our beaches beautiful are · pdf fileenjoy all the golden highlights of ... take a boat ride...

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Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate

your favourite seaside pick ‘n’ mix

Our beachesare beautiful

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Our beachesare beautiful

0870 264 6111www.visitthanet.co.uk

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ContentsWhen life's a beach 4-5A tantalising taster of what we have to offer

Wind, waves and wonderful fun 6-7For those days when you're itching for activity

People, places and piddocks 8-9Things to explore and discover – a great adventure

Viking Coastal Trail 10-11Great cycling opportunites for all abilities

Thanet Coast Project 12-15Find out what makes our coastline unique. Plus great events & activities

Your guide to our beaches and bays 16-17Map and key to symbols

Which is the best beach for you? 18-19Where to go for activities, family fun or to get away from it all

Discover our beautiful beaches 20-23Information on individual bays and facilities

General Information 24-25From chalet hire to tide information

Which is our best beach and why? 26-27We would like to hear your views

For full listings on all there is to see and do in thearea, pick up a copy of Isle magazine from ourVisitor Information Centres (see page 26)

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Lazy summer days lounging in asecluded cove, fun family cycle ridesalong bright spring promenades,bracing cliff-top walks on crisp autumnmornings – our 26-mile coast is arefreshing escape at any time of year.And what could be more heart-warming in mid winter than watchingfrom the comfort of a cosy restaurantas white horses break onto the shore?

Enjoy all the golden highlights oftraditional holidays beside the sea atMargate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate.Paddling and donkey rides, candyflossand ice cream, building sandcastlesand tucking into fresh fish-and-chips.So simple, so memorable. Betweenthem our resorts have 15 sandybeaches and bays and a recordnumber of Quality Coast and BlueFlag Awards.

There are exciting surprises, too. Take a walk with our very own RockDoc through 80 million years of history and find out about edibleseaweed, unique cave algae that changes colour, chalk stacks and fossils.

Seashore Safaris with the ThanetCoast Project Team are a thrilling wayto encounter local marine life, and dotake a boat ride out to the sand banksto spot seals.

If you’re feeling energetic, plug into theelemental buzz of our breathtakingwater sports and beach activities.What an adrenaline rush as you flyalong the sands on a kite board, whateuphoria as you master perfect balanceon a surf board or bounce across thesalty waves on a jet ski! There’s plentyof choice and if you’re a beginner youcan get going with lessons.

Or combine activity with discovery onone of our local trails. The VikingCoastal Trail is one of the mostattractive leisure cycle routes in Kentand takes in our entire coastline beforesweeping inland to quiet countryvillages, whilst the Maritime HeritageTrail reveals thousands of years offascinating, and sometimes colourful,maritime history.

Our beaches are beautiful and wewould like to share them with you.

When life’s a beachMargate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, beautiful beacheslots to do, smiles and laughter – take your pick ‘n’ mix for a brilliant seaside break.

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On those days when you’re itching for activity, you’ll find a fantastic range of choices all around our coast:

Wind, wavesand wonderful fun

AnglingCast your line and reel in a fresh, tasty catch for tea at one of manysuperb spots, or join one of our local sea-angling clubs. You can also go outin a boat from Ramsgate harbour. For further information t: 0870 264 6111

BeachARTTry your hand at creating sandsculptures on our beaches. SeeSummer Seashore Safaris informationon Thanet Coast Project page 14.

Beach Soccer With Charlton FC. At various timesand beaches, just turn up and play.For further information t: 0870 264 6111.

Boat tripsFor details of seal trips and coastalcruises see pages 8 and 9.

CyclingViking Coastal Trail – a fascinatinglyvaried ride taking in coast, cliffs andvillages. See pages 10 and 11 forfurther information.

Cycle Hire - see pages 10 and 11 forfurther information.

