Best Kent Seaside Towns: Local’s Guide to the Coast

Kent’s coastline has been a refuge for Londoners for over 250 years, and I’ve been making the pilgrimage from the capital for decades. This stretch of southeast England offers 200km of beaches, from the shingle shores of Deal to the sandy expanses of Margate, all within 90 minutes by train from London.

Whether you want fresh oysters straight from the harbour, cutting-edge art galleries or clifftop walks with views to France, here are the Kent coastal towns worth your time.

You can walk between many of these towns along the Saxon Shore Way, a 153-mile long-distance path from Gravesend to Hastings. The stretch between Margate and Ramsgate, or Dover to Deal, makes for a particularly good day out.

1. Whitstable

Whitstable has become something of a victim of its own success. On summer weekends it can feel like Islington-on-Sea, packed with Londoners clutching oysters and browsing the independent shops that line the narrow lanes.

But there’s a reason it’s popular.

The town’s working harbour means oysters are plentiful and inexpensive, celebrated each July at the Whitstable Oyster Festival. The art galleries are genuinely interesting, not just tourist tat. And the pebble beach lined with colourful beach huts makes for a proper English seaside experience.

My advice? Visit on a weekday if you can, or arrive early before the London crowds descend.

Don’t miss: Grab oysters from one of the harbour huts rather than the restaurants. Half the price, same quality.

2. Margate

I remember day trips to Margate as a kid in the late 1960s. It was the classic bucket-and-spade resort, complete with candy floss and donkey rides. Then came the recession of the 1970s and decades of decline.

What a turnaround. The arrival of the Turner Contemporary gallery and the revival of Dreamland amusement park have transformed Margate into one of the coolest seaside destinations in England. Some call it Shoreditch-by-Sea, though that does it a disservice.

What I love is that Margate hasn’t entirely sold out to hipster culture. Yes, you can browse vintage shops and catch cutting-edge exhibitions at the Turner Contemporary. But you can still leave with a stick of rock in your bag.

The main beach is sandy and expansive, backed by the Victorian seafront. For something quieter, head to Walpole Bay or Joss Bay on the edges of town.

Don’t miss: The Turner Contemporary is free to enter and has a cafe with sea views that’s worth the visit alone.where quieter, you may find it a bit busy in peak season, but that energy is part of its appeal.

3. Broadstairs

Often overlooked between the bustle of Margate and the marina town of Ramsgate, Broadstairs is a gem. Viking Bay, the horseshoe-shaped sandy beach, is one of the best in southeast England, sheltered and family-friendly.

Charles Dickens was a regular visitor and the town celebrates this connection each June with the Dickens Festival. The Dickens House Museum is worth a look, housed in what was once the home of the woman who inspired Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield.

What sets Broadstairs apart is that it feels like a real town rather than a tourist attraction. There are the obligatory candy-coloured beach huts for Instagram, but also ordinary life happening around them.

Don’t miss: Walk from Broadstairs to Margate along the clifftop path. It takes about an hour and the views are magnificent.

4. Deal

Think of Deal as Whitstable before the crowds arrived. It has the same Georgian architecture, thriving food scene and pebble beach, but retains more of its authentic character as a working fishing town.

The long seafront promenade is lined with pastel-coloured houses and independent cafes. Yes, there are amusement arcades and fish and chip shops, but in a restrained, traditional English seaside way rather than full-blown tackiness.

Deal’s maritime history is evident everywhere, from the Tudor Walmer Castle to the Deal Maritime Museum. But honestly, the main pleasure here is just wandering the streets and stopping for coffee.

Don’t miss: The coastal walk from Deal to Dover along the top of the white cliffs. It’s about 8 miles and spectacular.

5. Folkestone

Poor old Folkestone gets overlooked, which is a shame because it’s both the fastest train journey from London and has quietly become one of the more interesting towns on the Kent coast.

Unlike Whitstable or Margate, Folkestone hasn’t been gentrified to within an inch of its life. It’s still very much a local’s town. But it does have a cultural heart in the form of Folkestone Artworks, the largest urban outdoor contemporary art collection in the UK.

