Peaceful coastal town only 90 minutes from London that visitors say they ‘highly recommend’
- UK Hidden Gems
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
London may not be famous for being near the coast, but the seaside isn’t as far away as you might think.
Just an hour and a half from the capital is this charming town in Kent, which isn’t home to just one or two beaches, but seven different sandy bays to enjoy.
From the peaceful setting of Botany Bay, to the family-favourite Viking Bay, and the surfer’s hotspot Joss Bay, there’s something to suit everyone.
Broadstairs has also long been a draw for visitors, including author Charles Dickens, who loved the town so much he often stayed at Bleak House. It’s believed he even wrote some of his famous novels here.
Right next to the ever-popular Margate, Broadstairs offers the same seaside charm but with fewer crowds, making it a more relaxed option.
One visitor who spent a day at Botany Bay shared on TripAdvisor: "What an amazing beach. Beautiful sand. Lovely cliff side walks along the beach, also a cave the kids enjoyed. The perfect place for a family picture or two.
"Well worth a visit. The signal is not good so I'd advise taking some cash if you want to use the cafe for a coffee or ice cream as the card reader kept losing signal. 100% recommended."
If you want more than just beaches, Broadstairs has plenty of attractions to explore, including the Dickens House Museum, The Little Art Gallery, the Revolution Skatepark, and Lillyputt Mini Golf for some family fun.
Fans of literature should make sure to stop at the Dickens House Museum, which overlooks Viking Bay. The museum shares the story of the famous author’s time in the town, but note that it’s only open for six months of the year, so it’s best to check times before visiting.
One recent guest said: "Sweet little house in Broadstairs. Strongly recommend listening to one of the (free) guides offering insight.
"There’s not LOADS to see - but for a very small sum (£4) you get a real feel for Dickens in Kent. A nice additional view - similar feel to the Dickens museum in London, but so lucky to hear our informative guide. Lovely little shop too!"
Art lovers can head to the Little Art Gallery, which displays over 300 original paintings, prints, and handmade items created by talented local artists.
One Broadstairs resident praised the gallery, writing: "This is a really interesting small art gallery where we have bought a few pictures for our new home in Broadstairs. The prices are acceptable, and the standard good. Would recommend."
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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