EventsPop into one of our Visitor InformationCentres (see page 26 for details) orvisit our website to find out more aboutout great coastal events, including freesummer fireworks displays.t: 0870 264 6111www.visitthanet.co.uk

GolfEnjoy a round on 5 excellent golfcourses, with scenic sea views fromsome sections. Non-memberswelcome. For further informationwww.visitthanet.co.uk

Lillyputt Mini Golf Course, VictoriaGardens, Broadstairs, CT10 1QS –Twelve championship mini golf holes.Lucky thirteenth hole - win a free game.t: 01843 861500www.lillyputt.co.uk

Strokes Adventure Golf, WestbrookPromenade, CT9 5BJ – 18-hole floodlitadventure golf course set in attractivesurroundings. Just a little bit different! t: 01843 294970 www.strokesadventuregolf.com

Jet SkiingJet Ski World, Palm Bay, Cliftonville,CT9 3EL – absolutely everything youneed to whiz across the waves can behired or bought here. Tuition alsoavailable.t: 01843 231703 www.jetski-world.co.uk

Kite SurfingGreat opportunities at Minnis Bay,Westbrook Bay and Ramsgate Main Sands. For lessons t: 0870 3003 213 orvisit www.allgoodfun.com

SailingThere are four clubs in the area thatwelcome new members. If you haven’ttried sailing before, go along for ataster day. Broadstairs Sailing Club – t: 01843 861373Margate Yacht Club – t: 01843 292602Minnis Bay Sailing Club – t: 01843 841588Royal Temple Yacht Club – t: 01843 591766

SurfingJoss Bay Surf School, Joss Bay,Broadstairs, CT10 3PG – surf hire and lessons (go on!). t: 07812 991195www.jossbay.co.uk

Kent Surf School, Viking Bay,Broadstairs, CT10 1QS – Variety of lessons available. t: 01843 866707 or 07970 870098www.kentsurfschool.co.uk

VolleyballOrganised public beach volleyball atViking Bay, Broadstairs, CT10 1QS.Sessions every Tuesday between 6May and 2 September, from 7pm tilldusk (weather permitting).t: 07971 251 847

WalkingA gentle promenade stroll or a bracingcliff-top stomp? Do either or both:there’s nothing more refreshing thanfilling your lungs with tangy sea air,gazing at blue flag bays and big skies.

Cliff Top WalksCliff Top Delights – a self-guided walkalong Broadstairs’ seafront gardensand promenade highlighting buildings,gardens and structures of interest.Free leaflet.

The Pugins. A Ramsgate Town Trail –a new trail from the east to the westcliff, featuring architecture by the Puginfamily and their links to the town.Augustus Pugin’s Grange is now opento the public Wednesday 2-4pm. Free leaflet.

Walkers’ Friend – organised walksover various routes. t: 01843 579146www.walkersfriend.co.uk



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If you like to explore, discover and find out more, thenour coastline beckons with adventure. (And if you don’tknow, a piddock is one of our most distinctive shellfish.)

People, places and piddocks!

Bird Watching – observe anenthralling range of wildlife atSandwich and Pegwell Bay NationalNature Reserve. The reserve isparticularly known for its wetland birds.Open all year except Christmas Day.t: 01622 662012 or visitwww.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Events – Thanet Coast Project, seepages 12 to 15 for further information.

Maritime Heritage Trail – Discoverour maritime history. Free leaflet.www.maritimeheritagetrail.co.uk

Open Top Bus Tours – Daily from 17May to 7 September, five tours a day,seven days a week. Tickets valid for24 hours. Hop on and off as often asyou like. Leaflets available from ourVisitor Information Centres.

