The best sandy beaches in Kent

Sandy beaches are a key criteria for many people’s holidays. Laying on a soft beach in the sunshine, breathing in the fresh sea air and listening to the gentle waves hitting the shore - it doesn’t get much better, does it?

If you're a fan, the best sandy beaches in Kent might just be your perfect setting to relax and unwind with a swim or surf. So if you're camping in Kent, here's our suggestions for where to go.

Best for Kids

Family holidays are the perfect time to visit a good sandy beach. Mum and Dad have a chance to relax and read a book, while kids are fully entertained with paddling in the surf or building sandcastles!

One of the best beaches in Kent for families is Botany Bay (pictured above). The northern-most point of Broadstairs’ seven bays, this sandy beach has plenty of rock pools for your family to explore. It has impressive white chalk stalks to see, or you can take a swim in the sea.

Also near to Broadstairs is Viking Bay. This sandy bay has plenty to keep active kids entertained, with children’s rides and a small surf school right by the beach. Toilets and first aid are very close by, and there’s also a tidal pool to explore!

Best for Water Sports

Beaches aren’t just for relaxing, though, and Kent has plenty of choice for those seeking water sports as part of an active holiday.

3 miles east of the cultural town of Margate is Joss Bay, a sandy beach sheltered by white chalk cliffs. The bay is very popular with surfers in the summer, but the presence of Joss Bay Surf School means you don’t have to be an expert to give it a go! They give lessons no matter your age and experience, as well as for both abled and disabled people. They also have reasonable rates for hiring equipment, starting as little as £5 to hire a surfboard for an hour. Around the edge of the bay you can also find toilet facilities, a few shops and cafes.

Popular with kite boarders and windsurfers is Westbrook Bay. Only a short stroll from Margate, this beach also has facilities for the brave among you to try water-skiing! The sandy beach also has shallow waters for the youngest children to dip their toes in.

Shingles Worth a Mention!

Sandy beaches are great for families and those looking to take to the surf, but it’s worth taking a moment to note the fantastic shingle beaches Kent has to offer for holidaymakers too.

On the north coast of Kent, 3 miles from Herne Bay, Reculver Beach is a peaceful shingle beach situated next to a 12th century tower and the remains of a roman fort. It’s a stunning setting for a stroll after unwinding on the shingle. Plus, this English Heritage site is completely free to explore!

St Margaret’s Bay, next to St Margaret-at-Cliffe, probably doesn’t sound familiar. But the sight of it will be recognisable as the place where Channel swimmers begin their 21-mile marathon. The closest point between the UK and France, the white chalk cliffs sit above a mix of sand and shingle.

Half an hour’s drive from Broadstairs’ beaches is Whitstable, home to a beautiful, family-friendly shingle beach. From the colourful beach huts and rolling wooden groynes of the West Beach area right round to the quirks of the Tankerton Slopes, there’s plenty to see. At low tide a long pebble stretch known as ‘The Street’ becomes a temporary promenade where you can walk to get great views of the Kent coast.

Take care, though as the tide can come in quickly!

Where to stay in Kent:

• The best campsites in Kent