The Best Beaches in Kent

The southeasterly shores of the UK have been beloved by tourists (and their four-legged friends) for more than a century. Since the Victorians revolutionised travel by rail, Kent has been a postcard-perfect paradise of salty air, brightly-coloured beach huts and pebbled coves. The southeast is also considered home to the warmest and driest climes in the UK, ensuring minimal risk of your beach BBQ being dampened by a downpour. From the seaside nostalgia of Broadstairs to the boats and boardwalks of Whitstable, we’re taking a look at some of the best beaches in Kent below.        

Browse our cottages close to the beach in Kent  

Tankerton Beach, Whitstable

Best for: Soothing, scenic walks & quick dips on hot days

Known for its pretty pastel beach huts and rolling grassy banks, Tankerton Beach is just a short distance from the centre of Whitstable. A pebble beach backed by a promenade, Tankerton is the place to visit for laid-back strolls that soothe the soul. It’s also a good spot to head for sunset, making it a rare gem on the East Coast – we suggest securing a picnic bench beside Whitstable’s beachfront weatherboarded pub, Old Neptune, and watching as the sky changes colour.    

Parking for Tankerton Beach 

Tankerton Road Car Park (CT5 2AS) is just over the road from the beach, with parking charges that you can pay online. It also offers proximity to Ossie’s – a popular fish and chip shop, which could be a good call for a post-beach dinner. Alternatively, you can park for free along Marine Parade, which is the road that runs alongside the beach – be sure to get there early for a spot!

Where to stay near Tankerton Beach 

Tankerton Beach is only a short distance from all of our holiday properties in Whitstable. From Whitstable train station, Tankerton Beach is about a 20-minute walk (0.9 miles,) making it easily accessible from all of our holiday properties in the area. 

Minnis Bay Beach, Birchington

Best for: Families, accessibility & watersports 

Another great choice for convenience and stunning sunset views, Minnis Bay is a sandy stretch with watersports facilities and a sailing club close by. You’ll need to check the tide times before your visit, as the sea comes right up to the promenade at high tide; however, a grassy area complete with a children’s play area and home to the Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie beckons should you run out of space on the sand.   

Parking for Minnis Bay Beach 

Paid parking is available at Minnis Bay Car Park (CT7 9QP) just over the road. Alternatively, you can park for free in one of the on-street spaces along The Parade.

Where to stay near Minnis Bay 

The closest places to stay near Minnis Bay are Birchington-on-Sea and Westgate-on-Sea, where you’ll find our stunning sea view properties, Whitecliff and Sandy Villa. 

Margate Beach, Margate

Best for: Nostalgic beach days at the heart of the ‘original seaside’  

Tucked into a natural curve at the side of the town, Margate Beach (also known as Margate Main Sands) is the British beach archetype. With children’s rides, amusement arcades and the Turner Contemporary nearby, Margate Beach makes for a brilliant day out.  

Parking for Margate Beach 

Margate has plenty of parking, which makes visiting the beach and town incredibly easy. Mill Lane Car Park (CT9 1JU) is a huge multi-storey with over 400 spaces, while Market Street Car Park (CT9 1EU) is a few minutes on foot. The Arlington Car Park (CT9 5QH) is also recommended for those visiting Dreamland, the amusement and events venue. 

Where to stay near Margate Beach

A charming escape with plenty of character, Margate promises fascinating history, plenty of fun and a dash of the arts. Stay at the heart of the action with our holiday cottages in Margate.

Botany Bay, Broadstairs

Best for: Stunning scenery, fossil hunting, and rockpooling  

Somewhat secluded and completely spectacular, Botany Bay sits at the very tip of the Isle of Thanet, between the popular seaside towns of Margate and Broadstairs. The northernmost of seven bays stretching along the coast of Broadstairs, Botany Bay’s equally delightful neighbours include Joss Bay, Viking Bay and Kingsgate Bay – all worthy of a mention in this list. Defined by its white cliffs, chalk stacks and sandy terrain, Botany Bay is one of the most photographed beaches in the area, but remains somewhat under the radar.   

Parking for Botany Bay Beach 

The best place to park for Botany Bay is at the nearby Palm Bay Avenue, where there are over 200 free parking spaces (CT9 3PP.) A short cliff-top walk will bring you to the entrance to the beach. 

