As the temperatures increase, the beach calls! To inspire your next day or weekend trip, I've compiled my top ten favourite beautiful beaches to visit this summer in the Kent Riviera.
But firstly, a not-so-humble disclaimer: I grew up in Costa Rica and hence I admit I have a high standard of beaches and nature, and therefore can assure you all these beaches listed are pretty damn nice.
Sunny Sands, Folkestone, photo credit here
Most of the towns and beaches listed below are actually great to visit year-round, but during summer they are even better as they have great swimming spots.
So, whether you're looking for bustling seaside towns, picturesque coastlines, or family-friendly environments, check out these beaches and plan where you will explore next.
Viking Beach, Broadstairs
Broadstairs technically has 5 beaches, but Viking Beach is the main beach closest to town.
Viking beach is atmospheric and buzzing, with soft sand, and with a line of colourful beach huts.
The town is full of quaint pubs, food stands selling Kentish Tarts, wine shops and artisan boutiques. It feels like you step back in time, to a time which represented the best side of what it meant to be British.
Fun fact, Charles Dickens visited Broadstairs regularly in the mid-19th century. It's said he spent time writing there, in the pubs and hotels. It's really no surprise, as when you walk down the quaint streets you can see how inspiring this beach town's charm is.
Photo by Ferran Feixas on Unsplash
Botany Bay
Between Margate and Broadstairs, you will find epic Botany Bay.
The Bay makes you feel like you are somewhere exotic, somewhere far away from England thanks to the impressive cliffs and rock formations. It's definitely a great spot for taking photos too.
Walking the Thanet Coastal Path is a great way to soak up the views of the beach, with its towering white cliffs and sea caves.
Photo by Bhanu Kiran on Unsplash
Margate Main Sands
Artsy Margate is a great choice for a day trip.
It boasts an expansive sandy beach called Margate Main Sands, which has a lively atmosphere and offers various water sports activities such as jet skiing and paddle-boarding.
And did you know Margate was recently named as one of the best places to visit in the UK by Timeout Travel? The seaside town was ranked in the top 15 thanks to its growing restaurant scene (not just fish n chips here - even though they are veryyyy good), its booming art scene, with the presence of art gallery Turner Contemporary, independent galleries and a buzzing hub of artists.
Walpole Bay, Margate, photo credit Getty Images.Kingsdown Beach
Kingsdown is a hidden gem.
The charming coastal village is located near Deal and is known for its tranquil atmosphere and nature. The pebble beach offers a relaxing seaside retreat, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, with views to the iconic White Cliffs of Dover and the English Channel.
It’s good to note, there are no direct train stations in Kingsdown, the closest stations are Deal and Walmer.
Deal Beach
Deal is a great choice for a day trip, with attractions like Deal Castle and Deal Pier, which has great panoramic views out to the sea.
In the town you will find many boutique shops, galleries, pretty streets and houses and the promenade by the sea. My top recommendation is to walk down Middle Street - it’s the cutest street with colourful cottages.
Deal also offers a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants for you to explore. And if you go on a Saturday make sure to check out Deal’s Saturday Market, it’s compact but a lot of fun. With plenty of local produce and businesses, treasures to hunt through, dog watching, or to simply grab a coffee and a snack.
Deal beach. Photo by Ben Garratt on Unsplash
Sunny Sands Beach, Folkestone
Sunny Sands Beach is Folkestone's popular sandy beach. The sand is soft sand and the water is shallow. The beach is only a few minutes walk down from the creative quarter and the town centre, at the eastern end of the Folkestone Harbour.
Folkestone is conveniently located only an hour away on the high-speed train from London and has everything you might desire for a day trip: stunning coastline and surrounding nature, a generous range of cafes, bars and restaurants, and an overall good vibe.
... And I promise I’m not being biassed as it’s my new home. As a world traveller, I can vouch it’s a really fun spot to explore, with both sandy and pebble beaches which look over and across to France.
If you follow the coastline along Sunny Sands you will arrive at the East Cliff and its three Martello towers - built in Napoleonic times as part of the south coast defence system - these also mark the entrance to The Warren.
The Warren Nature Park, Folkestone
Just up from Sunny Sands in Folkestone, you will find The Warren, with many windy paths through woodland and spectacular views of the chalk cliffs and out to sea.
The Park is home to coastal plants and wildlife such as samphire and rock sea lavender, and apparently, around 150 species of birds can be seen around the cliffs.
You can even stay there, at a spot called Little Switzerland Caravan Site, it's right behind the beach. It seems to be a popular choice for those wanting to be surrounded by nature. I have only sneakily used their bathrooms but it looked like a fun place to stay.
Mermaid Beach, Folkestone
On the opposite side of Folkestone, there’s lengthy and pebbly Mermaid beach.
You can walk or cycle there by following the zig-zag path down from the Leas - Folkestone's unique clifftop promenade. It's a lovely walk through the coastal park with views of the sea. But it's good to know, there's also a parking lot if you're driving.
Down at the beach, you will find a sheltered shingle beach. It's wide and has beautiful clear crystal clear water, thanks to the pebbles. It is a favourite for local swimmers year round and, I can agree, in summer the sea was lovely to swim in. Swimming shoes are a must though.
Conveniently, there’s also Mermaid Café, perfect for getting ice cream or for using their facilities.
Whitstable Beach Front
Oyster capital Whitstable has a blend of coastal beauty, culinary delights, artistic flair, and a relaxed ambience.
Interestingly, in recent years it has become an internationally recognised place to visit, with celebrities coming from around the world. Superstar Mia Khalifa was recently seen in her bikini, strutting the shingled beaches, turning heads in her usual fashion.
Credit, Mia Khalifa on Instagram
Colourful beach huts on Tankerton Slopes, Whitstable. Photo credit here
If you are up for a good walk, follow the Saxon Shore Way starting from Faversham and ending in Whitstable. It's approximately 16.7km and passes through Faversham's historic town centre, then out onto the marsh, next to the sea, and culminates in Whitstable where you can celebrate with a pint and an ice cream.
Faversham. Photo credit here
Saxon Shore Way. Photo by Harry Keane on Unsplash
Sheerness Beach, Isle of Sheppey
Sheerness Beach is found on the northern coast of the Isle of Sheppey, where the rivers Thames and Medway meet the North Sea.
From the shore, there are views across the estuary, towards Southend-on-Sea and the Essex coastline.
Isle of Sheppey's vast empty spaces gives the notion it is still somewhat unexplored and mysterious. But the popular spots, like Sheerness Beach, have plenty of facilities and restaurants and are good for swimming, thanks to sandy patches and calm tides.
If you also looking for nature the island has several nature reserves. I really enjoyed walking around Elmley Nature Reserve, a spectacular landscape with interesting wildlife, lots of birds and wild rabbits.
Estuary English, the Ferryman’s hut. Photo credit here