The Leas, a clifftop promenade landscaped in Victorian times, offers views over the sandy beach. At one end is the Leas Lift, a funicular railway connecting the seafront to the promenade. At the other is Folkestone Harbour Arm, a former railway track turned public space with restaurants and bars jutting out into the sea.

Don’t miss: Pick up the free Folkestone Artworks map from the tourist office and spend a couple of hours hunting down the sculptures around town.

6. Ramsgate

Ramsgate is home to the only designated Royal Harbour in the UK and one of the largest marinas on the south coast. If you’ve got a yacht to park, this is your place.

For the rest of us, Ramsgate offers a fine sandy beach, a handsome harbour and some serious architectural credentials. Augustus Pugin, the architect behind Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament interior, built his home here. The Grange is open to visitors, as is St Augustine’s church next door, another Pugin creation where he’s buried.

For something different, take a guided tour of Ramsgate Tunnels, a subterranean network that sheltered 1,000 people during World War II.

Don’t miss: The harbour area at sunset, when the Georgian and Victorian buildings glow in the evening light.

7. Dover

Let’s be honest: Dover town centre is not the most attractive place in Kent. The port dominates everything and the constant stream of lorries heading to the continent doesn’t help.

But Dover has two significant draws. First, Dover Castle, perched atop those famous white cliffs. This 12th-century fortress includes medieval tunnels and an underground hospital from World War II. It was from here that the Dunkirk evacuation was planned, as depicted in the film.

Second, and more importantly for me, Dover is the starting point for one of the best coastal walks in southeast England. The cliffside path winds east past the South Foreland Lighthouse to St Margaret’s Bay, with sweeping views across the English Channel to France. Keep going and you’ll reach Deal after about 8 miles.

Don’t miss: The walk. Seriously, skip the town centre and head straight for the cliffs.

8. Herne Bay

Four miles east of Whitstable, Herne Bay is a Victorian seaside town that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The beach huts here are some of the most psychedelic in Kent, painted in colours that would make Joseph’s technicolour dreamcoat look understated.

The Seaside Museum, born from the passion of a local amateur archaeologist, is small but fascinating if you’re interested in the area’s history. From there, you can walk or cycle to Reculver Towers, the remains of a 12th-century church and Roman fort.

For pure nostalgia, ride the helter-skelter at the end of the pier. Just save your fish and chips until after.

Don’t miss: Neptune’s Arm, a sea defence jutting out from the beach that makes for a decent sunset walk.

9. Sandwich

Sandwich Bay beach will never win any awards. But the medieval town of Sandwich, three miles inland, is worth the detour if you’re a history enthusiast.

Once a thriving port (it’s one of the original Cinque Ports), Sandwich has hosted some illustrious visitors over the centuries, including King Charles II and Queen Elizabeth I. The streets are lined with half-timbered houses, and there’s no shortage of ancient churches: St Mary’s, St Clements, St Bartholomew’s and St Peters.

Follow the Historic Town Trail to get the most out of your visit, or take a boat trip along the River Stour to Richborough Roman Fort.

Planning Your Kent Coast Visit

Best time to go: Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends, especially in summer. Many rail improvement works happen on Sundays, so check for disruptions before you travel.

Saving money on trains: Book in advance; the difference in fares can be dramatic. Sometimes two single tickets are cheaper than a return.

Walking between towns: The Saxon Shore Way connects most of these towns. Popular walks include:

• Margate to Broadstairs to Ramsgate (clifftop path, about 6 miles)
• Dover to Deal (white cliffs walk, 8 miles)
• Whitstable to Herne Bay (seafront path, 4 miles)

What to pack: Even in summer, bring layers. The sea breeze can be chilly. In winter, these towns are atmospheric but bleak, so dress accordingly.

Ready to Visit?

If you’re looking for more day trip inspiration, check out my guide to guide to Rye and Camber Sands or Hever Castle in Kent, or my pick of the best day trips from London by train.

Enjoy exploring this glorious coastline!

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman is a Londoner who has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.

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