With more than 50 beaches, Kent in Southeastern England has a little something for every beach lover – from peaceful, secluded getaways to larger, more lively ones.
So, if you’re ready for warm sunshine, beautiful natural scenery, and the waves but don’t know which Kent beach to choose, you’ve come to the right place!
We’ll tell you the 11 best beaches in Kent for the perfect holiday.
| Read More: While in UK, explore the beautiful West Midlands region as well – check out everything you can do in the medieval market town of Stratford upon Avon, and the buzzing city of Birmingham! |
This Article Contains
- Dymchurch Beach
- Greatstone Beach
- Dungeness Beach
- St. Margaret’s Bay
- Joss Bay
- Botany Bay
- Viking Bay
- Minnis Bay
- Stone Bay
- Margate Main Sands
- Whitstable Beach
11 Best Beaches in Kent
Let’s look at what each of these gems have to offer:
1. Dymchurch Beach
Dymchurch is a large family-friendly beach that offers a 3-mile long coastline along the Dymchurch Road. If you’re not a fan of sandy beaches or have no chairs, you can sunbathe on the concrete steps that encompass the shoreline. Close to the beach are an amusement park, a miniature railway, and the Martello Tower, built in the 19th century Napoleonic Wars.
Type of Beach: Sandy with pebbles
Parking: Yes
Activities: Donkey rides, kite surfing, paddling, swimming
Food: Donut huts, ice cream vans, and fish and chips restaurants
Suitable for: Families with kids
Lifeguard: No
2. Greatstone Beach
Greatstone offers a two-mile-long sandy coastline stretching from Romney in the north to Dungeness in the south. The beach offers breathtaking natural scenery with diverse plant, insect, and small animal species. It is a great getaway if you enjoy more calm and secluded beaches since it is further from more touristy destinations.
Type of Beach: Sandy
Parking: Yes
Activities: Windsurfing, kite surfing, swimming, sunbathing, sandcastle building
Food: No shops or restaurants in close proximity
Suitable for: Families with kids, watersport enthusiasts
Lifeguard: No
3. Dungeness Beach
Dungeness, located in the Romney Marsh, is one of the most extraordinary beaches in the UK and a great destination for nature explorers. It is the largest shingle beach in Europe, and it offers unique scenery and a diverse micro-climate with over 600 species of plants.
Type of Beach: Shingle
Parking: Yes
Activities: Fishing, bird-spotting
Food: Snack bars, pubs, and restaurants
Suitable for: People with dogs, anglers, birdwatchers
Lifeguard: No
4. St. Margaret’s Bay
This beach in Dover offers stunning views of Kent’s white chalk cliffs, and it’s also a great spot for meeting the sunrise. Here’s also where writer Ian Fleming wrote the James Bond adventure books. Today, there are 007 filming location tours that you can join and immerse in the Bond universe.
Type of Beach: Pebbly
Parking: Yes
Activities: Watching the sunrise, swimming
Food: Cafes, pubs, and the Pines Garden Tea Room and Museum
Suitable for: Families with kids, sunrise-spotters
Lifeguard: No
5. Joss Bay
Joss Bay is a small beach along the Joss Gap Rd in Broadstairs. It is also known as the surfer’s paradise, and it’s a great starting point for coastal bicycle rides or walks. It also is close to all amenities you might need, including cafes, deck-chair hires, and public bathrooms.
Type of Beach: Sandy
Parking: Yes
Activities: Kayaking, surfing, swimming, canoeing
Food: Beach cafes and restaurants
Suitable for: Families with kids, surf lovers
Lifeguard: Yes
6. Botany Bay
Botany Bay in Marine Dr, Cliftonville, Broadstairs, is known for its clean sands, water quality, and breathtaking cliff views. This secluded, peaceful beach is one of the most beautiful ones in Kent.
Type of Beach: Sandy
Parking: Limited but on-street parking is available
Activities: Surfing, canoeing, kayaking, rock-pooling
Food: Restaurants and cafes
Suitable for: Families with kids, watersport enthusiasts
Lifeguard: Yes
7. Viking Bay
Vikings Bay in Harbour Street of Broadstairs, is a traditional sea resort with soft sandy beaches, a pier, and a small harbour. The beach is right next to the town of Broadstairs, so all facilities you might need are close at hand. Here’s also where you can find Bleak House, where Charles Dickens wrote David Copperfield.
Type of Beach: Sandy
Parking: Yes
Activities: Fishing, surfing, swimming
Food: Cafes and restaurants
Suitable for: Surfers and families with kids
Lifeguard: Yes
8. Minnis Bay
Minnis Bay in Hengist Road, Birchington, offers a long coastline, which is a popular destination for families, paddleboarders, and kayaking enthusiasts. The rural vibes, flat beach, and surrounding dunes make this the perfect beach for picnics, long walks, and sunbathing.
Type of Beach: Sandy
Parking: Yes
Activities: Kayaking, fishing, sailing, swimming, windsurfing
Food: Restaurants, ice cream kiosks, and bars
Suitable for: Families with children, watersport enthusiasts
Lifeguard: Yes
9. Stone Bay
Stone Bay lies along the Eastern Esplanade in Broadstairs. It offers a flat coastline protected from wind and heat by the surrounding cliffs. The beach is quiet and peaceful, but at the same time, it’s near Broadstairs, where you can explore the town’s streets, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
Type of Beach: Sandy
Parking: Yes
Activities: Rock-pooling, swimming, bathing
Food: Beach cafes and restaurants
Suitable for: Families
Lifeguard: Yes
10. Margate Main Sands
If you’re looking for a classic seaside beach resort with lots of fun activities, Margate in Marine Terrace is the perfect destination! There’s also lots to explore around the beach, including local galleries, street food stalls, craft beer breweries, and the Old Town streets.
Type of Beach: Sandy
Parking: Yes
Activities: Surfing, swimming, donkey rides
Food: Food stalls, restaurants, bars, and shops
Suitable for: Families with children
Lifeguard: Yes
11. Whitstable Beach
Whitstable offers the perfect combination of fresh sea air, lots of fun activities, and delicious food. It’s a great spot for organizing picnics, taking walks, and meeting the sunset (since this is one of the few beaches in Southeastern England that faces west!)
Type of Beach: Shingle
Parking: Yes
Activities: Paddleboarding, crabbing, boat cruising, walking the Street trail during low tide
Food: Oyster shacks, bakeries, and restaurants
Suitable for: Families with kids and dogs
Lifeguard: No