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.
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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.