16 Sandy Beaches in Kent for a Perfect Summer Getaway in 2024

Are you looking for a pleasant, scenic holiday spot for your family?

Look no further than Kent! This county in south-east England has some of the gorgeous beaches in the world.

Nevertheless, not all Kent sandy beaches are the same. Some have soft sandy shores, whereas others offer rocky landscapes and captivating views.

Here is our guide to sixteen of the best sandy beaches in Kent:

Beaches in Kent:

• Botany Bay, Broadstairs
• Dumpton Gap Beach, Broadstairs
• Dymchurch Beach
• Greatstone Beach, Romney Marsh
• Joss Bay, Broadstairs
• Kingsgate Bay, near Broadstairs
• Minnis Bay, Birchington
• St Mary’s Bay, Broadstairs
• Sunny Sands, Folkestone
• Margate Main Sands
• Viking Bay, Broadstairs
• Walpole Bay, Margate
• Stone Bay, Broadstairs
• Fulsam Rock Beach, Margate
• St Mildreds Bay, Margate

1. Botany Bay, Broadstairs

Address: Marine Dr, Cliftonville, Broadstairs CT10 3LG

Botany Bay is one of the best sandy beaches for a family holiday. This sandy beach in Kent is lined with majestic chalk cliffs and turquoise waters for your family to explore. Its calm waters make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or building sandcastles. Additionally, children can delight in hunting fossils in the sand and exploring the rock pools that dot its shore!

You can drop by a restaurant and café above the bay to eat while enjoying the sea breeze.

Insider tip: Get there early during high tide for ample beach space, and don’t forget to explore the nearby town of Broadstairs for charming cafes and restaurants.

2. Dumpton Gap Beach, Broadstairs

Address: Dumpton Gap Broadstairs CT10 1TD

For those seeking a quiet and intimate beach experience, look no further than Dumpton Gap Beach. This secluded bay between Broadstairs and Ramsgate offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The shallow waters and gentle waves allow for paddling, while rock pools provide curious explorers with hours of fun.

The dog-friendly stretches of sand mean you can bring your furry friends along, and the nearby cafes are great spots to grab a bite to eat.

Insider tip: Take a leisurely walk along the scenic coastal path, connecting Dumpton Gap Beach to the bustling Ramsgate Marina.

3. Dymchurch Beach

Address: Dymchurch Beach TN29 0TJ

Welcome to the quintessential British seaside experience at Dymchurch Beach. Here, pristine sands and an amusement park promise a fun-filled day for the entire family.

This award-winning best sandy beach Kent boasts safe and clean shallow waters, which makes it a favourite for families with young children. The vibrant amusement park with bumper cars, roller coasters, and traditional carousel rides will keep kids entertained for hours.

Meanwhile, adults can indulge in retail therapy at the beachside shops or savour mouth-watering treats at the nearby cafés and seafood shacks. Backing the beach is a sea wall constructed in 2011, which cost £60 million and is wide enough for you to walk along the coast between Hythe Military Rifle Range and St. Mary’s Bay.

Insider tip: Visit on a Sunday when live music performances are held at the Bandstand, adding a truly festive atmosphere to the beach.

4. Greatstone Beach, Romney Marsh

Address: Greatstone Beach, New Romney TN28 8NX

A sandy treasure along the Romney Marsh coastline in Kent lies Greatstone Beach. It’s an idyllic spot for families seeking something adventurous and relaxing. The sand is soft, and the water is shallow. There are plenty of water sport opportunities, including kiteboarding and windsurfing. There are also over 600 plant species that grow on the dunes and wildlife to explore.

Greatstone Beach is fantastic for beachcombing and fossil hunting, thanks to its diverse marine life. Wave hunters can enjoy hours of fun with the waves crashing onto the shore, while those who prefer a more relaxing activity can sit back and enjoy the stunning views.

Insider tip: Take a walk to Dungeness, the largest shingle desert in Europe, where you can spot some wildlife and visit the RNLI lifeboat station.

5. Joss Bay, Broadstairs

Address: Joss Gap Rd, Broadstairs CT10 3PG

Joss Bay is a secluded sandy beach in Kent, loved by surfers for its rolling waves. A surf school is on-site, where you can learn to surf or take a group lesson.

The beach is also great for families and kids, with plenty of rock pools for exploration, large stretches of sand and ample space to stretch out. Nearby, enjoy coastal walks and indulge in local delicacies at the beachside café.

The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months, making it one of the safest beaches in the area.

Insider tip: Venture to the North Foreland Lighthouse for a unique photo opportunity and wander through the Viking Coastal Trail.

6. Kingsgate Bay, near Broadstairs

Address: Kingsgate Bay Rd, Broadstairs CT10 3QL

Kingsgate Bay is located just a stone’s throw from Broadstairs and offers seclusion and tranquillity, ideal for couples and families alike.

Here, you’ll find a natural paradise of sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and some of the best sea caves in the UK.

This beach is nearby some of the best castles in Kent so make sure you visit some of them during your day trip.

Insider tip: Explore the nearby historic Walpole Bay, known for its Victorian tidal pool, which is excellent for a refreshing dip away from the crowds.

7. Minnis Bay, Birchington

Address: Birchington-on-Sea, Birchington CT7 9QY

Minnis Bay, situated in the tranquil village of Birchington, stands out amongst Kent’s finest sandy beaches. Boasting vast stretches of sand, it creates the perfect backdrop for family outings, bike rides, and coastal walks. The bay offers a lifeguard service and safe swimming conditions, ensuring families can soak up the sun while kids splash around worry-free. Attractions nearby include the Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie for satisfying post-beach meals.