Rock Doc Walks – See page 15

SEAL TRIPS AND COASTALCRUISES (see following 4 entries)from Royal Harbour, Ramsgate, CT11 8LS

Capital Coastal Sailing – Seal trips and coastal cruises in luxurious 42ft yacht.t: 01843 865057 or 07773 333402www.capitalcoastal.com

Galleon Cruises – Seal trips, coastal,wind farm and mystery tours, dinnerand lunch cruises – sail or cruise incomplete luxury.t: 07740 071015www.galleoncruises.com

Horizon Sea Safaris – Powerboatcruises, beaches and bays, GoodwinSands seal encounter, Kentish flats andforks, great fun for all the family. Also run from Broadstairs and Margateharbours in the summer.t: 07931 744788www.horizonseasafaris.co.uk

Sea Searcher Boat Trips – RamsgateRoyal Harbour pleasureboat cruises,seal and bird watching trips.Bookings can be made at the kioskopposite the Maritime Museum orthrough the Visitor Information Centres.t: 07837 562076www.visitthanet.co.uk

Wildlife Sailing Trips – See page 14

Thanet Coast Project – see pages 12 to 15

Thanet Greeter ProjectBe one of the first to be shown aroundour area by a local volunteer. Basedon the Big Apple Greeter project inNew York we are the only place in the country currently running a Greeterproject – and its completely free.Further details from our VisitorInformation Centres or t: 0870 264 6111.

Viking Ship ‘Hugin’ – situated on thecliff top at Pegwell Bay, this replicaViking ship sailed from Denmark toThanet in 1949 to celebrate the1500th anniversary of the landing ofHengist and Horsa.

For leaflets and further detailson any of the above please pop into or ring our VisitorInformation Centres (see p.26).

t: 0870 264 6111



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Get a really good look at our coastline with a refreshingcycle ride around the Viking Coastal TrailViking Coastal Trail

The 43.5km (27 miles) route forms partof Regional Route 15 of the NationalCycle Network from Reculver in thenorth around the coast to Pegwell Bayin the south, and then linking inland asfar as St Nicholas-at-Wade.

For the energetic, the complete routecan be tackled in one go, but forfamilies or those who prefer a moreleisurely ride, the route can be pickedup or finished at any point.

There are lots of things to see or doalong the route and some reallytempting places for refreshments.Clifftop pubs, seafront ice creamparlours, continental style cafes foralfresco dining, cockle and whelk stallsor traditional seaside fish and chips,the choice is yours.

There are also six themed mini-routes tobe discovered, depending on yourinterest:

The Six Churches – a very pretty ruralroute taking in one of the oldestreligious buidings in England.

History, Art and Architecture – a littlebit of everything from historicalarchitecture to modern art on thisRamsgate-based ride.

Historic Broadstairs – discover whatattracted and inspired great historicalcharacters like Charles Dickens.

The Path of St. Augustine – St. Augustine landed near Ebbsfleet in597 AD with the intention of bringingChristianity to England, retrace his steps.

Smugglers’ Haunts – an opportunity todiscover the darker side of our coastalheritage.

Beaches and Bays – a completelycoastal ride taking in eight bays, manyof which hold Quality Coast or BlueFlag Awards.

Step Forward – a cycle club aimed atpeople with disabilities meetWednesdays from 10am at MinnisBay, Birchington. For further informationt: 01732 525054 or email [email protected]

East Kent CTC – meet Sundaysthroughout the year and there are rideseach month from a venue in Thanet.For further informationt: 07929 623 289www.cycle-kent.org.uk

Cycling Events Sunset Cycle – Friday 13 June at6.30pm (2.5 hours) - Gentle eveningcoastal cycle into the setting sun – from Margate Main Sands to MinnisBay and back. Meet at Droit House,Margate Harbour. Bookings throughthe Thanet Coast Project website.www.thanetcoast.org.uk

Edge of the World Cycle Tour –Friday 1 August at 10am (4 hours) –Gentle cycle along the very edge ofthe south-east, viewing the chalkcoastline around Kingsgate and NorthForeland to Broadstairs’ Viking Bayand back. Bookings through theThanet Coast Project website.www.thanetcoast.org.uk

Cycle HireKen’s Bike Shop, 26 Eaton Road,Margate, CT9 1XAt: 01843 221422

The Bike Shed, 71 Canterbury Road,Westbrook, Margate, CT9 5ASt: 01843 228866

Cycle delivery and collection availablesubject to how busy they are.

