Beaches and bays

Whether you're after traditional family entertainment, adrenaline watersports or somewhere to chill out, Kent's varied coastline has just the beach or resort for you.

The Isle of Thanet encompasses the popular resorts of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate: 15 sandy beaches and bays with nine coveted Blue Flags and one Quality Coast Award. Whether its lazy summer days lounging in a secluded cove, all the fun of a traditional seaside holiday, with rock pools, Punch & Judy, funfairs, sandcastles and ice cream, or high energy sports like surfing, kayaking, jet skiing, kite surfing, there is a beach just for you. You can also discover more about the coastline and its marine life on Seashore Safaris, wildlife sailings and Rock Doc walks.

Kent's southeast coast unfurls another ribbon of resorts. Revel in the Edwardian elegance of Folkestone, then at Hythe hop aboard a steam train to sandy beaches. Or create your own adventure on the marshes, broad sands and shingle stretches around New Romney.

There's also plenty to do in seaside towns as varied as historic Sandwich and quirky-chic Whitstable with its art galleries, craft shops and fine seafood restaurants.

Use our search facility to find your perfect beach. You can also use the Good Beach Guide for ideas and information.
 

Blue Flag Awards 2010

The prestigious Blue Flag, only awarded to Europe's top coastal destinations, will be flying over nine of Kent's beaches this summer. Thanet, which covers Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs is proud to boast all 9 Blue Flags in Kent. A Blue Flag is awarded to coastal destinations which have achieved the highest quality in water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management.

Viking Bay in Broadstairs has also received the Quality Coast Award for the fourth year running. In total, 7 of Kent's beaches have received the Quality Coast Award. To achieve this award, beaches have to meet strict criteria, including clean sands, being free litter and dog fouling, good access with good facilities and with guideline water quality.

Find out more about Thanet's beautiful sandy beaches.

Kent's Blue Flag beaches:

• Botany Bay, Broadstairs
• Joss Bay, Broadstairs
• Minnis Bay, Birchington
• Margate Main Sands
• Ramsgate Main Sands
• St Mildred's Bay, Westgate
• Stone Bay, Broadstairs
• Westbrook Bay, Margate
• West Bay, Westgate

Find out more about the Blue Flag awards and criteria.

Kent's Quality Coast Award beaches:

• Beech Street, Sheerness 
• Dymchurch Beach 
• Herne Bay
• Leysdown Beach
• Reculver, Herne Bay
• Tankerton, Whitstable
• Viking Bay, Broadstairs

 

New 'Beach Within Reach' scheme:
If you are a wheelchair user or have limited mobility, the following beaches and bays in the Thanet area have beach wheelchairs you can use. West Bay, Westgate, Margate Main Sands, Viking Bay, Broadstairs and Ramsgate Main Sands. Contact the bay inspector on the beach or ring 01843 296111 for further information.