With greater than 50 seashores throughout the county, together with some attractive family-friendly spots, you’re spoiled for selection on the subject of sandy seashores in Kent with children.
As shut mates dwell within the county, a few of my daughter’s earliest UK seaside experiences have been on Kent’s beautiful seashores – and dealing my approach round every one is a problem I’m very completely happy to tackle!
With shingle seashore, stony coves and others tucked away on the foot of steep chalk cliffs, not all are child-friendly although, so listed below are the perfect locations to start out, with my choose of the perfect sandy seashores in Kent with children, together with dog-friendly choices, rock pooling, browsing and a few conventional seaside enjoyable.
Botany Bay, Broadstairs
Botany Bay is considered one of a number of attractive sandy seashores close to the seaside resort city of Broadstairs.
In comparison with a few of the others, this beautiful Blue Flag seashore is comparatively secluded and surrounded by towering white chalk cliffs, giving it a peaceable and enjoyable environment.
The mushy golden sand gives an amazing play space for little ones to construct sandcastles and revel in seashore video games. Throughout low tide, children may go rock pooling and fossil looking alongside the seafront.
The waters at Botany Bay are well-liked with swimmers, bodyboarders, and different water sports activities, and a lifeguard is on responsibility between late Might to early September to maintain everybody’s protected.
Parking near Botany Bay is restricted, so for those who’re visiting throughout peak season, chances are you’ll want to move to Palm Bay Avenue and take a brief stroll to the bay. Services are additionally restricted to a restaurant and a bathroom, so it’s finest to deliver something you may want.
Canine are banned on the seashore between 10am to 6pm from Might to September. By the way, for those who suppose the well-known Botany Bay in Australia was named after this spot in Kent, you’d be mistaken – it’s the opposite approach round after native smugglers have been caught right here and deported Down Below.
For extra issues to do in Kent with children, try my high picks
Joss Bay, Broadstairs
If browsing is your loved ones’s factor, Joss Bay is the place for you. Additionally near Broadstairs, the seashore is well-known for its surf and has an established surf faculty providing children surf classes and tools leases, making it an amazing selection for water sports activities lovers.
Non-surfers can benefit from the designated swimming space, which has a lifeguard on responsibility through the summer time months.
The 200-metre-long sandy bay has a great deal of area for youths to run round and play. There are additionally loads of amenities on the seashore, together with bogs, a restaurant, a store, deckchair rent, and a seasonal youngsters’s play space with a bouncy fortress and trampolines (for an additional charge).
Whereas this Blue Flag seashore can get crowded through the peak summer time months, there’s normally greater than sufficient area on the massive seashore for everybody to take pleasure in, and there’s good parking right here too.
Canine should not allowed on the seashore between 10am and 6pm from Might to September. And for those who’re questioning concerning the title? Joss Bay is seemingly named after an 18th century smuggler, probably the most profitable on this a part of the south east.
Kingsgate Bay, Broadstairs
Kingsgate Bay is a sheltered cove that’s recognized for its towering white chalk cliffs and well-known sea caves, which have been known as a few of the finest within the UK.
It’s additionally one of many few sandy bays in Kent the place canine are allowed on the seashore all yr spherical.
There aren’t any lifeguards or public amenities on the bay. Nevertheless, there’s a family-friendly pub overlooking the seashore in case you are in search of a chunk to eat.
The seashore can also be only a brief 15 minute stroll to Joss Bay for those who do want the rest – and with restricted parking at Kingsgate Bay, you may wish to go away your automotive nearer to Joss Bay for those who’re driving.
You may as well mix your day on the seashore with a go to to historic Kingsgate Citadel, which overlooks the southern facet of the bay.
Take a look at my tips about the finest seashore actions with children for those who’re in search of methods to entertain the household
Stone Bay, Broadstairs
One more beautiful seashore situated near Broadstairs, Stone Bay is a little more of a hidden gem famend for its pure magnificence and pristine sandy Blue Flag seashore.
With its towering cliffs and clear waters, the setting actually is beautiful and the environment on the seashore is extra peaceable in comparison with the opposite seashores in Broadstairs, making it supreme for these looking for a quieter expertise.
Services on the seashore embody seashore huts, bogs, and a small cafe. A free automotive park is on the market on the street on the high of the cliff above the seashore, however there are a number of steps to get right down to the sand, so go away the buggy at residence if attainable.
Stone Bay is ideal for exploring the rock swimming pools and trying to find seashells throughout low tide, however be warned that the sand all however vanishes throughout excessive tide.
