9 of the Best Beaches in Kent
Kent’s seaside has been beloved by Londoners escaping the Big Smoke for over two centuries, drawn in by the county’s clean air and sandy beaches. This cliff-lined coastline offers 200km of golden sand. The beaches of Kent are perfect for a visit during a UK holiday, weekend break or a day trip.
The heart of Kent may be full of castles and stately homes, but the county’s coastal areas also stand out; from Dover's towering White Cliffs to the hipster-magnet Margate, the folk-festival haven Broadstairs and the historic Isle of Thanet. These towns are home to a wide variety of beaches that are ideal for proper, old-fashioned bucket and spade holidays. We’ve put together a list of the best beaches in Kent both pebbled and sandy to make the job of planning your day trips that bit easier.
1. Allhallows Beach, Allhallows
Steps from Kent Coast Holiday Park
Allhallows Beach is a sandy beach that lies on the northern edge of the Hoo Peninsula in Kent overlooking the River Thames estuary. It is possibly the closest ‘proper’ beach to London, but it is one of the beaches in Kent that still feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the big smoke.
The location offers opportunities for boating, walkers and nature lovers as well as having a good section of sandy beach that makes this a popular spot with families. Allhallows beach is situated right in front of our excellent Kent Coast Holiday Park, making it the perfect destination for your Haven holiday beach day.
2. Tankerton Beach, Whitstable
57 minutes from Kent Coast Holiday Park
The Blue Flag awarded Tankerton Beach is a perfect choice for those looking for safe swimming and sensational views. Pretty painted beach huts line the gently sloping shingle beach, which is streaked with scenery reminiscent of an English coastal scene from a postcard. At low tide, a natural path leads all the way out to sea and makes for an excellent place for paddling and rock pool exploring. From the attractive Marine Parade promenade to the attractive grassy area that lends itself well to seaside picnics, there are plenty of charms to be found here.
The tranquil setting is one of the safest beaches in Kent and it offers a lovely coastal getaway for those looking for safe bathing and well-maintained facilities. Lifeguards watch over the beach from 10am to 5pm at weekends and on Bank Holidays between June and September, and seven days a week during the school summer holidays.
3. Leysdown Beach, Isle of Sheppey
58 minutes from Kent Coast Holiday Park
Leysdown is a traditional seaside resort beach on the east side of the Isle of Sheppey bound by flood defences and backed by a classic promenade. It's a great place for relaxing and wandering as you let the sea breeze clear your head and refresh your body.
The gently sloping beach is a long stretch of coarse sand with some shell and shingle, and there’s plenty of shallow water available for paddling as the tide retreats. As a winner of the Blue Flag award, visitors can be assured of clean, safe bathing in the Kent waters, however this does also mean that there’s a dog ban in force. As a well-established seaside town, Leysdown has all the facilities you would expect: shops, cafes, amusements and disabled access to the beach.
4. Herne Bay Central Beach, Herne Bay
While the East Cliff Beach may be quieter than Herne Bay Central Beach, it lacks the same fine sands that make the Central Beach so fun to play on. The beach is situated in the classic British coastal town and provides sheltered bathing behind the breakwater and all the facilities you need close at hand. The beach is dog friendly and even has an exercise park for teenagers and adults.
If you want traditional seaside sparkle, you’ll find it in Herne Bay. Alongside the excellent beach, the town itself boasts charming Victorian architecture, a promenade that is both pushchair and wheelchair friendly and some well-kept gardens. There's also a bandstand which hosts concerts and plenty of seaside favourites on offer in the shape of ice cream parlours, candyfloss stands, cafes, friendly pubs and world-class fish and chips.
5. Minnis Bay Beach, Birchington-on-Sea
Minnis Bay is a secluded, sandy beach served by lifeguards that's a favourite of ours at Haven. Situated on the Isle of Thanet, it’s a long stretch of sandy beach that’s popular with both families and young alike. This means that both swimming and water sports are popular here and are separated for the safety of visitors. The Blue Flag beach offers windsurfing, sailing and kayaking for the energetic amongst us as well as paddling, a children’s playground and a picnic area.
