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 three coveted Blue Flags and seven 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 2011

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

In total, 13 of Kent's beaches have received the Quality Coast Award - three in the Canterbury area, one on the Romney Marsh and two in Swale, alongside the seven Thanet beaches. 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
• Westbrook Bay, Margate

Find out more about the Blue Flag awards and criteria.

Kent's Quality Coast Award beaches:

• Herne Bay
• Reculver
• Tankerton
• Dymchurch Beach
• Beach Street, Sheerness
• Leysdown Beach
• Margate Main Sands
• Minnis Bay
• Ramsgate Main Sands
• St Mildreds Bay
• Stone Bay
• West Bay
• 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.