Viking Coastal Trail Cycle HireMinnis Bay Car Park, The Parade,Minnis Bay, Birchington, CT7 9LTt: 07772 037 609 or 01843 604628

Free leaflet from our Visitor Information Centres or visitwww.vikingcoastaltrail.co.uk


www.thanetcoast.org.uk 0870 264 6111

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Beach Art – create your own beach art(school holidays)

Beach Play Scheme – various funactivities suitable for 5-16s (school holidays)

Kent Coastal Week – week longcelebration of the coast around thecounty (25 October - 2 Nov)

Low Tide Day – a celebration of thelow tide with rock pooling andenvironmental games (May).

Seashore Safaris – hunt and recordwhat’s lurking between the tides! (July-August) for Marine Week celebrations

SeaART2008 – contemporary artexhibition by local artists (August)

Thanet Coast Big Draw – help createa breathtaking sand sculpture.(November)

Wildlife Sailings – to the seals andsandbanks from Minnis Bay (April to August)

For further information visitwww.thanetcoast.org.uk or call01843 577672

Thanet Coastal CodesWe share the same coastline withinternationally important wildlife, soplease help by following these simplevoluntary codes to help local wildlifeand show respect for other beachusers. There’s a general seashore codeand ones for specific activities such ashorse riding, dog walking, powercraftactivities, wind-powered activities,shellfish harvesting and fixed netting,shore angling, bait digging andcollecting, and field trips.

Respect our coastal wildlife – try toleave everything as you find it, orwould like to find itConsider our coastline and otherusers – take your rubbish home, reporthazards; and respect the rights of otherusers.

The Thanet Coast Project helps to raise awareness of ourunique coastline and the marine and bird life associatedwith the sandy beaches, rocky shores, chalk cliffs, reefs andsea caves. Look out for the series of events throughout theyear on the following pages. Highlights include:

Paul Keene - Avico Ltd

Stay safe – be careful on slipperyrocks, of the in-coming tide, and followbay safety signsBe Environmentally friendly – buy postcards or take photos of marinecreatures, instead of taking marinecurios.The whole of our coastline isdesignated as part of the ‘North EastKent European marine sites’ covering anumber of international natureconservations designations.

For information about the ManagementScheme see www.thanetcoast.org.uk

Did you know?Our coastline represents 20% of theUK’s and 12% of Europe’s coastalchalk and we have the longestcontinuous stretch of chalk cliffs inBritain.


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Seal TripsWildlife Sailing trips to the seals. Leaving from Minnis Bay, Birchington.The trip includes a visit onto anoffshore sandbank. (4 hours).

Sat 21 June 06.30amSat 22 June 07.00amFri 25 July 09.15amSat 26 July 10.00amWed 06 Aug 08.00amThurs 07 Aug 08.45amSat 23 Aug 08.45amSun 24 Aug 09.30amSat 20 Sept 07.45amSun 21 Sept 08.30am

Summer Seashore SafarisSuitable for families with childrenbetween the ages of five and thirteen.Explore the rockpools and help usidentify the life in each of the baysaround our coast. (2 hours).

Wed 23 July, 10am Joss Bay, Broadstairs

Thurs 24 July, 10amMinnis Bay, Birchington

Fri 25 July, 11am Westbrook Bay (east), Margate

Sat 26 July, 11.30am Walpole Bay, Cliftonville

Sun 27 July, 12.30pmLouisa Bay, Broadstairs

Mon 28 July, 2pm West Bay, Westgate

Tues 29 July, 3pmWestern Undercliff, Ramsgate

Wed 30 July, 4.30pm Joss Bay (north) Broadstairs

Sun 3 Aug, 9am Botany Bay Broadstairs

Mon 4 Aug, 9amWestbrook Bay (west), Margate

Tues 5 Aug, 9amEast Cliff Ramsgate

Wed 6 Aug, 9.30am Stone Bay Broadstairs

Thurs 7 Aug, 10am Minnis Bay Birchington

Sat 9 Aug, 11am Dumpton Gap Broadstairs

Rock Doc WalkDiscover the ancient wonders of thechalk cliffs, flints, fossils and sands ona free, fun and educational guidedtour with the Rock Doc (2 hours).Wed 28 May, 11amDumpton Gap, Broadstairs