Aside from being one of the best beaches in Kent, Minnis Bay is also the start of a cycling route that takes you along the Viking Coastal Trail to Margate with plenty of natural wonders to see on the way. There’s a café and ice cream kiosk on the promenade so don’t forget to grab one before you grab your bucket and spade to the beach for some rockpooling. Other facilities at Minnis Bay include parking, lifeguards, toilets and several cafes.
6. Margate Main Beach, Margate
This is Margate's number one and original attraction: the beautifully clean sands of the Main Beach. Just yards away from the main town centre, the beach offers wonderful views out to sea, has a tidal pool, kid’s rides and arcade games for families who want traditional seaside fun and entertainment. Even at high tide, there is still plenty of beach to make sandcastles. It’s a glorious spot and is the reason why Margate was, and still is, so popular with summer visitors.
Margate is home to the ever-popular Dreamland, and the modern Turner Contemporary Museum that has turned the fortunes of this seaside town around. There are numerous restaurants, bars and seafood stalls a short walk away in the Old Town, why not try one out before an evening stroll along the beach?
7. Hythe Beach, Hythe
Hythe is a majority pebble beach; it’s quite steep so do be careful, especially at high tide as it gets surprisingly deep, surprisingly quickly. The area around the beach hasn’t been developed into a seaside town in the same way as others, there are no garish rides or noisy arcades, so it’s an ideal seaside location for those wanting to take in the sea air away from the hubbub of some of the busier resorts.
The beach is actually spilt into three areas: Main Beach, Fisherman’s Beach and Foreshore Beach. Kitesurfers can be seen at Main Beach and if you’re lucky you might get a glimpse of the distant shores of France across the Channel on a very clear day. Hythe is served by the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch railway for those with an interest in steam locomotives and there is a two-mile-long promenade which adds to the general sense of nostalgia. There are usually plenty of parking places to be found along the promenade.
8. Folkestone Beach, Folkestone
Folkestone is home to a lovely beach with crystal clear waters and paddleboard hire. The pebble beach is covered in rocks and at low tide is perfect for rock pooling and crabbing making it great for family fun.
Built under the walkway is a series of quirky tunnels and our insider tip is to get there early enough to stake your claim to one as they offer the ideal shade from the sun. We also recommend you take the zig-zag path from the Martello tower to the cafe on the edge of the cliff. Stretched along the cliff, there is a park with abundant wildlife, history, and glorious views out over the channel. There’s also another fantastic play area to round off the day for your kids at one of the best beaches in Kent.
9. Viking Bay, Broadstairs
This magnificent horseshoe-shaped bay is the main attraction in the quaint coastal town of Broadstairs. Viking Bay has all of the time-honoured features you’d expect of a classic UK beach resort including inflatables and rides during the summer months. Less typical is the cliff-side elevator at the southern end of the beach. It's well worth a ride just for the experience, whether or not you’re up to climbing the steps.
Famous for its connections with Charles Dickens, Broadstairs is one of Kent’s most charming seaside towns which still plays an active part in the local fishing industry. At the northern end of the beach there is a small but scenic fishing harbour. Viking Bay also has a large grassy area with a bandstand that hosts regular performances and Morelli’s, an acclaimed ice cream parlour that you’d regret passing by.
Start planning your Great British break
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Important information
Brand new holiday homes from £34,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 19 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Church Farm, Cala Gran, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seashore, Seaview and Thornwick Bay.
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Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £33,995 and will remain at this price until all available stock is sold.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at Berwick, Burnham-on-Sea, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hafan y Mor, Kent Coast, Lakeland, Marton Mere, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Seton Sands and Weymouth Bay.
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995
Holiday home price is based on a Bronze Grade pre-owned holiday home 6 years or older and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Cala Gran, Church Farm, Cardigan View, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Orchards, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Riviere Sands, Seashore, Seaview, Skegness and Thornwick Bay.
Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.
Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 19 April 2024, completing by 31 December 2024.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on new & pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Kent Coast, Burnham-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Hopton, Orchards, Skegness and Wild Duck.
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Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.
Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.