Pade & Play: Active Adventures on the Isle of Thanet
Thanet isn’t just about galleries and historic sites. If you’re looking for a new way to stay active by the sea, Westwood Cross has a surprise in store: a state‑of‑the‑art padel club opening in spring 2026. The club will feature six all‑weather glass courts, a coaching programme, social memberships and even a coffee shop and bar on site. Here’s how to make a day of it.
Start with a game of padel
Padel is a fast‑paced racket sport that mixes tennis and squash. Unlike tennis, the ball can be played off the walls, so rallies last longer and games suit all abilities. Thanet’s new padel club at Westwood Cross will let you book casual court time or join coaching programmes. Grab a friend and see why padel is one of Europe’s fastest‑growing sports.
Fuel up at the café and bar
After your match, refuel at the on‑site coffee shop. Social membership of the padel club includes access to the café and bar, making it an ideal meeting spot even if you’re not playing.
Explore coastal trails
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head south toward Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve. The reserve’s mix of mudflats, saltmarsh and dunes is a haven for wintering birds. Walk or cycle along the Viking Coastal Trail and keep an eye out for Highland cattle and Konik horses grazing the saltmarsh.
Take a history detour
Not far away, the village of St Peter’s offers immersive historical walks led by costumed guides from May to September. The tour stops at the church, old workhouse and Napoleonic towers, and includes a mid‑way tea or coffee break, all for a suggested £5 donation.
Finish with a museum visit
Round off your active day with a visit to Monkton Nature Reserve or the Powell‑Cotton Museum. Monkton’s 16‑acre site includes chalk grassland and woodland trails, a small museum and a café. At the Powell‑Cotton Museum, centenary celebrations in 2026 include talks and garden activities, and the nine galleries showcase zoological specimens and cultural artefacts collected by the Powell‑Cotton family.
Bring it all together
With a brand‑new padel club, scenic nature reserves and immersive history tours, Thanet is the perfect place to balance play and discovery. Whether you’re diving into a new sport or exploring the island’s wild spaces, there’s always another adventure waiting on the Kent coast.
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