A Guide to Broadstairs and Its Beaches
Broadstairs is a charming seaside town in Kent, England, that has a rich history and culture. It was the favourite holiday destination of Charles Dickens, who wrote some of his famous novels here. Broadstairs has seven beautiful bays and beaches, each with its own character and attractions. Here are some of the highlights of visiting Broadstairs and its beaches.
Viking Bay
Viking Bay is the main beach in Broadstairs, and the most popular one. It has a crescent shape and a sandy shore, with a promenade and a pier along it. You can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, or sunbathing here, or explore the small harbour and the historic Bleak House at the northern end of the beach. Viking Bay has excellent facilities, such as changing huts, toilets, cafes, restaurants, deck chair hire, beach hut hire, and a lifeguard service. It also has a Blue Flag award for its water quality and environmental management. The postcode for Viking Bay is CT10 1NB .
Stone Bay
Stone Bay is a quieter and more secluded beach than Viking Bay, but still within walking distance from the town centre. It is best known for its rock pools, which are home to various marine creatures and plants. You can also enjoy the views of the chalk cliffs and the sea from here, or relax on the sand or the grassy areas above the beach. Stone Bay has some facilities, such as toilets, parking, and a cafe nearby. The postcode for Stone Bay is CT10 1DU.
Other Beaches
Broadstairs has five other beaches that are worth visiting: Louisa Bay, Dumpton Gap, Botany Bay, Kingsgate Bay, and Joss Bay. Each of these beaches has its own charm and features, such as caves, arches, fossils, surfing spots, golf courses, or amusement arcades. You can find more information about these beaches on the Visit Thanet website.
Getting Here and Parking
Broadstairs is easily accessible by car, train, or bus from various locations in Kent and London. By car, you can follow the A299 Thanet Way from London, the A28 from Canterbury, or the A256 from Sandwich/Dover. Broadstairs is well signposted from all of these routes. You can use the Town Council postcode CT10 1JX for your satnav. By train, you can take the HS1 line from London or other major towns in Kent to Broadstairs station, which is about 10 minutes walk from Viking Bay. By bus, you can take the Stagecoach Loop service that connects Broadstairs with other towns in Thanet. You can also take the seasonal open top bus Route 69 that runs between Ramsgate and Broadstairs.
There are several car parks in Broadstairs and St.Peter’s that are managed by Thanet District Council. You can find more details about their locations, prices, and opening hours on their website. Some of them are free on Saturdays or after 6pm. You can also use the Beach Check UK app to check the status of the beaches before you arrive and avoid crowded ones.