As Brits, we know not to take the warm weather for granted and so, when the sun does decide to show its face, we all flock in our thousands to the nearest beach.

If you fancy spending some time on the Kent coast this weekend but don’t want to wrestle people for sun loungers or queue for hours at the local chippy, we’ve got five ‘hidden gem’ beaches that are guaranteed to be quieter than some of the county’s most-visited shores…

BOTANY BAY, Broadstairs

Just three miles down the road from Broadstairs’ ever-popular Viking Bay is the more secluded but just as picturesque Botany Bay. It might not be as busy and bustling as the main beach, although in more recent years it has become a bit of a favourite with locals, but the sandy shores are complemented by the striking white cliffs and playful rock pools. There’s also a cafe nearby and a pub, the Botany Bay Hotel, on the clifftop.

LITTLESTONE BEACH, Romney Marsh

Dymchurch’s next-door neighbour, Littlestone Beach, is a great spot if you’re looking for wide, shallow sand and endless views of the sea. It’s mostly shingle, although when the tide goes out you can find patches of damp sand that are perfect for building sand castles. There’s a village across the road where you can pick up some refreshments and a grassy patch at the back for picnics.

SEASALTER BEACH, near Faversham

When you think of Faversham, you probably don’t think of the beach. In fact, most people would jump straight to the nearby Whitstable but, if you drive less than 15 minutes from town, you can find a much quieter sand-and-shingle beach. It’s a hotspot for sailing, cycling and country walks, and there’s a caravan park just behind the sea wall. You can even stop off for a posh meal at the Good Food Guide’s Restaurant of the Year, The Sportsman.

SHAKESPEARE CLIFF, Dover

If you enjoy fishing every now and then, this beach is a great place to set up shop for the day. It’s also a dog-friendly beach so your four-legged friends can get some exercise (if it’s not too hot for them) and take a dip in the water to cool off. Either the pebble beach or the cliffs overlooking it are ideal for sitting down with a picnic and watching the world go by. It’s also only a short drive from Dover town centre if you wanted to stop off for lunch or a drink.

ST MILDRED’S BAY, Westgate-on-Sea

This small, sandy beach is a beautiful gem on the Thanet coastline. It’s just a 10 minute drive from the trendy seaside town of Margate but has fewer crowds, giving you and your family more space to stretch out and sunbathe on the golden sand. There’s also a wine bar and bistro on the seafront if you want to spend the evening watching the sun go down over the water.