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Kent in the South East is one of the UK’s hidden gems. Vacationers often overlook this county in favour of its more southerly coastal counterparts. Also known as the Garden of England, Kent is home to more than 50 beaches. The sandy beaches in Kent are perfect for adventurers looking to soak up the rays, go fossil hunting or just play in the sand. If these seem like things you’d like to try out, sit back and read on as we explore these beaches.
Table Of Contents
10 Best Sandy Beaches In Kent
There are numerous things to do in Kent and its sandy beaches. We’ve compiled a list of the best ten beaches in this area to cater to different needs.
1. Joss Bay
Starting this list, we have Kent Joss Bay. Located in the seaside town of Broadstairs, Joss Bay is one of Kent’s most popular beaches. This sandy beach, which features steep chalk cliffs, stretches over 200 metres (656 ft). Joss Bay is Kent’s best surfing beach and it even has its own surf school for those looking to take lessons. There’s a large car park at the top of the slope, which leads down to the beach so you don’t have to walk a long distance.
2. Kingsgate Bay Beach
The Kingsgate Bay beach is a great option for families looking for seaside relaxation in Kent. There is no lifeguard service, but it’s pretty quiet and great for group games. You’ll also like that dogs are welcome all year round. Kingsgate Castle and the Captain Digby public house are lovely places to visit near here.
3. Viking Bay
Viking Bay is easily the most popular beach in Broadstairs and this is mainly due to its fantastic scenery and facilities. This bay has a large expanse of sand visible at high tide. It features a pier on one side and a tidal pool on the other. Do not miss out on Morelli’s ice cream shop, where they sell some of the best ice cream in Broadstairs. You’ll also get everything from beachside shops and cafés to restaurants. To add to that, lifeguards are also available to ensure safe swimming for everyone.
Check out the best activities to do in Rochester, one of Kent’s popular towns.
4. Ramsgate Main Sands Beach
As you’d have guessed, Ramsgate features a long stretch of sand surrounded by high white chalk cliffs. As a plus, it is located right next to Royal Harbour, the only harbour in the UK. With children’s rides, arcades and restaurants all present, this is a great family beach. Ramsgate has a dog ban in place from May to September, so leave your furry friends at home if you’re visiting around this period.
5. Botany Bay
Botany Bay is your go-to option if you’re looking for a hidden gem with plenty of sand. This beach is popular for its beautiful views of white chalk cliffs. Botany Bay is a great location for fossil hunting when the tide is out. Just above the beach, there’s a hotel with a restaurant and café. You can approach this bay via a short walk or by cycling along the Viking Coastal Trail.
6. St Mildred’s Bay
A short distance from the seaside town of Westgate lies another hidden beauty, St Mildred’s Bay. This beach has a sandy bay with cliffs and a tidal pool, where you can swim among rock pools. You can also hire beach huts if you’re visiting between Easter and September. Activities to enjoy in this pool include swimming, crazy golf and tennis. Water sports like sailing and windsurfing are also welcome.
7. Sunny Sands
Sunny Sands is not just another random beach in Kent; it is one of the closest sandy beaches to London. This bay, located next to Folkestone Harbour near Ashford, features all facilities in close proximity, including cafés, pubs, shops and toilets. There’s also a lot to do here. You can start by checking out the bronze mermaid statue or hiring a paddleboard. The beach can vanish under high tide so keep this in mind when planning your visit.
If you’re planning to spend a few days in Kent, you’d want to see attractions in Gillingham, one of Kent’s finest towns.
8. Camber Sands
Camber Sands is not just a long stretch of sandy beach. It is home to the only sand dunes in East Sussex, which serve as home to a host of plants and animals. This bay also draws in fun lovers looking to relax or enjoy watersports like kitesurfing and windsurfing. To get the most out of this popular sandy beach, make sure you’re well aware of the tide times, as waters close to the edge can be too shallow for swimming at low tide.
9. Minnis Bay
Minnis Bay is another sandy beach in Kent worth adding to your list. This bay is located on the Isle of Thanet, just east of the Thames Estuary. At low tide, it features a large expanse of sand perfect for ball games and sunbathing. It also has a good range of facilities nearby, including free car parking, a children’s area and toilets. Minnis Bay also has opportunities for watersports like sailing and windsurfing.
10. Stone Bay
Stone Bay is one of Kent’s blue flag beaches due to its outstanding water quality and the quality facilities nearby. This beach is just a short walk from Kiddie’s Corner and Kent Surf School in nearby Viking Bay. Stone Bay boasts everything you need for a day at the beach in Kent, including decorated beach huts. Keep in mind that the bay can be stony when the tides are low but it is great for rock pooling.
If you’re looking to make your stay permanent, see our list of the best places to live in Kent.
Beach Safety And Etiquette
A day at the beach is a great way to relax and unwind with family and friends. However, you must prioritise safety in the midst of this fun. Here are some safety tips and etiquette to keep in mind during your time at the beach.
- Choose a lifeguarded beach if you plan to swim or enjoy water sports, so you can have professionals who can assist in emergencies.
- Swim between the flags, as this indicates the safest swimming areas.
- Never leave children unattended, even for a short time and don’t let them wander too far.
- Be aware of weather forecasts, especially regarding wind, waves and tides.
- Respect others’ spaces. Avoid crowding people or setting up too close to them.
- Clean up after yourself and your pet.
- Respect other beachgoers by keeping noise to a minimum.
SDVH offers passenger vans for hire if you’re looking for a perfect vehicle for your visit to the beach. You can also hire a 7-seater car from our fleet for group travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Sandy Beach To Visit In Kent?
The best sandy beach to visit in Kent is Joss Bay. This beach is perfect for surfers looking for a lively atmosphere. It is also quite wide, offering a large expanse of play or picnic area and there’s a surf school for those looking to learn. Some other great beaches worth visiting in Kent are Botany Bay and Kingsgate Bay.
Are All Kent’s Beaches Sandy?
No, not all Kent’s beaches are sandy. Although Kent is renowned for beaches with sands, you’ll also find some beautiful pebble and shingle beaches in this county. An example is Folkestone, which offers a mix of shingle and sand. Hythe is also a pebble beach. It does, however, have some sandy areas.
What Activities Can I Do On Kent’s Sandy Beaches?
You can do activities like sunbathing, beach reading, picnicking and swimming on Kent’s sandy beaches. Kent’s beaches offer numerous activities so you can be certain that you’ll find something you’ll enjoy. You can even try out watersports like kayaking, windsurfing and paddleboarding. However, these activities are limited to some beaches only.
Are Kent’s Beaches Family-Friendly?
Yes, Kent’s beaches are family-friendly. Kent boasts a great selection of beaches that cater to the needs of young children and their parents. Whether you’re looking for golden sand, gentle slopes or a range of amenities, Kent has a perfect beach for you. You’d also find some beaches with lifeguards to ensure safe swimming.
Can I Bring My Dog To The Beaches In Kent?
Yes, you can bring your dog to the beaches in Kent. Kent has quite a number of dog-friendly beaches perfect for you and your furry friend. Some of these beaches welcome dogs all year round, while others restrict access during peak seasons. Some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Kent include Whitstable Beach, Joss Bay, Dumpton Gap and Dungeness.
Conclusion
From Viking Bay to the more secluded Botany Bay, there are a range of sandy beaches in Kent to suit diverse tastes and preferences. These shores offer the perfect setting for you to unwind and relax with family and friends. So, choose a suitable beach, hire a spacious car and drive down to the seaside to have some fun.