Sat 28 June, 11am Kingsgate Bay, Broadstairs

Sat 12 July, 11am Pegwell Bay, Ramsgate

Thanet Coast ProjectEvents and ActivitiesTo book any of the events detailed below visitwww.thanetcoast.org.uk or ring 01843 577672.

Sat 23 Aug, 11am Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs

Sat 6 Sept, 11am Minnis Bay, Birchington

Sat 29 Oct, 11am Pegwell Bay, Ramsgate

Sat 6 Dec, 11am Kingsgate Bay, Broadstairs

Beach PlayschemeGet stuck into a variety of coastalevents for children and young peopleincluding rockpooling, fossiling,geology, beach art, surfing and othersports. The Thanet Coast Project willrun morning and afternoon sessionsevery day of the school summerholidays at the following:

Monday – West Bay, WestgateTuesday – Ramsgate Main SandsWednesday – Joss Bay, BroadstairsThursday – Minnis Bay, BirchingtonFriday – Margate Main Sands

For details of the full playschemecontact the Thanet Coast Project direct.

Low Tide Day CelebrationsSat 3 May, 2pm (3hrs)The Lido Crab! Join artist Ruth Cutler tocreate a giant crab with sand bags.

Sat 3 May, 5pm (1.5 hrs)Family wildlife rock-pooling fun aroundthe chalky shore

The Coast on CameraJoin local artist Ruth Cutler and theThanet Coast Project, armed with yourcameras, to observe and recordcoastal artefacts.

Sat 10 May, 10am (2hrs)Botany Bay, Kingsgate, Broadstairs

Seaweed and their secrets!Fascinating guided tour by seaweedexpert Ian Tittley from the NaturalHistory Museum

Sat 31 May, 3pm (2hrs)Sun 10 Aug, 12pm (2hrs)

The Great Crab HuntMeander across the rocks & pools withmarine ecologist, Ian Humpheryes tofind a variety of crabs on our shores.

Sun 8 Jun, 10.30am (1.5hrs)

All Ability Walk and Rockpool2.5km clifftop stroll, stopping atWalpole Bay to explore the rockpools.Ideal for people with disability. Beachwheelchairs available on request.

Wed 9 Jul, 11.30am (1.5hrs)

Rocky Shore Discovery Tour!Meander across the rocks and poolswith marine ecologist Ian Humpheryes.

Sat 25 Oct, 3pm (1.5hrs)

All Ability Harbour Walk3.5km walk around Ramsgate’s RoyalHarbour, ideal for people withdisability or mobility difficulties.

Wed 29 Oct, 11.30am (1.5hrs)

Thanet Coast’s 5th Big Draw –‘Swimming Sand Sculptures’!Take part in creating this year’sstrangest marine SandArt –battlingagainst the high tide by 1pm! Bringalong friends, family & spades.

Sat 1 Nov, 9.30am (2.5hrs)Viking Bay, Broadstairs


0870 264 6111www.visitthanet.co.uk

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your guide to ourBeaches and Bays

Key to symbols on following pages...

Lifeguards

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o

Lift to beachBay inspector/information

Q Paddling pool/tidal poolCafe/restaurant nearbyOur beautiful beaches can beeasily reached by train.Southeastern run regular servicesfrom London to Margate,Broadstairs and Ramsgate withjourney times under 2 hours.Fares from £12* return withGroupSave.

*GroupSave prices are perperson and based on four peopletravelling together at all times.

www.southeasternrailway.co.uk

Open Top Bus Route

Open Top Bus Tours –Daily from 17 May to 7 September, 7 days a week, 5 tours a day. Ticketsvalid for 24 hours. Hop on and off asoften as you like. Leaflets availablefrom our Visitor Information Centres.

