West Bay – Beach in Westgate-on-Sea

Key information

Sandy Beach

Toilets

Seasonal Lifeguards

Parking nearby

Cafes/ Restaurants

Designated for Bathing

Water quality: Sufficient (2024)

Seaside Award 2025

Dog ban (1st May to 30th September from 10 AM to 6 PM)

Weather Forecast

Tide Times

West Bay, Westgate-on-Sea: Peaceful Promenade & Beach Huts

Discover West Bay, Westgate-on-Sea’s tranquil coastal haven with colourful beach huts, family-friendly wetlands, promenades, seasonal lifeguards and easy parking; perfect for relaxing shore days.

West Bay is a peaceful beach with a long stretch of sand. It’s a perfect spot for family beach games, sunbathing and building sandcastles because of its smooth sand and mild slope. The beach enlarges considerably more at low tide, providing an abundance of room for exploration.

The beach is well known for being a family-friendly location. The large open places for play and the tranquil seas make it the perfect place for families with kids. During the summer, lifeguards patrol the beach, which provides an additional degree of security for swimmers and paddlers. West Bay is a well-liked location for kayaking and paddleboarding because of its calm seas. You may explore the coastal waters at your own speed and either bring your own equipment or hire it locally. This beach has steps and slopes for easy access to the shore which is popular for canoeing and paddleboarding.

Attractions

It features the iconic West Bay Cafe and Beach Bar along the promenade looking over the shore. A beautiful promenade that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll, a bike ride, or just taking in the scenery is running beside the shore. A delightful seaside stroll connects West Bay with the neighbouring St Mildred’s Bay along the promenade.

The Westgate-on-Sea town centre, which has eateries, tea houses, and traditional stores, is conveniently close to the beach. A short drive or train trip away, Dreamland in Margate is one of the nearby attractions that thrill-seekers and families will enjoy.

The Viking Coastal Trail, a bike path that hugs the Kent coast, connects to West Bay. Cycling lovers who wish to enjoy a leisurely ride while taking in the picturesque coastline scenery should definitely check it out.

Awards

West Bay’s amenities, water quality, and cleanliness have earned it the esteemed Seaside Award 2025. The beach is kept up nicely, and guests may take advantage of the litter-free atmosphere and swimming-friendly waters.

History

West Bay has a rich history, and the nearby town of Westgate-on-Sea features Victorian-era structures and architecture that provide the region with a classic coastal appeal. The beach itself was a well-liked vacation spot in Victorian times, and people still go there now because of its ageless charm. The famous Victorian beach bungalows that line the promenade are what make West Bay famous. A family or party looking for a little seclusion and shade during a day at the beach can hire these quaint cottages for a day or longer.