The UK’s southeast coast enjoys a multitude of world-class beaches, sights and attractions, with alluring destinations for all ages and interests.
Words Jenny Oldaker
1. For a Beach Break: Broadstairs
Kent has a wonderfully diverse coastline, with soaring white cliffs, rugged rocky coves and miles of pebble beaches and sandy bays that are the stuff of summer holiday dreams. The area around Broadstairs, extending northwards towards Margate, has some of the county’s best spots, including Botany Bay with its awe-inspiring sea stacks, Joss Bay’s top surfing opportunities and Viking Bay in the heart of Broadstairs with its traditional seaside vibe. For a coastal stay with a difference, book Khina Cottage, attached to North Foreland Lighthouse on the chalk headland above Broadstairs, just a few minutes’ walk from Joss Bay. It sleeps four and costs from around £706 for three nights (ruralretreats.co.uk).
2. For History: Deal
With its shingle beach and pier, Deal is a great call for a getaway, and for history lovers, this small town punches above its weight. Its two well-preserved castles, Deal and Walmer (english-heritage.org.uk), are symbols of Tudor military might, both resonant with historic atmosphere and fascinating to visit. The narrow old streets are equally delightful, lined with Georgian and Victorian terraced houses, while Deal Museum (dealmuseum.uk) is an interesting place to immerse yourself in all aspects of the area’s past, from smugglers’ stories to social and industrial history. Deal Festival, 3-12 July, features a historic walking tour in its 2026 programme (dealmusicandarts.com). Stay at nearby Updown Farmhouse, from £275 per night, including breakfast (updownfarmhouse.com).
3. For Nature: Elmley National Nature Reserve
For utter relaxation among heavenly flora and fauna, Elmley National Nature Reserve on the Isle of Sheppey in north Kent is idyllic. It makes for a fantastic day trip and, if you fancy a longer stay, it has a selection of accommodation options, from shepherd’s huts to cosy cabins. It’s a wonderful place to experience the local landscape, home to owls, hares and a great diversity of wading birds, and offers wildlife watching experiences – a chance to explore with a knowledgeable nature guide. One night in a traditional shepherd’s hut starts from £160, or book a two-night birdwatching retreat for two guests, from £556, including a group wildlife tour with a personalised birdwatching map by lead nature guide Simon, plus dinner and breakfast (elmleynaturereserve.co.uk).
4. For a Buzzing Indie Scene: Folkestone
Immerse yourself in works by local artists and craftspeople, browse independent shops, and indulge in tasty dishes at vibrant bars and restaurants, courtesy of Folkestone’s up-and-coming creative scene. The town’s Creative Quarter abounds with studios, shops and galleries (creativefolkestone.org.uk), while Folkestone Artworks bills itself as the UK’s largest urban outdoor exhibition of contemporary art, with artistic surprises around every corner. Meanwhile, the Harbour Arm (folkestoneharbourarm.co.uk) is packed with a wide range of places to eat and hosts a lively programme of events year-round, plus the seasonal Marketplace, featuring a collection of independent sellers offering an eclectic range of goods. The London and Paris Hotel on the seafront starts at £129 per night, room only (londonandparishotel.co.uk).
5. For Art: Margate
Buzzy Margate is a top choice for a lively break, and its ever-burgeoning artistic scene is part of its appeal. Get a culture fix at Turner Contemporary –
this striking gallery stands above the beach and hosts inspiring exhibitions and events. Independent galleries abound too, as well as myriad artists’ studios, and the influence of artist Tracey Emin, who grew up here, is ever present – the Tracey Emin Foundation supports the visual arts, including the provision of professional studios and residencies. Outdoors, an e-bike trail of local street art offers an invigorating way to explore while experiencing more cultural highlights (ridemargate.com). No 42 Margate is a chic boutique hotel on the High Street, starting from £190 per night (guesthousehotels.co.uk).
6. For Seafood: Whitstable
Whitstable is a tasty destination for seafood fans, boasting a slew of excellent eateries, whether you fancy a relaxed bite at The Old Neptune (‘The Neppy’) pub on the beach, or Michelin-starred fare at The Sportsman up the road. Picture-perfect Wheelers Oyster Bar is Whitstable’s oldest restaurant, dating back to 1856, and its weekend tasting menu serves great local produce from land and sea. Whitstable Oyster Tours (whitstableoystertours.co.uk) offers the chance to learn about the town’s most famous delicacy, with guided tours of its oyster farm. These include the opportunity to try freshly shucked oysters washed down with a glass of fizz, a Whitstable Brewery beer or a soft drink. For a seafront stay, book a Fisherman’s Hut, from £125 per night (whitstablefishermanshuts.com).
7. For Unique Scenery: Dungeness
Billed as ‘Britain’s only desert’ for its vast swathes of barren shingle, there’s an otherworldly quality to the scenery and light of Dungeness, making a visit feel like a proper escape. Despite its remote feel, there’s plenty to explore, from The Old Lighthouse with its sea and land views (dungenesslighthouse.com) and the RSPB Dungeness reserve (rspb.org.uk), to Prospect Cottage (creativefolkestone.org.uk/prospect-cottage), the home of late film-maker Derek Jarman, with its glorious coastal garden. For an atmospheric stay, Fog Signal, a former foghorn testing station, sleeps two and starts at around £907 for two nights (bloomstays.com).
8. For Family Fun: St Mary’s Bay
From trips on the iconic Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway (rhdr.org.uk) or a visit to nearby Port Lympne Safari Park (aspinallfoundation.org), to a superb sandy beach that stretches between Dymchurch and Littlestone-on-Sea, it’s hard to beat St Mary’s Bay and its environs for a fun-filled family-friendly break. CABÜ by the Sea makes a great base for all ages, offering a swimming pool between March and October, hot tubs, bike hire and an outdoor kitchen complete with barbecue and pizza oven. Picnics can be provided, and there’s direct coast access from the site so it’s easy to get out and make an early start on that sandcastle building. Prices for two-night stays start at around £475 for a one-bed cabin, or £650 for a two-bed cabin which is perfect for a family of four (holidays.cabu.co.uk).
9. For Sailing: Ramsgate
Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour Marina was granted its regal title by King George IV in 1821 and today is a picturesque draw for visitors, backed by elegant historic buildings. Its waters jostle with rows of bobbing vessels, and it’s a perfect departure point for getting out on the ocean, with all kinds of trips and tours operating from the area. Whether you want to visit the local seal colony, fish for bass and mackerel, or simply take in the local coastline, you’ll find a host of options to book. For a more hands-on experience, Ramsgate Sailing School (ramsgatesailing.com) runs courses for all
levels of experience. For accommodation nearby, Sound of the Sea is a pretty, sea-facing two-bedroom apartment, starting from £499 for a three-night stay (cottages.com).
10. For Getting Active: Minnis Bay
The lovely stretch of beach at Minnis Bay makes for a super day out all year round, and this part of Kent’s coast has excellent scope for sporty types on both land and sea – for cyclists, Minnis Bay to Reculver (part of the Viking Coastal Trail) is an easy but scenic flat route – great for exploring this part of the coastline on two wheels. The sea here is a popular spot for kitesurfing, SUP and windsurfing, thanks to its wide bay and safe conditions. After a day of activities (or just relaxing on the beach, if you prefer), it’s also a great spot for catching spectacular sunsets. Book a cosy glamping pod in Minnis Bay, from £70 per night, for a stay that’s right by the sea (kentcoaststays.co.uk). Alternatively, try the wonderful Art Deco-style Twentieth Century B&B in Birchington on Sea, just a short walk from Minnis Bay, from £90 per night (twentiethcenturybandb.com).
