Visit Broadstairs
Things to Do, Eat & See in Broadstairs
About Broadstairs
Broadstairs sits at the far edge of the Garden of England and is one of Kent’s most charming seaside towns. Nestled between chalk cliffs and a necklace of seven sandy bays, it blends nostalgic seaside appeal with boutique shops, coastal walks and a thriving food scene. Families love its safe beaches, bucket-and-spade charm and abundance of activities, while food lovers flock to ice-cream institutions like Morelli’s and Chiappini’s, as well as its independent cafés and restaurants.
Part of the Thanet coastline alongside Margate and Ramsgate, Broadstairs offers everything from calm coastal strolls to surf lessons at Joss Bay. Its scenery feels untouched, yet the town centre is lively, colourful and full of character.
History of Broadstairs
Broadstairs has been a beloved holiday destination since Victorian times, but its history stretches much further back. Once a small fishing and boat-building community, the town grew dramatically as seaside tourism boomed in the 19th century. Its literary fame comes from Charles Dickens, who spent many summers here and described Broadstairs as “our English watering-place.”
Dickens stayed at what is now known as Bleak House, perched dramatically on the cliff top overlooking Viking Bay. The Dickens House Museum, on the seafront, explores his life, writings and connections to the town. Inland, St Peter’s offers award-winning heritage tours, while the Crampton Tower Museum highlights Victorian engineering and the development of coastal life.
Today, Broadstairs remains a warm, nostalgic and unspoilt seaside escape with a strong sense of community, beloved events such as Folk Week, and a timeless charm found nowhere else in Kent.
Things to do in Broadstairs
Viking Bay
The town’s main beach, offering golden sands, beach huts, a harbour, cliff-top promenade and classic seaside charm.
Plan Visit ➔
Broadstairs Food Festival
A twice-yearly celebration of local food, artisan producers, street food and Kentish wine, held each spring and autumn.
Discover Event ➔
Dickens House Museum
Explore Charles Dickens' life, memorabilia and Broadstairs connections at this charming cliff-top museum.
Plan Visit ➔Places to Eat and Drink in Broadstairs
Broadstairs has a thriving food scene that blends nostalgic seaside favourites with innovative modern dining. Along the seafront and through its winding streets, you’ll find everything from traditional fish and chips to artisan bakeries, stylish restaurants and family-run cafés.
Morelli’s Gelato, a 1950s-style ice-cream parlour overlooking Viking Bay, is one of the town’s most iconic spots, famous for its Italian gelato and retro décor. For fresh seafood and daily specials, The Tartar Frigate sits right at the harbour and is a long-standing favourite with locals and visitors. If you’re looking for something contemporary, Posillipo offers authentic Neapolitan cuisine with sea views, while Broadstairs High Street is full of independent delis, wine bars, bakeries and cosy pubs.
The town’s food culture comes alive twice a year during the Broadstairs Food Festival, when local producers, chefs and artisan makers turn the clifftops into one of Kent’s most celebrated culinary events.
Getting to Broadstairs
Train Travel
Broadstairs is served by direct High-Speed 1 trains from London St Pancras, taking around 80–90 minutes. Regular services also run from London Victoria and Charing Cross.
Book Trains to Broadstairs ➔