Along the Kent coast: where to head for a perfect day out

WHITSTABLE BEACH

If the sun is out then Whitstable beach has enough to keep both young and old entertained. Kids will love fishing for crabs off the harbour wall, while the donuts from the beach-side cafe are a hit with most. They also sell Kentish beers for the adults. Takeaway refreshments from the Pearson’s Arms mean you can enjoy a drink in the sun while kids play in the sea. If you’re not keen on the local oysters, then top the day off by eating fish and chips out of the wrapper as the sun sets.
Postcode: CT5 1BT
Contact: www.canterbury.co.uk

FOLKESTONE TO DOVER, CLIFF WALK

Once you’ve climbed up from Folkestone onto the cliffs and head out along this section of the North Downs Way there’s an amazing feeling of freedom and isolation. Sometimes on the 10-mile walk you don’t meet or pass another walker. Take a tea break at the Clifftop Cafe at Capel and enjoy the sea views – and France on a clear day. The scenery is fantastic and there’s a sense of satisfaction when you come up over the ridge of Shakespeare Cliff and Dover looms into view.
Postcode: CT18 7HP
Contact: www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk

Kent's Blue Flag Beaches

THE LEAS, FOLKESTONE

The Leas is undoubtedly one of Folkestone’s beauty spots when the sun is out. The long stretch boasts breathtaking views of the Channel and enables the reminiscent to check out the famous Grade II Leas Lift, which has transported people from the town to the beach since the 1800s. It starts from the Road of Remembrance, now known for its iconic Memorial Arch, opened by Prince Harry to mark the centenary of the First World War. A walk past the Leas Cliff Hall leads to the Grand Hotel, where dog walkers and families enjoy the open space.
Postcode: CT20 2DZ
Contact: www.visitkent.co.uk/attractions

LITTLESTONE TO DYMCHURCH WALK

A stroll from Littlestone to Dymchurch is an ideal way to slow the pace in the busy summer. Parking is free at Littlestone beach and with a golf course to your left and the sea to your right, the three-mile walk flies by. A popular route with both cyclists and walkers, the flat path takes you past the golden sands of St Mary’s Bay. As you pass the bay, the Martello Tower at Dymchurch comes into sight and with bumper cars, arcade machines and a log flume on offer, the family is sure to be entertained. Once fully fuelled with fish and chips, the stroll back to Littlestone’s a breeze.

Postcode: TN28 8NQ

THE LEAS, MINSTER

Whether you fancy a quiet stroll, a dip in the sea or a go on the free gym equipment, The Leas has something for everyone and is a winner for all ages. Pretty as a picture beach huts are the recent addition to the seafront scene and its sunsets are some of the best on Sheppey. And if you’re looking to escape the sun, pop over the road to the Playa pub for a beer and bite.

Postcode: ME12 2NL
Contact: www.visitkent.co.uk/attractions

BOTANY BAY, BROADSTAIRS

A gem of a beach that’s a little hard to find but is well worth the hunt. You can laze on the Blue Flag-awarded beach all day as even at high tide there is still a generous strip of sand to enjoy. When the tide goes out, grab a net and bucket and explore the rock pools by the chalk cliffs. The beach cafe provides food, drink and those other seaside essentials – deckchairs, buckets and spades. And when the sun goes down, why not adjourn to the nearby Botany Bay Hotel for drinks and dinner? Heaven.
Postcode: CT10 3LG
Contact: www.visitthanet.co.uk

WESTBROOK BAY, MARGATE

Just five minutes’ walk from the popular main sands at Margate, is Westbrook Bay. One of Keep Britain Tidy’s 13 Seaside Award holders in the South East, Westbrook offers a lovely sandy beach, with shallow water to paddle in and plenty of rock pools for the youngsters to explore. Perfect for the family, with a cafe and shop on the promenade which has a row of beach huts. With lifeguards on patrol during the summer season, there is plenty of nearby parking, adventure golf course along the promenade, with
tennis and bowls close by. A great day out.
Postcode: CT9 5DW
Contact: www.visitthanet.co.uk

WALPOLE BAY, MARGATE

Margate seafront is an obvious choice for a day out when the sun’s shining but the problem is, everyone else has the same idea. Just a five-minute walk around the corner is Walpole Bay, a beautiful stretch of sandy beach that’s usually deserted. For lunch, stroll to the quirky Fort’s Cafe up the road in Cliftonville. If you fancy rejoining the hordes, the bay is a stone’s throw from the Turner Contemporary, Dreamland, Margate’s old town and Thanet’s best pub, The Lifeboat, serving local ales and ciders.
Postcode: CT9 2JN
Contact: www.visitthanet.co.uk

THE PROMENADE, DOVER

Two of the great things about our British seaside are our proms and piers – and for relaxation they don’t get much better than Dover’s. The promenade stretches the length of the beach. There are benches to relax on and you can watch the ferries venturing into the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Walk a bit further for the Prince of Wales Pier to the cafe and lighthouse – and if you’re lucky you may glimpse a visiting seal.
Postcode: CT16 1LQ
Contact: www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk

SANDGATE ESPLANADE

Sandgate is the somewhat quiet, forgotten side of Folkestone that people rarely think to visit. Undeservedly so. The beautiful seafront walk is accentuated by some of the best restaurants and bars in the county. The difficult part is choosing one. Whether its Mexican food at Escondido, beers at the Ship Inn or cocktails at Bar Vasa, there is literally something for any taste. From the exquisite food at the Sandgate Hotel or tucking in at the Little Fish Shop, it is the perfect place to take someone special and spend a summer’s day. With the fantastic views of Dungeness, the three-mile Sandgate to Hythe promenade is perfect for bike rides or walks.
Postcode: CT20 3BE
Contact: www.sandgate-kent.org.uk

WEST BAY CAFE, WESTGATE

They’re can’t be many better places along the the county’s coast to watch a sunset than the beach at West Bay. Even better, it has a great cafe right on the seafront with plenty of outside seating – you can get a filling all-day breakfast, a snack, ice cream or blow-out dinner, or just a mug of tea while you sit by the beach. On a clear day, you’ll see all the way to Reculver Towers. Laze on the beach or if you’re feeling energetic you can walk all the way to Reculver, or into Margate in the other direction, and hardly have to set foot on a road as the coastal path extends for miles.
Postcode: CT8 8QZ
Contact: www.visitthanet.co.uk

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