Where to stay near Botany Bay 

Botany Bay is one of Kent’s best beaches, and is just 2.5 miles from the centre of Broadstairs, where you’ll find a choice of holiday cottages, restaurants, shops and more. 

Joss Bay, Broadstairs

Best for: Surfing and sandcastles  

Tucked tidily against chalk cliffs, Joss Bay is a sandy cove with a laid-back vibe that appeals to everyone. Home to long-established Kent Surf School (formerly Joss Bay Surf School), you’ll find surf lessons and board hire, along with an onsite cafe. 

Parking for Joss Bay Beach 

There’s a dedicated car park right by the beach (CT10 3PG), which fills up quickly in peak season. Additional on-road parking can sometimes be found along Elmwood Avenue, but arrive early to score a spot and, as always, park considerately of others.

Where to stay near Joss Bay

We’re proud to offer a collection of holiday cottages near Joss Bay, dotted throughout the Broadstairs area.  

Viking Bay Beach, Broadstairs

Best for: A close-to-town beach day or sunrise stroll 

Broadstairs’ main beach, Viking Bay, is a swathe of golden sand overlooked by the pretty buildings of the town and brightly coloured beach huts in yellow and blue. Offering quintessential seaside charm, you’ll find donkey rides, delicious fish and chips and a tidal swimming pool.  

Parking for Viking Bay Beach 

Parking is available at Albion Street Car Park (CT10 1NE) or Harbour Car Park (CT10 1EU), both just a short walk from the sand. For a longer stay, try St Peter’s Park Road Car Park (CT10 2TU).

Where to stay near Viking Bay

Viking Bay is within easy access from any of our Broadstairs holiday cottages, ensuring a stress-free stay by the sea.

Stone Bay, Broadstairs

Best for: Families, proximity to Broadstairs town centre  

A perfect alternative to the crowds of the more central Viking Bay, Stone Bay is a sandy swathe backed by pretty beach huts and white cliffs. It’s around 25 minutes on foot (1 mile) from the centre of Broadstairs, but there is parking nearby should you be bringing a well-packed picnic with you. A haven for families, it is a lifeguarded beach throughout the summer holidays and is a great spot for swimming and rockpooling.   

Parking for Stone Bay 

Street parking is available along the Eastern Esplanade above the beach, with paid parking available nearby at Albion Street (CT10 1NE) or the Harbour Car Park (CT10 1EU.) 

Where to stay near Stone Bay 

Each of our Broadstairs holiday properties is perfectly placed for visiting Stone Bay and the rest of our best beaches in Kent. 

Ramsgate Main Sands, Ramsgate

Best for: Combining sightseeing with big beach days  

Just steps away from Ramsgate’s lively Royal Harbour, Main Sands is a broad, golden beach with an easygoing atmosphere. The proximity to cafés, pubs, and ice cream stalls makes it a solid choice for families and those who want the convenience of having facilities close by. A promenade stretches the length of the beach, making it a great choice for active beach days or those who just enjoy a mooch.

Parking for Ramsgate Main Sands 

Harbour Parade Car Park (CT11 8LS) is the most convenient for direct beach access. Leopold Street Car Park (CT11 9EF,) is another good option with plenty of space, just a short walk away.

Where to stay near Ramsgate Main Sands

Housed in a handsome Regency terrace, Nomad House is one of our holiday cottages in Ramsgate. Perched in a pretty street on the other side of the yacht marina, it’s just 14 minutes on foot from Ramsgate Main Sands.

Sandwich Bay, Sandwich  

Best for: Peace, quiet and stunning scenery

A peaceful pebbled beach housed within a private estate, Sandwich Bay is wedged between Ramsgate and Deal. It has a sandy shoreline at low tide and is backed by a grassy verge, making it a great choice for sunbathing or bringing along a picnic. Entry to the bay itself requires a pass, which you can purchase at the toll house upon entry or online here. The entrance fee, coupled with the secluded setting beside a nature reserve and golf course, makes this a reliably calm and quiet option. 

Parking for Sandwich Bay 

You’ll be directed to your parking spot once you pass the toll booth onto the estate. 

