Broadstairs Beaches — Quick, No-Faff Guide
Seven sandy bays, Dickens vibes, chalk stacks galore — with lifeguards on key beaches in summer.
About Broadstairs
Broadstairs is Dickens’ favourite seaside town with seven sandy bays wrapped in chalk cliffs. Expect family-friendly beaches, surf at Joss, rock-pooling at Stone, and those Insta-famous stacks at Botany.
Blue Flags 2025: Botany Bay & Joss Bay. Seaside Awards: Viking Bay, Stone Bay, Louisa Bay.
The seven bays (at a glance)
Viking Bay (CT10 1NB)
Main town beach with promenade & lift. Lifeguards 2025: daily 24 May–7 Sep, then weekends 13–28 Sep, 10:00–18:00. Dogs: full ban 1 May–30 Sep.
Stone Bay (CT10 1DU)
Quieter, great for rock-pools. Lifeguards 2025: wknds 24 May–13 Jul, then daily 19 Jul–7 Sep, 10:00–18:00. Dogs: no dogs 10:00–18:00 (May–Sep).
Louisa Bay (CT10 1QE)
Small bay near town; rock-pooling. Dogs: on-lead 10:00–18:00 (May–Sep).
Botany Bay (CT10 3LG)
Iconic chalk stacks. Lifeguards 2025: daily 24 May–7 Sep, 10:00–18:00. Dogs: summer restrictions apply (check council map).
Joss Bay (CT10 3PG)
Surfing hub with big sandy arc. Lifeguards 2025: daily 24 May–7 Sep, 10:00–18:00. Dogs: summer restrictions apply.
Kingsgate Bay (CT10 3QL)
Dramatic arch & Captain Digby nearby. No lifeguards. Dogs: welcome all year. Watch tides for cliff cut-offs.
Dumpton Gap (CT10 1TD)
Quiet, cliff-backed strip between Broadstairs & Ramsgate. Dogs: welcome all year. Tidal — check times.
Always re-check RNLI and council pages on the day for any changes to patrols, access and dog rules.
Getting here
Train & bus
- Train: Southeastern HS1 from London St Pancras or classic from Victoria/Charing Cross to Broadstairs — about a 10 minute walk to Viking Bay.
- Bus: Thanet Loop links the three towns all day; Open-Top Route 69 runs seasonally for coastal bay-hopping.
Map
Parking (central + bay car parks)
| Car park | Notes | Postcode |
|---|---|---|
| Albion Street | Closest to Viking Bay / seafront | CT10 1NE |
| Vere Road | Town centre; short walk to the sands | CT10 1JF |
| Crofts Place | Small central car park | CT10 1JT |
| Joss Bay | For surfers & beach days at Joss | CT10 3PG |
Charges vary seasonally — see Thanet DC’s parking page. Free options sometimes apply at St Peter’s Park Road (check current info).
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Which beaches are Blue Flag in 2025? | Botany Bay and Joss Bay. Viking, Stone & Louisa are Seaside Award. |
| When are lifeguards on? | See bay cards above; usually 10:00–18:00. Always check RNLI pages before you swim. |
| Can I bring my dog? | Viking Bay: full ban 1 May–30 Sep. Dumpton Gap: dog-friendly all year. Others have summer restrictions — check the council map. |
| Best for rock-pooling? | Stone Bay and Louisa Bay at lower tides. |
| Best for surfing? | Joss Bay is the local surf spot (conditions dependent). |
This page is a quick guide — always verify live info before you travel.