(From 1 May to 30 September, dogs are notallowed during any part of the day/evening)

Dog Ban

These help you locate your position on thebeach and help your little ones find their wayback to you.

Animal Logo Signposts

(From 15 May to 15 September, dogs are notallowed during the hours of 10am & 6pm)

Dog Restrictions

ParkingChalets for hire

s Picnic areaDeckchairs & sun loungers for hire

PH Public house nearbyDisabled access to beach

Sailing clubDisabled parking bays

ShopDisabled toilets open all year

ToiletsFirst aid station

Blue Flag Beaches – Are a symbol of high environmentalstandards as well as good sanitaryand safety facilities

Quality Coast Award –The purpose of the Quality CoastAward is to recognise different parts of the coastline that are well managedto suit the needs of different users



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ActivitiesFrom jet-skiing to surfing and sailing tokiteboarding, the beaches below aregreat for activities.

Minnis Bay, BirchingtonWestbrook BayWalpole Bay (Palm Bay), CliftonvilleJoss Bay, BroadstairsViking Bay, BroadstairsRamsgate Main Sands

Family funKiddies play areas, adventure golf,rockpooling and traditional fun likedonkey rides and Punch and Judy.

Minnis Bay, BirchingtonWest Bay, WestgateSt. Mildreds Bay, WestgateWestbrook Bay, Margate Main SandsWalpole Bay, CliftonvilleStone Bay, BroadstairsViking Bay, BroadstairsLouisa Bay, BroadstairsRamsgate Main Sands

Getting away from it allA quiet stroll along the sand at lowtide, a peaceful cove to relax with agood book or a secluded bay withgreat birdwatching opportunities.

Botany Bay, BroadstairsKingsgate Bay, BroadstairsStone Bay, BroadstairsDumpton Gap, BroadstairsPegwell Bay, Ramsgate

Beach within reachIf you are a wheelchair user or havelimited mobility, the following beachesand bays have beach wheelchairs youcan use. Contact the bay inspector onthe beach or ring 01843 577528/577032 for further information.

West Bay, WestgateMargate Main SandsViking Bay, BroadstairsRamsgate Main Sands

To find out more about the facilities ateach of our beaches and bays, pleasesee the individual entries on thefollowing pages.

Which is the bestbeach for you?

The main reason people visited our beaches last yearwas to have a great family day out in the fresh air, andthe favourite beaches were Margate Main Sands andRamsgate Main Sands. Whatever your reason forvisiting, you’re sure to find something to suit. To help findthe best beach for you, look at the lists below.



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Sandy beach approx. 200 metres long withpromenade. A great family beach, off the beatentrack. Designated water ski area. Strokes AdventureGolf, bowls and tennis nearby. Café open all year,weekends only in winter. The former Seabathing Hospitaloverlooked Westbrook Bay. The fresh air and sea waterwas thought to be extremely beneficial to good health.

Westbrook Bay CT9 5DL

Long, rural sandy bay with rocky and shingle areas. Tidal bay except on spring tides. Sailing club,windsurfing area, seal watching trips and kite boardlessons available – a really great beach with lots of activities. Childrens play area nearby. Relax with adrink and watch the sun set into the sea.

Minnis Bay CT7 9QP

Sandy and approx. 200 metres long with promenadeand boardwalk. Tidal boating pool, donkey rides andchildren’s rides. Golden sands galore, perfect forfamily fun and bathing. Shops and amusements nearby.Disabled toilets at nearby Buenos Ayres. Just a couple ofminutes walk from Margate Station and the town centre,but once on the beach the hustle and bustle completelydisappears and you’re in another world. Beachwheelchairs available.

