DAYSOUT
KENT ’ S BEST BEACHES cont .
HYTHE BEACH , HYTHE
Hythe Beach is actually three different pebble beaches joined together . They consist of the main beach itself , Fisherman ’ s Beach and Foreshore Beach . Fisherman ’ s Beach , as the name suggests , is a real working beach with plenty of fishing boats and fishermen using it at all times . Rather wonderfully , this is where you can find the Fishmongers ’ Café which sells the catch of the day – and it doesn ’ t get fresher than having been brought to shore within metres of the café itself . Foreshore Beach is sometimes closed as it is close to the MOD Hythe firing range . When the range is active , the beach is closed to the public , but when it is open it is part of a lovely walk that takes you all the way to Tankerton .
Hythe Beach is accessible by steps or via concrete slopes , and it is split into zones depending on what it is you want to do there – there is a swimming area , and a boat launch area . And if you want to launch a personal craft you can do so at the fabulously named Smuggler ’ s Slipway .
Hythe Beach has a number of different car parks within a short walk , as well as a café and restaurant . The toilets at Hythe are open from Easter until October .
Sat nav : CT21 6DE
DYMCHURCH BEACH , DYMCHURCH
© heromneymarsh . net
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 .
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 .
Sat nav : TN29 0TJ
ST MARGARET ’ S BAY , NR DOVER
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 .
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 : CT15 6DX
© Dover District Council
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
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