Kent beach guide and where to go
With some of the UK’s best beaches and over 120 miles of golden sand and white chalk cliffs, it’s not surprising that Kent is a popular destination for hiring a beach hut and heading off to the seaside.
The Kent coastline has many areas of natural beauty. The Isle of Sheppey has large expanses of wetland and the two National Nature Reserves are wonderful for wildlife enthusiasts. The South Foreland Heritage coast stretches from Kingsdown to Dover and the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty meets the coastline between Dover and Folkestone.
Of course Dover is famous for its magnificent White Cliffs which reach a height of 110m and overlook the English Channel – on a clear day they can be seen from France!
Due to its low rainfall, it has been said that Dungeness on the southern tip of Kent is Britain’s only desert! Be that true or not, this wild and beautiful expanse is one of the biggest areas of shingle in Europe and another of Kent’s National Nature Reserves.
The north Kent coast has more than 50 beaches and its fair share of seaside towns. Broadstairs, known for its choice of sandy beaches, Whitstable (you must try the oysters!), Hearne Bay with its bandstand and promenade, Margate (art lovers, don’t miss the Turner Contemporary Gallery) and Ramsgate with its large marina.
Other places popular for hiring a Kent beach hut are Stone Bay, Folkestone, Kingsdown and Deal with its long pier and shingle beach.
PROS
Easily accessible from London
Sandy beaches with dramatic chalk cliff backdrops
CONS
If you want to build sandcastles, be sure to avoid the shingle beaches
Some beaches disappear at high tide, so check the tide times!
Most beaches are not dog friendly during the Summer months
