Nestled along the Kentish coast, Broadstairs boasts a collection of picturesque beaches that are perfect for visitors of all ages. From the iconic Viking Bay with its horsehoe-shaped sandy beach and quaint beach huts, to hidden gems like Botany Bay with its dramatic chalk cliffs and tidal pools, Broadstairs offers a diverse coastal experience. Whether you're looking for a bustling seaside atmosphere or a quiet spot to relax, the beaches of Broadstairs provide a delightful escape with stunning views, rich history, and opportunities for memorable seaside adventures.
The town's entire coastline forms part of the scenic Viking Coast Trail, which wraps around the Isle of Thanet. Beaches in Broadstairs are especially noted for their white cliffs, surfing opportunities and weather-protected sandy areas. With facility-laden options for families, dog-friendly bays and spots with majestic sights, the perfect beach is easy to find.
The town's main beach and certainly the one to head to for young families, Viking Bay is located just in front of the town's clifftop promenade and is a perfect horseshoe-shape. Popularised by Charles Dickens during the Victorian era, this award-winning beach literally throngs during summer. During the extended holiday season it's alive with children's rides and ice cream stalls. The beach can be accessed from a number of points, but most memorable is via the iconic steps at the centre, purportedly the inspiration for the title of John Buchan's The 39 Steps. With excellent facilities, calm swimming waters, super-soft sand and easy access to parking and the town centre, it's little wonder that many visitors rarely stray further than Viking Bay.
Best beach for: families, day-trippers
A blue-flag beach located just a few hundred metres north of Viking Bay is the quieter, but equally sandy, Stone Bay. Of all the beaches in Broadstairs, Stone Bay is the one preferred by locals. Enveloped by the white chalk cliffs that characterise the entire coastline, the bay offers both a spot of seclusion and excellent protection from wind. At the base of the cliffs lies the promenade that leads back to the town, lined with a row of pretty, well-kept beach huts.
Best beach for: visitors looking for a quieter choice with good facilities
The surf is most definitely up at Joss Bay, one of the most popular surfing destinations in Kent. Home of the Joss Bay Surf School, where instructors are ready to teach you how to surf or sup (stand-up paddle board), it's a local mecca for Kentish water-sports enthusiasts. Located two miles to the north of Broadstairs town centre, the bay is backed by white-chalked cliffs and beyond that lie the greens of North Foreland Golf Course. Joss Bay features a handful of amenities such as a cafe and sun-loungers; it's perfect for those who want to get in on the surfing action, or simply sit back and watch it happen.
Best beach for: water-based adventures
Dumpton Gap Beach, located a mile to the south of Viking Bay is, for many, a secret they would rather keep to themselves. During the low tide it's possible to walk all the way to the beach from Viking Bay, and you can even carry on to Ramsgate, located 1.5 miles to the south. It's the most dog-friendly Broadstairs beach Kent has to offer, with dogs welcome all year round. A concrete promenade gives way to steps that lead down to the sand, with a small row of modern beach huts behind. It's always a hit with families looking for the simple delights of the UK coast, but without the fanfare.
Best beach for: rockpooling and escaping the crowds
For many Kingsgate Bay is best beach in Broadstairs, thanks to it's undeniable beauty. It's an especially good choice if you're looking for calm waters and soft sand, coupled with dramatic scenery. Located to the north of Joss Bay, many visitors don't make it this far so you'll often find peace and quiet. Home to one of the best sea caves in the UK, the white cliffs of Kingsgate Bay reach far into the sea and culminate in the bay's famous sea arch. Be sure to visit at low tide when there is still plenty of sandy space to enjoy.
Best beach for: exploring caves and snorkelling
The original Botany Bay is a scenic beach located 2.5 miles north of Broadstairs. Many choose to arrive on foot; the popular Broadstairs to Botany Bay walk takes in many of the bays named above (Viking, Stone, Kingsgate and Joss) and forms part of the Viking Coastal Trail. Once there you'll quickly notice the imposing chalk stacks and cliffs, and beach-goers competing to get the best shot. Of all the beaches near Broadstairs, Botany Bay is hard to beat when it comes to epic geology. When the tide is out take a closer look at the hidden world of the rockpools or even search for ammonite fossils.
Best beach for: photography and fossil finding
We'll send you exclusive offers and sneak peeks of our best deals, plus travel tips and inspiring ideas for where to go next.
Support and useful information