Key information
Sandy Beach
Toilets
Showers
Seasonal Lifeguards
Parking nearby
Cafes/ Restaurants
Designated for Bathing
Water quality: Good (2024)
Deckchair hire
Seaside Award 2025
Harbour
Tidal pool
Children’s rides
Dog ban (1st May to 30th September)
Viking Bay, Broadstairs: Best Beach for Families, Views & Things to Do
Plan your visit to Viking Bay in Broadstairs – a top family-friendly beach in Kent with golden sands, tidal pools, cafes, and kids’ rides. Discover things to do, facilities, safety info & more.
Viking Bay is also known as Broadstairs Beach. It is the busiest and most popular beach in Broadstairs. It is one of best and busiest beaches in Great Britain.
This iconic horseshoe-shaped bay boasts soft golden sands stretching about 150 meters, perfect for building sandcastles or simply soaking up the sun. Its lively atmosphere, delicious eateries, and family-friendly amenities make it the ideal destination for a memorable seaside escape. One of Kent’s most well-known and scenic beaches, Viking Bay in Broadstairs is renowned for its gorgeous sandy shoreline, fascinating history, and quaint coastal ambiance.
This is perhaps the best all-around beach in the area. It is accessible via slopes, stairs, and a lift (seasonal). There are children’s rides featuring a bouncy castle, swings, and more. Multiple locations offer deckchair and windbreaker hire options. Should you get hungry, there are plenty of cafes, pubs, restaurants, and ice cream vendors on the beach or on the promenade, providing a range of cuisine, including seafood.
Traditional beach huts flank Viking Bay and are available for rent in the summer. These vibrant huts give the beach a vintage coastal appeal and are the ideal place to base yourself for a day there.
Harbour
The harbour features more eateries and stunning views. You can find market vendors selling clothing, jewelers, and souvenirs.
Tidal Pool
Viking Bay’s tidal pool, which is found near the northern end of the beach, is one of its distinctive characteristics. You can swim in this shallow area and learn about marine life as the pool fills with saltwater during high tide.
Viking Coastal Trail
Viking Bay is surrounded by cliffs, and the area offers fantastic opportunities for coastal walks along the clifftops. One popular route is the Viking Coastal Trail, which stretches along the coastline and offers spectacular views of the sea, beaches, and surrounding landscape. The nearby Kingsgate Bay and Botany Bay are also worth exploring if you enjoy scenic walks.
Awards
Viking Bay’s amenities, water quality, and cleanliness have earned it the esteemed Seaside Award 2025. The beach is kept up nicely, and visitors can take advantage of the litter-free atmosphere and swimming-friendly waters.
Events
Throughout the year, several festivals and events are held in Viking Bay and Broadstairs. The most well-known is Broadstairs Folk Week, a vibrant music event that happens in August and includes traditional folk music, dancing, and live acts on the beach.
The area’s celebratory atmosphere is further enhanced by summer markets, outdoor music, and fireworks. Other events held during the year include the Dickens Festival, Broadstairs Food Festival, Broadstairs Water Gala, Summer fireworks and more. The Broadstairs Water Gala is a vibrant family-friendly event on Viking Bay. It features beach games, boat races, sandcastle competitions, and even a fun carnival procession. The water gala brings Viking Bay to life with activities and entertainment, making it a highlight of the summer season.
History
Charles Dickens, who was a regular visitor to Broadstairs, is well-known for his literary connections to the area. In the centre of the town, Bleak House, where Dickens produced portions of David Copperfield, offers a glimpse of literary history while overlooking Viking Bay. To find out more about Charles Dickens’ life and contributions to literature, you can now pay a visit to the museum-turned-house.
The Viking invaders who once touched down on the coasts of Broadstairs are the reason behind the name Viking Bay. To commemorate the Viking invasion of Britain in AD449, Denmark sent a Viking ship in 1949. Since then, it has been known as Viking Bay. The neighbouring Broadstairs Town Museum provides further historical context, including information on the Viking origins of the town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Viking Bay a sandy beach?
Yes
Is Viking Bay safe to swim?
It was given a Good rating with 2/3 stars for water quality in 2024. Lifeguard services are available at certain times of the year.
What are the tide times for Viking Bay, Broadstairs?
Where is Viking Bay?
It is located in Broadstairs, Kent. The postcode is CT10 1NB
Why is it called Viking Bay?
To commemorate the Viking invasion of Britain in AD449, Denmark sent a Viking ship in 1949. Since then, it has been known as Viking Bay.
How do I hire a beach hut?
Beach huts and chalets in Thanet are managed by a different organisation. Click here to find out more
Can you see France from Broadstairs?
Yes, on a clear day. This will vary from person to person.
Are Dogs allowed on Viking Bay?
Dogs are not allowed on the beach from the 1st of May to the 30th of September.
Is Viking Bay busy?
Yes, it is one of the most popular and busiest beaches in the area at peak times.
Does Viking Bay have a promenade?
Yes, at the top of the cliff.
What are other beaches in Broadstairs?
Botany Bay, Joss Bay, Stone Bay, Kingsgate Bay, Dumpton Gap, Louisa Bay, Broadstairs Undercliff
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