insideKENT Magazine Issue 40 - July 2015 | Page 98

DAYSOUT ESCAPE TO MARGATE, BROADSTAIRS AND RAMSGATE FOR SEASIDE FUN AND COASTAL EVENTS The Isle of Thanet is home to the Georgian and Victorian seaside resorts of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, each offering their own distinctive character and perfect escapism. The area’s unique coastline, with miles of low chalk cliffs and breath-taking sandy beaches and bays provide a place for memories to be made, young or old. In fact, the area has seven coveted Blue Flag beaches, more than any other destination in the country, except Cornwall, and three Seaside Awards. Additionally, the whole of the coastline is covered by international and national designations for its marine and bird life, and it has the longest continuous stretch of chalk coast in Britain. As you might expect, with a coastline full of lovely , golden sandy beaches and bays, there are lots of opportunities for lazy days in secluded bays, family fun rock-pooling and building sandcastles or being active. You can even take a boat ride to see seals in their natural habitat or visit the windfarms. Quieter bays to get away from it all include Botany Bay, Kingsgate Bay, Stone Bay, Dumpton Gap and Pegwell Bay. Here you can enjoy a quite stroll along the sand at low tide, a peaceful cove to relax with a good book and great bird watching opportunities. For family fun head to Minnis Bay, West Bay, St. Mildred’s Bay, Westbrook Bay, Margate Main Sands, Walpole Bay, Stone Bay and Viking Bay. There are lots of rockpools in which to discover sealife, good beach facilities and some with kiddies’ rides or promenade adventure golf. If it’s activity you‘re looking for Minnis Bay, Westbrook Bay, Walpole Bay, Joss Bay, Viking Bay and Ramsgate Main Sands are all good. Jet-skiing, surfing, sailing and kite-boarding are just some of the activities you can enjoy around this coastline; in fact these are the closest surfing beaches to London and the best in the southeast. If you are new to the sport, or just want to hone your skills, there are two surf-schools which offer just that, Joss Bay Surf School is based at secluded Joss Bay, whilst Kent Surf School is based at Broadstairs’ main beach, Viking Bay. Jet-Ski World at Palm Bay, Cliftonville is popular with lovers of this watersport and there are hire opportunities for new-comers. 98 For a complete beaches and bays listing, details of coastal activities and events such as seashore safaris and the chance to win a seaside break, go to www.visitthanet.co.uk/beaches-bays. A great way to actively experience this coastline is by bike on the Viking Coastal Trail. This route forms part of Regional Route 15 of the National Cycle Network from Reculver in the north around the coast to Pegwell Bay in the South, then linking inland. The whole route is 32 miles long, but this can easily be broken down into smaller sections. There are lots of things to see and do along the route and some really tempting places to stop off for refreshments, from clifftop pubs to seafront ice cream parlours, continental style cafes to cockle and whelk stalls and traditional fish and chips. Much of the route is along traffic free promenades, so it’s excellent for families. Find out more or download a copy of the leaflet from www.vikingcoastaltrail.co.uk.