach a sandy beach?
No, it is not sandy. It features shingles which include rocks and pebbles.
Are dogs allowed on Herne Bay Beach?
What are the tide times for Herne Bay beach?
Is it safe to swim at Herne Bay beach?
Certain marked areas are not allowed for swimming since powered craft use that space. It was given a Sufficient rating with 1/3 stars for water quality in 2024. Lifeguard services are present during certain times of the year.
How do I hire a beach hut?
Beach huts and chalets in Canterbury are managed by a different organisation. Click here to find out more
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