Broadstairs is a picturesque seaside town in Kent, sitting between Margate in the North and Ramsgate in the South. This stretch of coast features some of the closest beaches to London and is just an hour away. The locality of London makes Broadstairs a perfect day trip option with some of the nearest beaches.
Nestled along Kent’s scenic Thanet coastline, Broadstairs is blessed with seven beautiful sandy bays, each with its own character and charm. Whether you’re searching for family fun, quiet walks, dramatic cliffs, or space for the dog to run, these beaches capture everything special about the English coast — wide sands, dramatic cliffs, space to breathe, and all in a beautiful seaside town.
Let’s explore the Seven Bays of Broadstairs, in a clockwise direction, starting at Botany Bay and finishing on the peaceful sands of Dumpton Gap.
Botany Bay
Botany Bay is arguably the most iconic of Broadstairs’ seven beaches, thanks to its soaring chalk stacks and clear shallow waters. It’s a magnet for photographers, wild swimmers, and anyone who loves the drama of Kent’s white cliffs. The water is calm for paddling, and at low tide, you can explore fossil-filled rock pools.
- Type: Sandy with chalk stacks
- Facilities: Toilets, seasonal lifeguards, kiosk, limited parking nearby
- Dog policy: Restrictions in summer
- Vibe: Breathtaking, photogenic, ideal for exploring
Kingsgate Bay
Tucked between Botany Bay and Joss Bay, Kingsgate Bay is one of Broadstairs’ most photogenic spots. It’s famous for its dramatic chalk arches and sea caves, along with the grand Kingsgate Castle overlooking the bay. At low tide, you can walk along the sands toward Botany Bay, although keep an eye on the tide, as access is limited at high water.
- Type: Sandy, cliffs and caves
- Facilities: Minimal (no toilets or cafe)
- Dog policy: Dogs are welcome all year round
- Vibe: Peaceful, romantic, and perfect for photography
Joss Bay
A favourite for surfers, Joss Bay combines natural beauty with a fun, energetic vibe. The bay’s wide stretch of sand and gentle waves make it popular for surf lessons, bodyboarding, and beach games. It’s also surrounded by farmland and chalk cliffs, giving it a more rural feel.
- Type: Wide sandy bay backed by white cliffs
- Facilities: Surf school, toilets, cafe, parking
- Dog policy: Restrictions in summer
- Vibe: Active, youthful, and great for watersports
Stone Bay
Just around the corner from Viking Bay, Stone Bay feels more peaceful and relaxed. It’s backed by striking white chalk cliffs and has plenty of soft sand at low tide. When the tide’s out, you’ll find small rock pools teeming with life, perfect for kids and curious adults.
- Type: Sandy with rock pools
- Facilities: Toilets, seasonal kiosk, parking nearby
- Dog policy: Seasonal restrictions
- Vibe: Quiet, scenic, and ideal for families
Viking Bay
The beating heart of Broadstairs, Viking Bay, is the town’s main beach and a classic British seaside spot. Think golden sands, colourful beach huts, a working harbour, and a long promenade lined with cafes, ice-cream stalls, and seaside shops. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and family days out, with lifeguards on duty during summer.
- Type: Sandy beach with safe swimming
- Facilities: Toilets, cafes, deck chairs, lifeguards (seasonal), amusement arcades
- Dog policy: No dogs allowed in the summer
- Vibe: Classic seaside, lively, traditional, great for families
Louisa Bay
A smaller and quieter beach just a short walk from Viking Bay, Louisa Bay offers a more laid-back experience. It’s great for rock pooling, sandcastle building, or a peaceful paddle and shares a tidal pool along with Viking Bay. A small cafe and promenade make it a pleasant stop for those looking to escape the crowds without straying too far.
- Type: Sandy with rock pools
- Facilities: Toilets, seasonal cafe
- Dog policy: Restrictions apply in summer
- Vibe: Friendly, local, calm
Dumpton Gap
If you’re after space to stretch your legs (or your dog’s!), Dumpton Gap is your go-to. This quiet, dog-friendly bay is backed by chalk cliffs and linked by promenade to neighbouring beaches. At low tide, you can walk all the way to Ramsgate, but be sure to check tide times as access disappears when the sea rises.
- Type: Sandy, cliff-backed
- Facilities: Seasonal cafe and toilets, beach huts
- Dog policy: Dogs are allowed all year round.
- Vibe: Peaceful, natural, perfect for walkers and dog owners
Why Broadstairs’ Seven Bays Are So Special
Few places in England offer such a rich mix of coastal scenery in such a compact area. From lively seaside fun to quiet, windswept beauty, the Seven Bays of Broadstairs show off the very best of Kent’s coastline. Whether you’re a family, walker, swimmer, or dog owner, there’s a bay here that feels made just for you.
Why settle on a town with one beach when you can visit Broadstairs and its seven beautiful bays?