Beaches in Kent Guide
Welcome to our guide for Beaches in Kent
When you think of Kent, you think of beaches. There’s hundreds of incredible beaches across the county, not least with tons of history that have played their part in key moments through Kent’s timeline. But beyond that, there’s a huge selection of sandy beaches, perfect for Summer holidays, long shingle beaches and entire towns built around gold stuff.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly day by the sea, a quiet coastal walk, or a traditional seaside holiday, Kent’s beaches have something for everyone.
About Kent’s Coastline
Stretching more than 350 kilometres, Kent’s shoreline runs from the Thames Estuary in the north to the English Channel in the south. Along the way, you’ll find lively resorts, peaceful nature reserves, and picturesque fishing towns.
The coast combines Blue Flag beaches, historic promenades, and hidden coves, perfect for swimming, paddle-boarding, beachcombing or simply relaxing beside the sea.
Best Beaches in Kent
Viking Bay (Broadstairs) – A classic crescent-shaped beach with golden sand, colourful beach huts and safe swimming. Ideal for families.
Botany Bay (Broadstairs) – Famous for its dramatic chalk stacks and crystal-clear water. Great for photography and rock-pooling.
Margate Main Sands – One of Kent’s most popular sandy beaches, next to the Turner Contemporary gallery and Dreamland amusement park.
Whitstable Beach – A pebble beach lined with seafood shacks and harbour huts — perfect for oysters and sunset views.
Joss Bay (Broadstairs) – A favourite with surfers and paddle-boarders, offering hire facilities and a relaxed vibe.
Dymchurch Beach – Long, flat sands on the Romney Marsh coast, ideal for walking, picnics and traditional seaside charm.
St Margaret’s Bay (Dover) – A shingle cove beneath the white cliffs, popular with swimmers, divers and coastal walkers.
Deal Beach – Family-friendly with a view of France on clear days and seafront cafés.
Our Guides to Beaches in Kent
Family-Friendly Beaches
Broadstairs and Margate are top choices for families, offering safe bathing, RNLI lifeguards in summer and plenty of cafés and amusements. Many beaches also host seasonal events and festivals, from sandcastle competitions to open-air cinema nights.
Dog-Friendly and Quiet Beaches
Several Kent beaches welcome dogs year-round, including Dumpton Gap, Sandwich Bay, and parts of Whitstable. For peaceful coastal escapes, explore Samphire Hoe, Reculver, or Kingsdown, where crowds are smaller and wildlife thrives.
Coastal Walks and Nature
Kent’s beaches connect seamlessly with scenic walking trails such as the Saxon Shore Way, the England Coast Path, and the White Cliffs of Dover routes. Many beaches sit near nature reserves, ideal for birdwatching and photography.
Accessibility and Facilities
Most major beaches have car parks, toilets, cafés and lifeguard cover. Whitstable, Margate and Broadstairs are accessible by direct train from London. Some coastal paths are step-free, and several beaches provide beach wheelchairs in summer.