Amazing beaches in Kent and East Sussex

landscape of a beach and the ocean with white cliffs and a row of colourful huts in the background

Find your perfect beach this summer

From quiet sleepy bays to secret surf spots and popular family destinations, there are some truly amazing beaches across the Southeastern network. If you’re looking to cool off in the sea, hang ten or just soak up the sun this summer, we’ve collated some of our favourite beach spots.

Colourful beach huts on top of a slope with a view of the sea and sail boats

Tankerton

Just around the corner from pretty Whitstable this sheltered beach is the ultimate spot to cool off on a hot day. Tankerton is a shingle beach surrounded by iconic multi coloured beach huts, making it a photographers dream especially during sunset. At low tide, you can walk out to sea along a natural causeway known as The Street, just take care to watch the tide in case you get stranded!

Joss Bay

This popular beach stretches 200 metres across and is one of the south-east’s best surfing beaches popular with surfers of all abilities. If you’re looking to get out for the first time or just hire a board to hone your skills, Joss Bay is home to the oldest surf school found on this coast. If relaxing is more your vibe you can also hire deck chairs and loungers. Just a short walk from Broadstairs station this is one of our must visit spots.

Botany Bay

One of Kent’s most photographed bays, Botany Bay is a must visit during the summer. This hidden gem offers stunning views of white cliffs and beautiful chalk stacks. This bay is so called as it was home to the infamous battle between smuggler Joss Snelling and the local Excisemen.

Hastings Beach

Stretching from the fishing quarter and the Old Town in the east right through to the renovated pier to the west. Hasting's beach is a vast pebble beach and popular spot to relax and take a dip. The beach features a large array of cafes, restaurants and attractions along the seafront, making it one of our top spots this summer for families.

Dover

Dover Harbour Beach is set close to the harbour and is recommended by the Marine Conservation Society. It’s an attractive beach overlooked by the Castle and the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. Sit back and relax, watching the many channel ferries on their way out to the continent.

an aerial view over Deal beach with buildings to the left and sea to the right

Deal Castle Beach

This is a long pebble beach popular with wind surfers and kayakers as well as families picnicking year-round. Deal Castle Beach is also a great spot for history buffs, towering over the beach, it is one of the of the grandest Tudor castles in England, built by Henry VIII to protect from European invaders.

Sunny Sands

Sunny Sands is located right next to Folkestone Harbour, only a short walk from Folkestone Central station. This beautiful sandy beach is a popular spot with locals and visitors, you can take dip or just relax and watch the fishing boats come and go. There are plenty of places to eat and drink while down by the water, Folkestone's Harbour Arm stretches out into the sea and is filled with eateries, and bars and on a clear day you can also make out the French coast.

Minster Leas Beach

On the north side of the Isle of Sheppey is this stunning long sand and pebble beach, a previous Blue Flag and Seaside Award winner. Follow the long promenade from Minster taking in the stunning views into the North Sea.

Beach-goers enjoying the weather at Margate Sands beach

Margate Main Sands

Nestled in the heart of Margate, with its long and wide sandy shore this popular beach is the perfect spot for the whole family. Flanked by the famous Dreamland and Turner Contemporary gallery as well as Margate Old Town, so after a day at the beach there is plenty to do in this seaside town. Margate Main Sands is one of Kent’s most accessible beaches with concrete sloped areas and wooden ramped access positioned at various points. All access points have handrails to make it easier for everyone to visit the beach.

Ramsgate Main Sands

A popular long sandy beach at the base of the high chalk cliffs, Ramsgate Main Sands sits opposite the famous Royal Harbour and marina. There is level access from the car park to the beach while there are also disabled toilets and beach wheelchairs available to hire. Close to the beach there is amusements, arcades and restaurants for the whole family making Ramsgate an ideal spot to visit this summer.

Viking Bay

A perfectly picturesque beach, the sandy horseshoe shaped bay is the main attraction in Broadstairs and is perfect for traditional seaside fun with tidal pool, children's rides as well as surf and body board hire facilities. Deck chairs and loungers can also be hired during the summer months. Access to Viking Bay is via the lift which is available during the summer season. There is level access from the car park to the beach. Disabled toilets at Broadstairs Harbour and the Clock Tower.

Minnis Bay

A stunning long stretch of sand that suits just about every type of beachgoer. It’s a popular spot for families as it’s never hard to find a quiet patch of golden sand to relax on. There is a popular paddling pool for children to spot sea life and there is also an excellent restaurant with a bar, and a kiosk on the promenade. There is level access from the car park to the beach. While beach wheelchairs are also available on request.

St. Mildred's Bay

Another fabulous sandy beach on the north coast of Kent with level access from the car park and beach wheelchairs available. This local favourite spot has a popular promenade which backs onto the beach and nearby there are public tennis courts, cafes and mini putt which makes this spot an attractive destination for all.

Amazing beaches in Kent & East Sussex