Margate Main Sands CT9 1XJ

Sandy bay with rocky areas and cliffs. Totally tidal bay.The sand here is good for sandcastles and there are lotsof little rock pools to explore. Café open in the evening,another great place to have a meal and drink whilstwatching fantastic sunset views. Listed by TheIndependent as one of the country’s top 20beaches – rocking rockpools. Beach wheelchairsavailable.

West Bay CT8 8QG

Popular water sports area approx. 400 metres long withsandy beach, promenade and tidal swimming pool.Nearby Jet Ski World. Water ski area, golf, putting,tennis and indoor bowls nearby. Lots of activities at thisgreat stretch of coastline. Walpole Bay has one of thelast Victorian tidal swimming pools to be built.

Walpole Bay (Palm Bay/Hodges Gap and Foreness Point) CT9 2HL

Sandy bay with promenade, cliffs and tidal pool. Tidalbay except on spring tides. Lovely little crabbing poolthat will keep the children amused for ages. Tennis,putting and public house with restaurant nearby. Find theWorld War 1 seaplane lookout that is still in place here.In 1916 it proved too dangerous to continue landingplanes here, so Manston airfield was developed.

St Mildreds Bay CT8 8TR

Popular yet quiet sandy bay approx 200 metres long.Thanet’s best-kept secret, a secluded bay withbreathtaking chalk features. This bay got its namebecause the common fate of a captured smuggler wasdeportation to Botany Bay in Australia on a convict ship.In the late 18th century there was a big battle herebetween the smugglers and the revenue men, whichresulted in quite a few fatalities.

Botany Bay CT10 3LG

Discover ourbeautiful beaches

Lively resort beach, quiet rural cove – what is best for you?

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Quiet and secluded sandy beach approx. 150 metreslong. A great bay for those who like to get awayfrom it all and have a bit of space to themselves.It also has some of the best examples of sea caves in thecountry. This bay used to be called St. Bartholomew’sBay until King Charles I was landed here for safetyduring a squall and he ordered that the name bechanged to Kingsgate Bay.

Kingsgate Bay CT10 3QH

Quiet sandy bay approx. 150 metres long withpromenade. Disabled access via quite steep slope.Another great little bay for rockpooling and sandcastle building. Originally called Goodstone steps.Thomas Russell Crampton built a lattice-work bridgeacross the gap here and it was renamed Louisa Bayafter one of his family members.

Louisa Bay CT10 1PU

Popular sandy bay approx. 200 metres long. This bayis a must for keen surfers and those who wish tolearn. Joss Bay Surf School. Surf boards and wetsuithire, amusements. Joss Snelling, the notorious smugglerand head of the Callis Court Gang was named after this bay. He was fined £100 for smuggling at the ageof 89!

Joss Bay CT10 3PG

Quiet, sandy bay approx. 150 metres long with somerocks and promenade. Disabled access via quite steepslope. This is one of the best low tide walking routesto Ramsgate and where natural profile of cliff tosea can be found. Check low tide times beforewalking.

Dumpton Gap CT10 1TA

Peaceful sandy bay approx. 200 metres long with chalkcliffs, rock pools and promenade. Disabled access viaBroadstairs harbour. A great little bay seldomdiscovered by visitors and good for rockpooling.

Stone Bay CT10 1DP

Popular sandy beach approx. 250 metres long withpromenade. Donkey rides, boardwalk, designated jet skiarea adjacent to main beach, shops and children’samusements nearby. A resort beach situated right nextto the glorious Royal Harbour and Marina. Lots of littlebars and cafés close at hand for leisurely lunches – a real continental feel. Beach wheelchairs available.

Ramsgate Main Sands CT11 8JD

Resort’s main bay. Sandy beach approx. 150 metreslong with cliff-top promenade, harbour pier andboardwalk. Surf School, surf ski/belly boards, shops,restaurants and amusements nearby. Childrens rides.Donkey rides. Punch and Judy (August only). A trulyEnglish seaside experience with plenty of things forthe children. Charles Dickens’ loved to holiday here.Beach wheelchairs available.