Insider tip: For an enriching dose of local history, visit Reculver Towers and Roman Fort, just a short bike ride away.

8. Pegwell Bay, Ramsgate

Address: Pegwell Rd, Ramsgate CT11 0NJ

Pegwell Bay is part of a national nature reserve boasting soft and inviting sand and glorious sea views. Families will love its tranquil atmosphere, great for a peaceful outing. Enjoy a picnic on the beach or explore the nature reserve with a vast selection of wildlife to spot. The beach is a popular spot for kite flying and surfers, especially during low tide when the waves are at their best.

Insider tip: Don’t miss the nearby Ramsgate Tunnels, a fascinating network of tunnels dug during WWII.

9. St Mary’s Bay, Broadstairs

Address: E Cliff Promenade, Broadstairs CT10 1DP

St Mary’s Bay is a charming, secluded cove tucked between two cliffs in Broadstairs. The beach is known for its fine, golden sand and gentle waves, making it ideal for a family day out with plenty of activities, such as swimming and body boarding.

The shallow waters allow kids to explore the rock pools and build sandcastles along the shoreline. And when hunger pangs strike, there’s a small café nearby for a quick bite.

Insider tip: Visit the nearby Dickens House Museum, which inspired Charles Dickens himself. End your day with a refreshing drink at The Tartar Frigate, a quaint pub nearby.

10. Sunny Sands, Folkestone

Address: Folkestone CT19 6RB

Living up to its name, Sunny Sands is a bustling, lively beach that brings together all the best traditions of a British seaside experience. This sandy beach Kenk is excellent for families, with various water activities and rock pools to entertain. In addition, a cluster of fabulous shops and restaurants in Folkestone’s Harbour Arm is just a few steps away.

Insider tip: Don’t miss the Leas Coastal Park nearby for nature exploration. Also, visit the Folkestone Harbour Arm, a vibrant hub of events, including festivals and markets.

11. Margate Main Sands

Address: Droit House, Stone Pier, Margate CT9 1JD

Margate Main Sands is an alluring sandy beach in the heart of Margate, surrounded by a bustling promenade lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Its family-friendly atmosphere, clean shores, tidal pool, children’s rides, and amusement arcades make it one of the best Kent sandy beaches for a fun day under the sun.

Insider tip: Tour the iconic Dreamland amusement park nearby for a nostalgic seaside experience.

12. Viking Bay, Broadstairs

Address: Broadstairs CT10 1QS

Viking Bay is renowned for its picturesque sandy shores framed by scenic chalk cliffs. With its quaint chalets and Victorian architecture, the best sandy beach in Kent promises a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a tranquil family getaway. From swimming and surfing to rock pooling and sunbathing, there are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Insider tip: Stroll along the clifftop promenade to marvel at the coastal views.

13. Walpole Bay, Margate

Address: Fifth Avenue, Cliftonville, Margate, Kent, CT9 2JN

Walpole Bay, situated in Cliftonville (Margate), provides a perfect atmosphere for families and couples seeking a peaceful beach retreat. This tranquil haven, known for its tidal pool, is ideal for swimming and exploring marine life as the tide goes out. Jet skis are available for hire, too!

Other attractions include cafes, crazy golf, and renting a beach hut. Don’t forget to visit Walpole Bay Hotel Museum, displaying the area’s history!

Insider tip: Parking is free right next to the beach.

14. Stone Bay, Broadstairs

Address: 55 Eastern Esplanade, Broadstairs CT10 1DU

Stone Bay is a hidden gem nestled between Broadstairs and North Foreland. Its secluded sandy cove makes the beach ideal for those seeking refuge from the bustling main beaches. Families will appreciate the safe environment for swimming and sunbathing. However, arrive early during high season as parking spaces fill quickly!

Insider tip: Capture breath-taking sunrise views along the beachfront for the ultimate Instagram post.

15. Fulsam Rock Beach, Margate

Fulsam Rock Beach in Margate is a beautiful, family-friendly sandy beach known for its soft golden sand, shallow waters, and captivating views. The beach is popular with locals and tourists due to its picturesque setting and proximity to Margate’s town centre.

Visitors can participate in sunbathing, swimming, or building sandcastles. If you’d like to try watersports, the beach offers the chance to go snorkelling, kayaking, and surfing. Moreover, there are plenty of nearby attractions to keep you entertained.

Insider tip: Enjoy delightful seafood at local cafes just a short walk from the beach.

16. St Mildreds Bay, Margate

Address: St Mildreds Walk, Margate, Westgate-on-Sea CT8 8DJ

St. Mildreds Bay is a beautiful sandy beach tucked within Margate, England. Known for its stunning coastal landscapes, it presents a lovely, family-friendly atmosphere. The calm tidal pool offers the perfect swimming conditions, especially for younger children, while adults can benefit from the numerous boat rental options available. You won’t want to miss exploring the famous Viking Coastal Trail nearby, a treat for nature enthusiasts!

Insider Tip: For a delicious meal, pop into Captain Digby, an authentic British pub with scenic views of St. Mildreds Bay.

Bottom Line: Best Sandy Beaches in Kent

Going to the beach is always special, but a trip to one of the above Kent sandy beaches can make it feel like an adventure. With clear waters, majestic cliffs and glorious sands, each beach offers its unique charm that will leave you returning for more.

So gather your family and friends and get ready for the best holiday ever at these incredible sandy beaches in Kent!