Viking Bay, Broadstairs
Viking Bay is about proper within the coronary heart of Broadstairs, and its central location means there’s an entire selection of actions, locations to eat and drink, and different amenities for those who’re planning a household time out on the seashore.
The horseshoe-shaped bay is lined with vibrant seashore huts and has a small pier, a cliff-top promenade, and a beachfront boardwalk full of cafes, eating places, and ice cream retailers – not least conventional favorite Morelli’s, which we at all times go to on a time out in Broadstairs.
The seashore itself has a number of area for youths to run round and play, in addition to a child’s play space and crystal-clear waters which are good for swimming and paddling. There’s a lifeguard on responsibility all through the summer time months.
Viking Bay is well accessible and has a number of close by automotive parks. There’s even a cliff-side elevate that connects the city with the seashore if in case you have a buggy or wheelchair.
Do count on it to get busy on sunny days and in peak season although.
Canine should not permitted on the primary seashore between Might and September, however there’s a small dog-friendly bay only a brief distance alongside the coast known as Dumpton Hole.
Dumpton Hole, Broadstairs
Dumpton Hole is a small, secluded sandy seashore simply alongside the coast from Viking Bay in central Broadstairs. At low tide, you possibly can stroll from Viking Bay to Dumpton Hole alongside the seashore in round quarter-hour.
The seashore is slightly smaller than others within the space, and there’s not lots of sand left at excessive tide, however it’s normally a lot quieter than the likes of close by Viking Bay and Ramsgate.
It’s additionally one of many solely sandy seashores in Kent that’s dog-friendly year-round. Your four-legged buddy can run round, discover, and splash within the water as a lot as they like.
There are a number of amenities on the bay, together with seashore huts, bogs, and a small cafe.
Minnis Bay, Birchington-on-Sea
Minnis Bay, located close to Birchington on Kent’s north coast, is a family-friendly sandy seashore with a large stretch of attractive nice sand bordered by sand dunes. It’s the right spot for kids to run round, construct sandcastles, and discover the various rock swimming pools.
The seashore has a shallow tidal paddling pool for youths and a lifeguard service throughout peak seasons. It’s usually much less crowded in comparison with different well-liked seashores within the space, providing a extra relaxed and peaceable environment.
Minnis Bay has free parking, seashore huts, bogs, and a youngsters’s play space. There’s additionally a picnic space, an ice cream kiosk, and a restaurant and restaurant on the promenade.
Canine should not allowed on the seashore between Might and September at any time of day.
St Mildred’s Bay, Westgate-on-Sea
St Mildred’s Bay is a sandy seashore within the seaside city of Westgate-on-Sea, only a brief distance from Margate and considered one of a number of Blue Flag seashores in Kent.
The picturesque sandy seashore is thought for its promenade and huge tidal pool that’s good for little ones to securely splash round in.
If you happen to come throughout low tide, the small seashore is a great spot for sunbathing, constructing sandcastles, and taking leisurely walks alongside the shore. However at excessive tide, there’s not a lot sand remaining, so time your go to correctly.
This family-friendly seashore has varied amenities too, together with accessible parking, public bogs, and a bar and bistro on the promenade.
Canine should not permitted on the seashore between 10am and 6pm from Might to September.
Margate Essential Sands, Margate
If it’s the traditional British seaside expertise you’re after, Margate Essential Sands is the seashore for you.
Margate Essential Sands is a beautiful sandy seashore that traces the previous city of the favored seaside resort city by the identical title. Sitting only a 90-minute prepare journey from Victoria Station, it’s one of many best seashores in Kent to achieve on a day journey from London too.
The Blue Flag seashore itself is pretty massive, so there’s loads of area for little ones to run round, benefit from the mushy sand, and construct sandcastles.
Services embody public bogs and a handful of seashore cafes. Or you possibly can take a wander into the Outdated City for an excellent larger choice of eating places, bars and seafood stalls.
Like every traditional British seaside city, you’ll additionally discover plenty of arcades alongside the seafront, in addition to the well-known Dreamland Amusement Park, with loads of thrilling rides and rollercoasters for youths.
Throughout the summer time months, the seashore can develop into very busy, particularly on weekends. So plan accordingly and arrive early for those who choose a quieter expertise.
Canine should not allowed on the seashore between 10am and 6pm from Might to September. However there are some good canine walks alongside the cliff tops near the seashore and city.
