12 Best Things to Do in Broadstairs, England
The scenic seaside town of Broadstairs sits along the East Coast of Kent on the Isle of Thanet. Broadstairs stunning views of white cliffs and idyllic sandy beaches make it a popular summer destination for beachgoers.
The white cliffs along the beach at Botany Bay in Broadstairs, Kent
If you're planning a visit to this scenic Kent destination, then these 12 best things to do in Broadstairs will help guide you on your travels.
Viking Bay Beach
Viking Bay Beach is the main beach in Broadstairs and is located within a short walk of Broadstairs Train Station. This makes it very popular amongst visitors as it is easily accessible and has the convenience of Broadstairs town centre and shops nearby.
Viking Bay Beach is a typical British beach with all the amenities you would usually expect. It has a waterfront promenade with shops and restaurants, a pier, and some beach huts. The beach is located along the East Coast of Kent, meaning Viking Bay beach is more scenic and clean than some other seaside areas near London. It is definitely worth visiting if you would like all the amenities of Broadstairs town.
Botany Bay Beach
Botany Bay Beach is a more secluded beach and it has the tranquility of a golden sandy beach that you would usually expect from a relaxing retreat. This is one of the most peaceful and cleanest beaches and certainly one of the best beaches along the Kent Coast. This should make it super popular with day trippers, but the beach was surprisingly quiet when I visited on a warm summer's day.
Botany Bay Beach in Broadstairs, Kent
Botany Bay Beach is so well preserved that it has achieved a Blue Flag award, an award designated to beaches with the cleanest water. Such a clean and well preserved beach can't be each achieved without giving up some of the facilities found on more popular beaches such as Viking Bay.
You will find very little in terms of shops and restaurants nearby and nothing on the main beach. Beach huts are also nowhere to be found along the main beach, so if your looking for the typical British beach with shops, a pier, some entertainment and watersports this definitely isn't it and Viking Bay would be a better choice. Botany Bay does however offer a unique experience of relaxation and water cleanliness not found in many beaches in England.
Stone Bay
Stone Bay beach is said to be one of the most amazing beaches in Broadstairs, and although I didn't get a chance to visit it on my trip I still wanted to give it a mention as it is conveniently located near Viking Bay. It is within easy reach of the town centre but is said to be more peaceful than Viking Bay, so it might be worth a visit for those looking for a quiet beach in Broadstairs.
Visit Victoria Gardens
Victoria Gardens in Broadstairs is a picturesque and inviting public park that encapsulates the charm of this scenic coastal town. The park is nestled between the historic town center and the popular Viking Bay, the gardens exude tranquility and natural beauty whilst having beautiful sea views.
The gentle sea breeze provides calm whilst the clifftop location embodies the seaside charm of Broadstairs. Dotted with benches and shaded areas, Victoria Gardens offers respite to both locals and visitors, who can immerse themselves in the serenity of nature or enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean. As one of Broadstairs main parks, it is certainly worth a stroll on a sunny afternoon and the convenient location near Viking Bay means it is an easy visit.
Kingsgate Castle
Kingsgate Castle is a historic seafront castle overlooking Kingsgate Bay. The Castle was built by Lord Holland in 1763 as his secondary residence and in the 1920s it was later used as a hotel. Today the castle is a private residence but can still be viewed from the White Chalk Cliffs of Broadstairs and the Kingsgate Bay.
Kingsgate Castle and Bay in Broadstairs
The Kingsgate Bay is another golden sand beach within a short walk of Botany Bay, this beach offers stunning views of Kingsgate Castle and some of the best sea caves along the Isle of Thanet. If you enjoy exploring the white chalk rocks situated on the Kent Coast then there are plenty near Kingsgate Bay and Botany Bay both of which are within easy walking distance of each other.
Do the Turner and Dickens Walk
One of the most popular ways to experience the Kent countryside is through the Charles Dickens walking route. This route is responsible for inspiring some of Charles Dickens's novels and it is very popular with tourists visiting Broadstairs. It is referred to as the Turner and Dickens stroll and spans a very long 4-mile long route.
The walk starts at the Turner Contemporary Gallery at Margate or the Dickens house museum in Broadstairs. Passing through many historic towns such as St Peter's village. You can find out more information on the turner dickens walk here.
Clifftop Walks Along the Waterfront
Broadstairs offers incredible clifftop Walks along its white chalk cliffs. The views from Botany Bay and Kingsgate Bay are unmatched and are one of the best ways to experience the Kent Coast. The cliffs at Broadstairs continue for miles connecting other seaside towns along the East Coast of Kent.
Seafront cliffs in Broadstairs
Longer walks such as Broadstairs to Ramsgate are also popular but bear in mind that these walks will take hours and you will need to prepare in advance, you can find some great routes through this site. For those just on a short day trip, I recommend shorter walks as you will still see much of the natural beauty of Broadstairs.
Feast at the Best Restaurants in Broadstairs
Broadstairs is not lacking in restaurants so for the foodies visiting the seaside town there is plenty to feast on during your beach retreat. The restaurants range from traditional British gastro pubs to Italian food, and even Thai food. The list below highlights some of the best places to eat in Broadstairs.
Da's Thai Diner
Kebbells Seafood Bar
Albarino Tapas Restaurant and Bar
The Little Sicilian
The Charles Dickens
Please Sir!
The Yarrow Restaurant
The Tartar Frigate
Have a drink at the Charles Dickens Pub
The Charles Dickens Pub is a popular traditional British Gastro Pub that serves tasty British Classics and great beer. It is popular amongst tourists and locals alike and is one of the largest pubs in Broadstairs. The pub is located along the Viking Bay Beach waterfront and offers some nice sea views. Having a pint and enjoying your lunch in one of Kent's most famous pubs is a great way to relax on a sunny afternoon in Broadstairs.
Visit the Town of Ramsgate
The nearby town of Ramsgate is another amazing coastal town on the Isle of Thanet. Much of Ramsgate's seaside charm is however attributed to its magnificent harbour and waterfront.
View of the Ramsgate harbour in East Kent
Evening view of the Ramsgate harbour
The harbour is packed with boats, traditional architecture, and a great waterfront promenade to take in all that maritime atmosphere. The town is very unique and it is definitely worth a visit if you have time during your visit to Broadstairs.
Visit the Dickens House Museum
Charles Dickens was greatly influenced by Broadstairs, in part because the homestay he once stayed in served as the inspiration for his well-known book David Copperfield. The Charles Dickens Museum, known as Dickens House Museum is set in the same cottage where Dickens was inspired for the famous novel, and the cottage's previous resident Miss Mary Pearson Strong is said to have been the inspiration of Betsey Trotwood from the novel. The Charles Dickens Museum lets visitors learn more about the author's connection to Broadstairs and is a must for any fans of Charles Dickens.
Try the Best Ice Cream in Town
Morelli's Gelato is a local ice cream parlour, which was founded in 1907 in Broadstairs. The ice cream parlour has done so well that there are now many locations all over the world. The Ice Cream is consistently said to be one of the best in town and what's even better is that Morelli's Gelato in Broadstairs is the original location so you can get a taste of where it all started.
Ice cream parlours are common in Broadstairs so even if you are not going for Morelli's Gelato you will find many other shops to treat yourself to some ice cream on a hot summer’s day.
Broadstairs is one of Kent's most iconic seaside towns and visiting is a must if you are on your way to Kent or just looking for a relaxing vacation spot. The area is packed with scenic spots and beautiful bays which make Broadstairs an awesome place to relax. There is so much to do in Broadstairs, from nature walks to learning more about Charles Dickens history and all set in such an incredible area of Kent.