Two beautiful Kent beaches have been named among a list of the best 50 shores in the UK.

Stone Bay in Broadstairs and St Margaret’s Bay in Dover have been praised for their white cliffs, clean water, and great facilities.

Stone Bay was awarded second in the south east, nominated for the public in the poll by The Times.

Polly Dryden, who lives near the beach, explained she felt Stone Bay was deserving of the accolade.

“Stone Bay is just around the corner from Broadstairs’ main beach, Viking Bay,” she said.

“That is a lovely beach too, but because it’s the first one visitors see when they arrive it has cafés, amusements and Mr Punch during the summer holidays.

“Stone Bay, however, with its lovely sand and cheerful huts lining the prom, is less busy and ideal for families to spend time together playing on the sand, building castles, swimming or just having a cuppa at the newly opened café.”

The newspaper says the cafe, called The Hut has a ‘Californian style’, serving avocado on toast and cheese and kimchi toasties.

The business’s license bid to serve alcohol was recently approved, sparking fears it would become an all-night party spot.

St Margaret’s Bay down in Dover was just pipped by its Thanet rival, coming third in the area.

The seaside’s hidden location and its white cliffs were factors in its ranking, as well as The Coastguard pub which overlooks the water.

In the article, the publisher said: “It comes as a surprise to those who have never visited that there’s an extraordinary little beach here backed by dazzling white chalk cliffs that reflect the sun onto your back when you’re gazing seawards.

“Go left along the beach, past The Coastguard pub, and at low tide you’ll see the deep pools left in the slippery chalk where decent-sized crabs lurk.

“You can set up deckchairs on the prom if you prefer your views without the shingle, and there’s great tea and cake from the snack shack next to the loos.”

Weymouth in Dorset was crowned the best beach in the UK.