Top 5 Beaches in Kent for Kids
26 November 2022
You’re spoilt for choice when choosing a beach in Kent for your next family day out. The Garden of England is home to many Blue Flag Award beaches, internationally recognised for their tip-top water quality, safety and facilities. Most are on Kent’s northern coast, with Thanet boasting several outstanding beaches.
Narrowing it down to a Top 5 was some challenge. Our list ranges from bustling, action-packed beaches with loads to do, to quieter retreats where your kids can relax and unwind.
Tankerton Beach, Whitstable
This beach is a favourite of families who like to enjoy a picnic on the grassy slopes. It’s a fantastic option if you’re after a more chilled-out day by the sea. It’s set away from Whitstable town centre, and the busier main beach, but it has free parking and several food and ice cream places nearby.
The shingle beach and wooden huts give this beach a relaxed, quaint vibe. Your kids will be safe paddling and swimming thanks to the excellent water quality and lifeguards on duty.
At low tide, a natural sand pathway emerges where you can take the kids walking right out into the sea.
Margate Main Sands
This is the place to go if your kids want a lively, action-packed day at the beach. On sunny days, there’ll be hundreds of families there, but you’ll still find a space on the huge beach. There’ll be music playing and it’ll have a carnival atmosphere.
To top it all off, take your kids around the newly reopened Dreamland amusement park. There are loads of vintage rides, as well as shows, art installations and a great selection of food and drinks.
Sunny Sands, Folkestone
The only one on our list that isn’t on Kent’s northern coast, time it right and this beach will provide a smashing day out for your family.
The arches beneath the promenade provide an excellent place to set up camp for the day. At low tide, the beach has plenty of space and the exposed rocks further down give your kids the perfect chance to search for critters in the rockpools.
Kids can try water activities such as paddleboarding and there are lifeguards on duty.
Just remember to check the tide times — at high tide, the entire beach disappears underwater!
Stone Bay, Broadstairs
This is one of many cracking beaches in upmarket Broadstairs. Stone Bay offers a more relaxed day out than the busier Viking Bay near the town centre.
Whilst there aren’t any cafes or shops right next to the beach, you can follow the promenade a short way towards town if your kids fancy a bite to eat.
There’s free parking, toilets, and beach huts, as well as lifeguards on duty throughout the summer.
There are hundreds of rockpools to explore at low tide, and surrounded by stunning white cliffs, it’s a great spot for a chilled family day out.
Herne Bay
If you were asked to picture the classic British seaside, you’d probably imagine something like Herne Bay.
It’s a pebble beach (with enough sand for your kids to build a decent castle) backed by pastel-coloured huts and Victorian terraces. You’ll find all the traditional seaside attractions here - fish and chips, ice cream, amusements. There’s even a pier with a little funfair.
It’s quieter than the larger, more popular resorts, so if you want a great British seaside experience with less hassle, this one’s for you.
Whatever kind of beach day you want for your family, you’ll find it in Kent.
Looking for other things to do in Kent?
10 best castles for kids in Kent
5 best parks for families in Kent
Make a short break of it with our list of the best campsites in Kent
Prefer a hotel? We've got a list of the best family-friendly hotels in Kent.
Photo by Jeremiah Lawrence on Unsplash