10 Best Beaches in Kent

Stone Bay boasts a lovely curve of flat sands, just a short distance from Broadstairs town. Tall chalk cliffs protect the beach from the wind and the heat, which also gives the quiet beach a unique microclimate.

A peaceful alternative to Broadstairs’ main beach, Stone Bay is a favourite spot for rock pooling and observing the area's abundant marine life. Make sure to check the tide times before visiting, as the tide completely submerges the beach.

Folkestone Beach is a favourite among holidaymakers because it’s one of the closest beaches to London. The fine sand on this beach is excellent for making sandcastles, and you can even join the beach’s annual sandcastle competition.

Folkestone Beach is close to the town centre, which means easy access to cafés, shops, and pubs. It’s also a popular spot for collecting fossils, especially near the base of the surrounding cliffs. The beach is suitable for long and lovely walks along the shore. as it offers a breathtaking view of the sunrise.

Minster Leas Beach offers a long stretch of shingle beach that slopes down the grassy bank. You can find it on the northeast coast of the Isle of Sheppey. When the tide is low, you can see a vast sheet of sand, where you can build your own private estate of sandcastles.

The promenade running alongside Minster Leas Beach is popular with families and dog walkers. There’s even an outdoor gym if you fancy working out in the open air. If you like, you can sit on the park benches and just take in the tranquil beauty of the place.

Dover Harbour Beach features pristine water recommended by the Marine Conservation Society. Adjacent to the Kent Coastline Walk, Dover’s harbour walls shelter the shingle beach and give you a clear view of the beautiful seafront. It's also near the town, so you can walk from the beach to the cafés and shops.

Enjoy the view of the medieval Dover Castle and the famed white cliffs while you relax on this beach. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of seals near the harbour.

Westbrook Bay is a haven for water sports enthusiasts in Kent. The beach has a designated water-skiing area, but there are still enough sandy spots for kids to play and build sandcastles. When the tide is out, the rockpools should entertain children curious about marine life.

If you’ve had your fill of the beach but still want to get some exercise, you can go to the nearby bowling alleys, tennis courts, mini-golf courses, and cycle routes. Shops and cafés are found in Margate town, located less than a mile away from Westbrook Bay.

The sand and shingle beach of Sandwich Bay offers quiet relaxation for people who wish to steer clear of crowds. This beach reveals its charming side when the tide is out, with flat sands and water pools. Majestic birdlife is plentiful in the area, too. 

The northern part of the beach, bordered by the River Stour, is a popular spot for naturalists. There’s a nature reserve in the area, where you can observe wildfowl. Get a closer look at seals by taking boat trips from the harbour.

Dymchurch Beach is a tourist favourite because of its flat sandbed, ideal for sunbathing and playing beach sports. You can spot kite surfers and paddlers throughout busy months. Great for kids, donkey rides through the area are available during the holidays. 

Once you’ve had your fill of Dymchurch Beach, you can hop over to an iconic miniature railway nearby or an amusement park in the village. History lovers can make an appointment to visit Martello Tower, built during the Napoleonic Wars, for a historical tour.

Botany Bay is a great place to be if you’re looking for a calm and beautiful place to relax. Lined with majestic chalk cliffs and stacks, the beach is one of Kent’s hidden gems and is relatively quiet and secluded.

Botany Bay is excellent for exploring fossil finds and rock pooling. Even when the tide comes in, you’ll still have enough sand to keep the fun going. You can drop by a restaurant and café above the bay if you want to eat while enjoying the sea breeze.

With over 200 miles of sandy beaches, Joss Bay is one of the top destinations for families. White cliffs tower over the beach, which you can admire while you laze around, stroll along the shore, or ride a bicycle.

Joss Bay is known as the best surfing beach in Thanet – it's home to the coast’s longest-running surf school. If you want to learn surfing, the school offers lessons, board hire, and wetsuits at reasonable rates. 

Greatstone Beach is a favourite among beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts as it offers fresh winds, 2 miles of flat sandy shore and safe waters. The abundance of soft, fine sand makes it great for building grand sandcastles. In the summer, you can often find kite surfers out in the sea and yachts by the beach.

The Greatstone Dunes separate the seafront from the land. You can find a wide variety of rare plant species on the dunes, along with a diverse population of insects and small mammals.