Viking Bay CT10 1QS

A stretch of unprotected sea cliffs with great geologicalinterest and a sandy bay used by large numbers ofseashore birds. A perfect place to experiencecoastal wildlife. The bay is also part of Kent’s largestNational Nature Reserve. Viking Ship ‘Hugin’ standsproudly on the clifftop overlooking the bay. Pegwell Baywas a popular excursion destination for Victorianholidaymakers who used to ride from Ramsgate to thebay on donkey chaisse.

Pegwell Bay CT12 5JB

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General informationChalet and beach hut hireFor further information telephoneThanet Leisureforce on 01843296111 or contact one of the bayinspectors on the beaches.Safe

Making sure you are safe on ourbeaches is extremely important to us.Our bay inspectors and lifeguards arethere to help and offer advice – pleasejust ask. You can also help yourself bybeing aware of the following:

BarbecuesIndividual barbeques are permitted onall beaches and bays after 6pm.Organised group barbeques areallowed on Joss Bay by prioragreement with the ForeshoreDepartment on 01843 577274.

Child safety animal signsMost of our main bays have highlyvisible signposts, all resemblingdifferent animals instantly recognisableto children. These are here to help youlocate your position on the beach andto help your little ones find their wayback to you should they wander off.

EmergenciesIf you see someone in trouble, go tothe lifeguard or bay inspector for help.Do not try to rescue them yourself. Out of season you should telephonethe coastguard on 999.

Ensure you don’t burn• Always cover up.• Stay in the shade between 11am

and 3pm.• Use factor 15+ sunscreen and

apply regularly.• Remember to take extra care with

children.• Don’t be fooled by a sea breeze,

you may be cool but you will still burn.

InflatablesBeware of using these even in a gentlebreeze, they can easily be blown outto sea. If possible tie them to theshore, and if your children are usingthem – never let them out of your sight.

Know your flagsRed and yellow flag –lifeguard-patrolled bathing

area. Always swim between the flagsand within the bouys on all beaches.

Red flag – do not bathewhen red flag is flying.

Black and white quarteredflag – Surfing Area.

White cross on green flag –first aid.

LitterAll our beaches and bays are beautifuland we are proud of them, pleasehelp us to keep them that way. Take your litter away with you or put itin the bins provided.

Watch the tidesThe idea of walking from one bay toanother may be appealing, but ensureyou don’t get cut off by the tide. Highand low tide information is oftenwritten at each beach by the BayInspector. Local tide tables are alsoavailable from our Visitor InformationCentres or visitwww.portoframsgate.co.uk

For further information on beach safetyvisit www.rnli.org.uk

call 01843 577165



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Spend a few short minutes giving us your opinion and

you could win:

2 nights bed and breakfastfor 2 adults and 2 children at a hotel or guest house of your choice featured in Isle magazine

Free pass to local attractions

Tickets for the Open Top Bus Tour

Trip to see the seals on the sandbanks

Go to the beaches and bays section of www.visitthanet.co.uk or pick up aquestionnaire from one of our Visitor Information Centres.

Which is ourbest beach

and why?

DisclaimerWhilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of allinformation contained in this guide at the time of publishing,Thanet District Council cannot guarantee its accuracy andaccepts no responsibility for error or misrepresentation. Allliability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damagecaused by reliance on the information in this guide is herebyexcluded.

Leaflet produced April 2008.

Thanks are extended to Visit Kent for their assistance with co-ordinating the production of this leaflet.

Margate Visitor Information Centre12-13 The Parade, Margate, CT9 1EY.

Broadstairs Visitor Information Centrec/o Dickens House Museum, 2 Victoria Parade, Broadstairs, CT10 1QS.

Ramsgate Visitor Information Centre17 Albert Court, York Street, Ramsgate, CT11 9DN.

Visitor Information Call CentreTelephone: 0870 264 6111Email:[email protected]:www.visitthanet.co.uk

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Visitor Information Centres


www.visitthanet.co.uk


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