Here at the very edge of the Garden of England, three Georgian and Victorian resorts, each with its own distinctive character – Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate – cluster around the bays at the far end of the peninsula. There’s a retro feel to these harbour towns, miles of low chalk cliffs edge the peninsula, sheltering a string of secluded, unspoilt sandy bays. For the ultimate experience, you can cycle or hike on the Viking Coastal Trail, along a stunning shoreline and through tranquil lanes.
Broadstairs is brim-full of nostalgic, old-world, seaside charm. Sandy bays meet surf schools. Fishermen's cottages meet Charles Dickens connections. Retro ice-cream parlours meet chic shops. Relaxed and unspoilt, this is the perfect place for chilled-out, family-friendly fun.
Broadstairs boasts an impressive seven sand-filled beaches and bays. Head to Joss Bay to learn to surf, or rural Botany Bay to saunter amid towering chalk stacks. At the town's main beach, Viking Bay, discover children's rides, beach huts, surfing, a harbour and cliff-top promenade.
The town has a wealth of inviting cafes, restaurants and bars - two 1950's ice-cream parlours Morelli's and Chiappini's provide flavourful scoops of nostalgia. In the High Street, historic red-brick and flint-fronted buildings are dotted between a rich stock of independent shops. Look out for galleries including New Kent Art and Broadstairs Gallery.
Broadstairs was Charles Dickens' favourite holiday spot. Explore a wealth of Dickens memorabilia and prints at the Dickens House Museum - also the former home of Mary Pearson Strong, who inspired the character Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield. Visit Bleak House, an imposing, cliff-top building where Dickens holidayed in the 1850s and '60s and wrote David Copperfield.
Cliff-top paths link beautiful bays, just inland St Peter's village stages award-winning heritage tours, while the Crampton Tower Museum provides an intriguing insight into Victorian engineering.
In August, Broadstairs Folk Week brings music sessions to pubs, gardens and beaches, whilst Broadstairs Water Gala is a family-friendly fiesta of events finished with fireworks. Spring and autumn host Broadstairs Food Festival, an irresistible celebration of locally-produced, fine food and drink.
Discover more at www.visittthanet.co.uk
10 Best Lane Canterbury Kent CT1 2JB
Ashford & Tenterden Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable Dover, Deal & Sandwich Faversham, Isle of Sheppey and Sittingbourne Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh Gravesend and the Borough of Gravesham Maidstone Margate, Broadstairs & Ramsgate Rochester, Chatham & Gillingham Sevenoaks Tonbridge and Malling Tunbridge Wells