Botany Bay

One of our most photographed bays, Botany Bay is famous for its stunning views of white cliffs and beautiful chalk stacks. When the tide is out, Botany Bay is a great location for fossil hunting and exploring rock pools. There is plenty of exposed sand to enjoy when the tide is in, but due to the bay's shape the ends are cut off at high tide. Combined Blue Flag and Seaside Award 2026 2026 Seasonal Lifeguards: 23 May - 6 September (7 days a week service) Seasonal Toilets Cafe/restaurant nearby Public House nearby (Botany Bay Hotel and Restaurant) First Aid point Dog ban in place from 1st May until 30th September, when dogs are not permitted between 10am to 6pm. BBQs allowed only after 6pm . Please take rubbish & coals, etc away, and ensure they are fully extinguished Botany Bay is best approached on foot or by cycling along the Viking Coastal Trail . It's a beautiful 45 minute's walk from Margate or Broadstairs, and a short taxi ride from any of the Thanet towns. Please note there is no coach parking at Botany Bay, only a drop-off point at the top of Botany Road, Percy Avenue and Kingsgate Avenue. Coaches can park at Joss Bay or Vere Road, Broadstairs If you must bring a car : * Parking is advised at Palm Bay Avenue (CT9 3PP), where there are over 200 free parking spaces for Palm Bay beach, and a short cliff-top walk to Botany Bay * Car parking is limited with no free parking available in Kingsgate Avenue and Fitzroy Avenue, where 24hr patrols are in force. Permit Holders only. * Please be aware that this is a residential area, so please park sensibly in designated car parks or parking areas and be considerate of local residents and emergency vehicles To find out about accessibility at this beach, please click here