Viking Bay Broadstairs Guide
One of the most iconic beaches on the Kent coast, Viking Bay sits at the heart of Broadstairs and offers a classic British seaside experience. With its wide sandy shoreline, colourful beach huts, calm bathing waters, and lively promenade, it’s widely regarded as one of the best family-friendly beaches in Kent.
Backed by chalk cliffs and overlooking the North Sea, Viking Bay combines traditional seaside charm with excellent modern facilities. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a summer holiday, or a relaxed coastal walk, Viking Bay is a must-visit when exploring the Broadstairs coastline.
About Viking Bay
Viking Bay is a broad, crescent-shaped sandy beach with gently shelving waters, making it ideal for swimming, paddling, and sandcastle building. The bay has been a popular seaside destination since Victorian times and still retains its nostalgic charm, from deckchair hire and beach huts to ice cream parlours and fish-and-chip shops along the promenade.
During the summer months, the beach is RNLI lifeguarded, providing reassurance for families. At low tide, the sands stretch out across the bay, while at high tide the water remains sheltered and suitable for swimming.
Thanks to its west-facing position, Viking Bay is also a fantastic spot to enjoy sunsets over the sea, particularly from the promenade or clifftop paths above the beach.
Viking Bay at Dusk
Visitor Information
Getting There
By train: Broadstairs Station (approx. 5-minute walk).
By car: Follow the A299 (Thanet Way) into Broadstairs town centre.
Parking & Facilities
Pay-and-display parking nearby at Albion Street and Broadstairs Harbour.
Toilets, cafés, restaurants, deckchair hire, RNLI lifeguards in summer.
Map
Things to Do at Viking Bay
Relax on the Sand
With soft golden sand and plenty of space, Viking Bay is perfect for sunbathing, picnics, and beach games. Deckchairs and parasols are available to hire during the summer season.
Swim and Paddle
The bay’s calm, shallow waters make it one of the safest swimming beaches in Thanet. Lifeguards patrol the beach from May to September, and water quality regularly meets Blue Flag standards.
Explore Broadstairs Promenade
Just above the beach, the promenade is lined with cafés, restaurants, and traditional seaside attractions. Popular stops include ice cream parlours, beachside bars, and independent shops.
Visit Broadstairs Old Town
A short walk from the beach takes you into Broadstairs Old Town, where you’ll find historic streets, galleries, and independent cafés, as well as connections to Charles Dickens, who was a frequent visitor.
Coastal Walks
Viking Bay is part of the Viking Coastal Trail, offering scenic walks along the clifftops towards Louisa Bay, Joss Bay, and beyond.