If you happen to’re in search of an amazing dog-friendly seashore close to Margate, try Palm Bay, the place your four-legged mates are allowed year-round – plus there’s sand for youths, and it’s usually quieter than the opposite seashores within the space
Greatstone Seaside, New Romney
With two miles of sand, Greatstone Seaside is without doubt one of the finest sandy seashores in Kent for those who’re exploring round Dungeness – wildly weirdly great itself however completely shingle – or Lydd-on-Sea.
With protected swimming waters and mild, flat sand, it’s good for those who’re hitting the seashore with youthful children as nicely – time it at low tide and the water goes out nearly half a mile (nice in order for you area, much less good for a paddle).
You’ll discover watersports right here as nicely, together with windsurfing, kitesurfing and kiteboarding, together with land yachting, taking advantage of the breezes off the coast, and it’s backed by some beautiful protected dunes as nicely.
Maintain a watch out for steam trains working from Romney to Dymchurch too whilst you’re on the seashore. Canine are banned on two sections of the seashore from Might to September – look out for indicators exhibiting the place they’re and aren’t permitted.
Dymchurch Seaside, Romney Marsh
Barely additional up the coast from Greatstone Seaside, Dymchurch Seaside is one other flat sandy seashore which stretches for 3 miles.
The brand new sea wall, constructed simply over a decade in the past, protects the seashore itself but additionally makes an amazing place to stroll – watch out when it’s moist because it will get slippery although. There’s a nineteenth century Martello Tower overlooking the sand too, a legacy of the Napoleonic Wars.
As you’re near the village of Dymchurch, it’s simple to search out locations to purchase snacks, though being close by does imply that it could possibly get very busy. In summer time and faculty holidays, you will discover donkey rides and different amusements for youths too.
Or hop onto the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch slim gauge railway which travels between Hythe and Dungeness to discover additional (you’ll spot Greatstone Seaside from the window).
Canine aren’t allowed from Might to September on the stretch between Sycamore Gardens and The Martello Automotive Park.
Sunny Sands, Folkestone
Proper by Folkestone harbour, Sunny Sands is straightforward to achieve from the city centre and one other lengthy stretch of golden sand to take pleasure in in Kent with children.
Actually, the sand right here is so good, there are sandcastle-building competitions, so it’s supreme for those who satisfaction your self in your intricate seashore fortresses.
There are many amenities too, together with cafes, retailers and bogs though it could possibly get busy in summer time, and it’s finest to time your go to for low tide because the sand is usually coated at excessive tide.
It’s one other of the closest sandy seashores to London, for those who’re planning a time out with children, lower than an hour by prepare from Kings Cross St Pancras.
You may rent paddle boards, kayaks and go bodyboarding right here, or preserve a watch out for the bronze mermaid statue as you stroll alongside the seashore. Canine are banned from Might to October.
For extra nice sandy seashores close to London, the finest sandy seashores in Sussex, try my high picks simply throughout the county border
Extra seashores in Kent with children
Whereas these don’t make my listing of the highest sandy seashores in Kent with children, they’re nonetheless value understanding about for those who fancy a day by the seaside.
Whitstable
One in all my all-time favorite locations in Kent, you don’t go to Whitstable for the sand – the seashore right here is all shingle, though for those who fancy some crabbing or a little bit of beachcombing, it’s unbelievable.
Take a look at my high issues to do in Whitstable with children for extra inspiration
Herne Bay
Simply alongside the north Kent coast from Whitstable, you will discover some sand right here in addition to shingle, so it’s an excellent possibility for those who’re within the space and dying to make a sandcastle.
With its pier and seashore huts, it’s a conventional slice of English seaside – count on a number of household enjoyable like inflatable slides, helter skelter and carousel in summer time, plus there are lifeguards, a sheltered bathing space, and a few nice fish and chips.
Samphire Hoe, Dover
This will get a point out as maybe probably the most uncommon seashores in Kent because it was constructed a number of a long time in the past with spoil from the Channel Tunnel excavations.
Largely pebble and shingle, it sits beneath the white cliffs of Dover, considered one of Kent’s most iconic places, and is now a nature reserve. it’s nice for rockpooling too, and canine pleasant.
Deal
One other pebble seashore, Deal continues to be a beautiful place for a time out in Kent with children, with its fortress and pier. Greatest for a stroll by the ocean fairly than a swim although
For extra issues to do in Kent with children, try my high picks
Essential picture/Whitstable/Herne Bay copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy of Depositphotos/AdobeStock.
