2023 marks the Year of the Coast as a celebration of the new England Coast Path and of the English coastline in general – which we feel is a pretty good idea in Kent as we’ve got 350 miles of it! With a year long programme of events nationwide, here in Kent we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to enjoy the beaches, the views and everything in between, so read on for how to spend the year.
Folkestone & Hythe
On the southern tip of Kent’s border is Folkestone & Hythe, which has possibly our flattest piece of coastline! Start in Dungeness which is one of the county’s most peculiar areas in terms of its geography – think huge wide open skies and magnificently quiet beaches - there’s also water sports galore. Before hopping into the car, look at the timetable for the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway which is a light steam railway line that connects Dungeness to Hythe with stops in New Romney and Dymchurch and on occasion, the popular summer holiday parks.
If you head into Folkestone itself, consider stopping at the largest free adventure play area - Lower Leas Coastal Park - to get the kids to burn off some energy. There are slides, climbing activities and digging machines, which can all be followed up by a trip to the water in Folkestone’s bays!
White Cliffs Country
Dover beach in the sheltered harbour, where many a cross-channel swimmer has trained, is home to Dover Sea Sports Centre where you can hire dinghies, kayaks and paddleboards. For families with children over the age of three, book an exhilarating trip with Dover Sea Safari from the marina to Deal Pier and back to see the White Cliffs from the sea. Visit Dover Museum to see the oldest-known seagoing vessel in the world, the Bronze-Age Boat, and Dover Museum to explore the Secret Wartime Tunnels and Great Tower.
Take a short drive along the coast to St Margaret's Bay where there's a sheltered pebbly beach and rockpools perfect for dipping at low tide. James Bond author, Ian Fleming, once lived in one of the houses at the end of the beach, as did playwright Noel Coward. There's a café kiosk on the beach and a popular pub, The Coastguard, with plenty of outdoor seating for dinner after a day on the beach.
Kingsdown, Walmer and Deal beaches merge into one long stretch of sloping pebbles to the sea, perfect for lazy days on the beach and trips into town to buy ice-cream. Hire bikes from Mike's Bikes at Hut55, where you can also buy picnics to eat on the beach, and cycle along the level seafront as far as Sandwich Bay.
Explore Richborough Roman Fort near Sandwich, where Roman rule began and ended in Britain, with its incredible historical interpretations and visit the medieval craftspeople at Sandwich Medieval Centre where there's a replica medieval boat. Hop on board the River Runner at Sandwich Quay for a trip along the River Stour to see seals or don a wetsuit at Whitemills Wake & Aqua Park where you can experience the thrill of wakeboarding and attempt their inflatable obstacle course.
Samphire Hoe, between Dover and Folkestone, is a seaside nature reserve perfect for a dose of the natural world in a special place at the foot of the white cliffs. Special events for children take place throughout the year and are always popular with families.
Inspiration to make it a stay:
The Isle of Thanet
Our iconic Isle of Thanet coastline, from Botany Bay, Broadstairs to Margate’s sands is one of our most famous spots, but if you need to venture away from the hotspots, consider taking a walk or cycle along the Viking Coast Trail. Being one of Kent’s most attractive leisure cycle routes, it is in total 32 miles, with a fair amount of it traffic free promenades and lanes, that takes in spots such as Ramsgate that hosts plenty of family friendly with refreshments, or detours to the likes of Monkton Nature Reserve.
If you need an afternoon spent working the brain as well as the legs, rent out a Coastal Explorer Pack, which are family activity bundles perfectly made for the coast. Armed with one of the kits, you can teach yourself and your kids the essential explorer skills including how to use a sundial and compass as well identifying the sea creatures you find on the rocks. For those looking for even more history on the sea creatures of Kent’s coast, venture into Margate’s Old Town to the Crab Museum, which is Europe's #1 Crab Museum and a satisfyingly baffling tourist attraction.
If you just need some pure unadulterated afternoon fun, stick to Margate and the wonderful place that is Dreamland. With its huge array of classic beachside amusements, roller disco and rides, not to mention its packed events calendar, it really is a great British seaside day out.
Inspiration to make it a stay:
Whitstable to Herne Bay
Where to start with this glorious stretch of Kent coastline. If you’re cycling along the Viking Coast Trail you can start in Reculver, which is a famed spot as the towers of the 12th century church that once stood here are a pinnacle out to sea and a popular spot for photographers come sunset. For those with kids in tow, there’s a couple of camping spots which are placed just metres from the waters edge and the long stone beach makes for a quiet day by the sea.
Next stop is Herne Bay, which is an up and coming spot that features a pier (keep an eye out to sea for the original end of the pier which was over 1km long) with amusements, refreshments and plenty of independent shops. If you don’t like the thought of being over water, there’s lots to do on land too with fish and chips to arcade crane machines aplenty, which’ll no doubt keep little ones occupied!
Keep going along this northern coastline and you’ll reach Whitstable which is a picturesque seaside town that is famous for its oysters and winding old streets that are made up of fishing cottages. You can taste devilishly good cakes at bakeries that have stood on the high street for decades to finding a new fit at the independent clothiers. If your kids like adventure, take them out on a boat trip to see the seals!
Inspiration to make it a stay:
Isle of Sheppey
We couldn't write a piece about our beaches and miss off Kent's island and its blue flag beaches! On the north coast you will be greeted with swathes of golden sand at Leysdown-on-Sea and outlets which have classic seaside experiences such as amusements and mini golf. Further along the north coast is Marine Parade which has miles of uninterrupted coastline from Minster to Sheerness to pull up and enjoy; there's also opportunities for biking between the two with traffic free routes - discover them using Explore Kent's Sheppey map.
For those wanting to dig a little deeper into this historic island that is full of wildlife download the Discover the 'Sheppey Shoreline' guide to the wildlife that can be found on the island's beaches - get those binoculars and spot some of the impressive birdlife such as Oytercatchers and get closer to the water to see Whelk Eggs and Shore Crabs. Once you're done for the day (or week if you've enjoyed it so much!) take in the departing boats and sunsets from across the north coast beaches or Elmley Nature Reserve in the south just like JMW Turner did so many years ago.
