insideKENT Magazine Issue 52 - July 2016 | Page 122

DAYSOUT
KENT’S BEST BEACHES cont
St Margaret’s Bay © DOVER DISTRICT COUNCIL

Dymchurch Beach © THEROMNEYMARSH.NET

Whitstable West Beach

DYMCHURCH BEACH, Dymchurch

ST MARGARET’S BAY, Nr Dover

Dymchurch’s lovely wide sandy beach is the ideal spot
to take some time to yourself to unwind, or to take the
family for a fun, traditional day out on Kent’s spectacular
coast. Perhaps the most famous element of Dymchurch
Beach – certainly the one that seems to be most well
remembered by visitors past and present – are the donkey
rides, and they are still there for everyone to enjoy today.
Since the beach is flat and stretches for over three miles
it is the most wonderful and safe place for children to
play in the golden sands, for sunbathing, and for
swimming. And since the beach is so close to Dymchurch
itself, there is a good choice of places to be entertained
and to eat – you can even bring your own picnic if you
prefer.

St Margaret’s Bay near Dover is a pretty little shingle
beach that is absolutely ideal for rockpooling. It’s also a
great place to enjoy some watersports, so whether you
prefer to sit and relax in the sunshine or to get out there
and enjoy the sea itself, you’re in the right place. St
Margaret’s is found in White Cliffs country, and as such
it has some fascinating and far-reaching history behind
it. It is even mentioned in the Domesday Book (although
it was called Sancta Margharita back then). It has been
a popular holiday destination since the Victorians realised
how lovely it was, and none other than James Bond
creator Ian Fleming could also see its numerous charms.

Plus, if sea fishing is something you’re particularly keen
on, Dymchurch’s reputation as the best beach on the
south coast for that sport is well deserved; find out more
from the Dymchurch and District Sea Angling Club.

Dogs are allowed on the beach at St Margaret’s Bay
which is something of a rarity on Kent’s beaches during
the summer months, and there are bins dotted around
to help owners keep the shingle clean. Walking up from
the beach along the coastal path brings you to a café
which used to be the old coastguard station, and the
views from there are stunning.

Sat nav: TN29 0TJ
Sat nav: CT15 6DX

122

WHITSTABLE WEST
BEACH, Whitstable
This gorgeous pebbly beach is
divided into section by groynes,
giving it the look and feel of a
truly traditional British beach.
Which it is. Backing onto the
beach itself is a lovely row of
cottages (Martine Terrace) which
is both iconic and nostalgic.
There are beach huts here too,
all of which evoke a sense of
summer’s past; it’s just a lovely
place to be. You can enjoy sailing
and wind surfing here, and there
are numerous cafés, bars and
restaurants just a short walk
away in the town centre itself.
Sat nav: CT5 1FB