What are the best beaches near Broadstairs?

The best beaches near Broadstairs are Botany Bay, Viking Bay, Joss Bay, and Louisa Bay. Each offers sandy shores, beautiful views, and excellent facilities.

Is Broadstairs good for swimming?

Yes. Viking Bay and Joss Bay are ideal for swimming and are patrolled by RNLI lifeguards in summer. Botany Bay is also suitable in calm conditions at low tide.

Which Broadstairs beach is best for families?

Viking Bay is the most family-friendly beach in Broadstairs, offering safe bathing, lifeguards, a promenade, amusements, and easy access to cafés and toilets.

Which Broadstairs beach is best for surfing?

Joss Bay is the best surfing beach near Broadstairs. It has a surf school, equipment hire, and reliable wave conditions suitable for beginners and intermediates.

Are dogs allowed on Broadstairs beaches?

Dogs are not permitted on the main Broadstairs beaches, including Viking Bay, Joss Bay, Louisa Bay, and Botany Bay, between 1 May and 30 September from 10am to 6pm.

Where can I park for Broadstairs beaches?

Broadstairs offers several pay-and-display car parks near the beaches, including Broadstairs Harbour, Albion Street, and Palm Bay Avenue for visiting Botany Bay.

How do I get to Broadstairs beaches by train?

Broadstairs Station is a short walk from Viking Bay and within walking distance of Louisa Bay. Regular Southeastern trains run from London St Pancras and Victoria.

Which Broadstairs beach has the best views?

Botany Bay offers the best coastal views near Broadstairs, featuring white chalk cliffs, sea stacks, and panoramic sunsets over the English Channel.

Best Beaches near Broadstairs

BeachesActivities and Outdoors

27 Nov

Written By The Kent Tourist

Broadstairs is one of Kent’s most charming coastal towns, famous for its chalk cliffs, historic promenade, and traditional seaside character. Along its coastline, you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Kent - each with its own unique atmosphere.

From quiet bays ideal for exploring to lively stretches perfect for families, here’s your guide to the best beaches near Broadstairs.

1. Botany Bay

Location: Marine Drive, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 3LG

Botany Bay is one of the most iconic beaches on the Kent coast, known for its towering chalk cliffs, natural sea stacks, and sweeping sandy shoreline. It feels secluded and peaceful, making it perfect for relaxing, exploring, and photography.

At low tide, the beach reveals rock pools and fossils, while high tide offers calm swimming conditions. Lifeguards operate during summer, and there’s a seasonal café plus the Botany Bay Hotel overlooking the shore.

Best for: Scenery, photography, fossil hunting, families
Dog policy: No dogs 1 May–30 September, 10am–6pm

2. Viking Bay

Location: Victoria Parade, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1NB

Viking Bay is Broadstairs’ main beach and one of the best family holiday beaches in Kent. With its traditional seaside charm, colourful beach huts, safe bathing zone, RNLI lifeguards, and promenade cafés, it offers everything for a classic day at the coast.

Children can enjoy paddling, sandcastle building, and the small tidal pool. The clifftop promenade offers spectacular views across the bay, and the beach is just moments from Broadstairs town centre.

Best for: Families, swimming, seaside atmosphere
Dog policy: No dogs 1 May–30 September, 10am–6pm

3. Joss Bay

Location: Joss Gap Road, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 3PG

A wide sandy bay backed by chalk cliffs, Joss Bay is the region’s go-to spot for surfing. The Joss Bay Surf School operates from April to October, offering lessons, board hire, and wetsuit rentals. The beach is large, spacious, and ideal for sunbathing and picnics too.

Facilities include a seasonal café, toilets, and a dedicated car park next to the beach, making it one of the easiest beaches to access.

Best for: Surfing, water sports, active days out
og policy: No dogs 1 May–30 September, 10am–6pm

4. Louisa Bay

Location: Louisa Bay Promenade, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1QY

Just a short walk from Viking Bay, Louisa Bay offers a quieter alternative with shallow waters, small rock pools, and a sheltered sandy cove. It’s particularly popular with families who want a calmer spot close to Broadstairs’ central amenities.

Access is via a slipway, making it suitable for pushchairs. Facilities include a café on the promenade and public toilets close by.

Best for: Rock pools, quieter days out, sheltered swimming
Dog policy: No dogs 1 May–30 September, 10am–6pm