Where to stay near Sandwich Bay  

Just a couple of miles inland from the coast, the stunning Medieval town of Sandwich is a beautiful place to stay during a trip to Kent. One of the Cinque Ports, Sandwich is teeming with fascinating history and charming architecture.  

Deal Beach, Deal

Best for: Long promenade walks and big sky views  

Deal Beach is a long shingle expanse backed by a genteel promenade and Georgian architecture. Less about swimming and more about shoreline walks, it’s a firm favourite for anyone seeking a more tranquil alternative to busier beaches. It’s also home to the historic Deal Pier, an internationally recognised angling venue with a glass-fronted cafe and restaurant at the end. 

Parking for Deal Beach 

Beach Street Car Park (CT14 6HY) is ideally located along the seafront. Some free on-street parking is also available in the surrounding area, but keep in mind that many of the streets are residential.

Where to stay near Deal Beach

We have a huge range of choice when it comes to holiday cottages in Deal. Fall asleep to the soundtrack of the sea at The Albion, or enjoy the colourful character of Noggin.

Kingsdown Beach, Kingsdown

Best for: Rugged romance and beachfront beers

At the end of Deal’s seafront, Kingsdown Beach feels more rugged and remote, with romantic views of the chalky cliffs at its far end. Idyllic and untouched, the beach is largely shingle with rockpools at low tide. You can pick up a section of the scenic Saxon Shore Way from here, or enjoy a pint at the Zetland Arms pub just steps from the water’s edge.

Parking for Kingsdown Beach 

On-street parking is available along Wellington Parade (CT14 8AF), with limited spaces – be sure to check the local signage and park considerately of others. 

Where to stay near Kingsdown Beach

Our holiday cottages in Kingsdown are brimming with charm and character. Seafarer is a cosy bolthole just seconds from the pub, while large group properties such as Oldestairs House, Downs Cottage and Bowden Lodge are just the ticket for special celebrations.  

St Margaret’s Bay Beach, Dover

Best for: Breathtaking walks, 007 connections and sea swims 

Moving further south to the heart of White Cliff’s Country, St Margaret’s Bay is home to a shingle beach at the closest point to France. Known as the starting point for cross-channel swims, the beach boasts beautiful views, a kiosk cafe and watersports facilities. If you’d like to drink it all in from a bird’s eye view, we recommend the clifftop walk to the National Trust’s South Foreland Lighthouse. 

Parking for St Margaret’s Bay 

The beach itself has a dedicated paid car park (CT15 6DY) – there are also some facilities adjacent to the car park, including toilets and beach huts. 

Where to stay near St Margaret’s Bay

St Margaret’s Bay is known for being a favoured holiday haunt of James Bond author, Sir Ian Fleming, with the beachfront property White Cliffs once regularly leased by the writer. Excitingly, you can stay in the neighbouring property, Sea Purse, which boasts the same spacious interiors, sparkling sea views and private outdoor terraces. Alternatively, Carmel Cottage offers the feel of a Malibu beach house, with its private deck offering a sunken fire pit and beautiful ocean vistas. 

Hythe Beach, Hythe

Best for: Proximity to a pretty town with quaint canal walks

Home to a broad stretch of shingle running parallel to the town’s quaint high street and historic Royal Military Canal, Hythe is deserving of its name, which means ‘haven’ in Old English. Often quiet even in summer, the beach is ideal for those who prefer a tranquil sunbathe or paddleboarding session over the bustle of bigger resorts. There’s a flat, accessible promenade, and the sunrises here are spellbinding – a great combination for an early morning stroll. 

Parking for Hythe Beach 

Marine Parade Car Park (CT21 6AW) is the closest to the beach and promenade. There’s also a large car park behind Hythe High Street (CT21 5AJ), which is about 10 minutes on foot from the seafront.

Where to stay near Hythe Beach

We have a choice of characterful and cosy cottages in Hythe, making beach days and dreamy canalside strolls a reality. 

Book a beach break in Kent

Whether you’re making the most of your time with a quick trip from London or looking to stay for longer, our collection of holiday cottages in Kent promises comfort, luxury and close proximity to everything you wish to enjoy, including the best beaches in Kent. Opt for rural idyll in Ashford, historic charm in Canterbury or tour some of the beaches listed above from the quaint and coastal Deal.