Our pick of Kent's best beaches from hidden bays to pubs on the sand ahead of the 26C weather
KENT WAIT Our pick of Kent's best beaches from hidden bays to pubs on the sand ahead of the 26C weather
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THE UK is set to welcome weather up to 26C this week - so there has never been a better time to visit the beach.
One of the easiest beach spots to get to is the Kent coastline, with some being less than an hour from London.
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Along with some more popular beaches, The Sun Travel team have rounded up some of their lesser-known favourites, where you are more likely to bump into a local than a tourist.
Here are 10 of the best to choose from to make the most of the sun this weekend.
Dungeness Beach, Romney Marsh
Not your average parasol and sun lounger beach, Dungeness on the south Kent coast used to be known as Britain's only desert, thanks to its barren landscape.
It's part nature reserve, part nuclear power station and part cod-fishing mecca, and also possibly the bleakest-looking stretch of coast in the whole of the UK.
This is also its draw for many like me, who love how desolate it looks.
The late artist and filmmaker Derek Jarman felt the same way, and visitors still visit to see his quaint old seaside cottage and quirky garden.
Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire
Stone Bay, Broadstairs
While Broadstairs has seven sandy coves to explore, all linked by clifftop paths that offer spectacular views across the English Channel.
But Stone Bay is a good alternative if you're looking to escape the crowds, with the traditional a British seaside resort alongside imposing Victorian buildings sitting alongside fisherman's cottages.
With lots of family-friendly fun including arcades and rides, it's becoming a bit of a foodie mecca too.
Trendy English seaside town has rooftop bar that 'feels like the Med'
Twenty Seven Harbour Street has stunning views and tasty treats cooked over fire.
And must-visit is Morelli's - it's been serving up traditional gelato since 1932 with the fabulous Art Deco interior only beaten only just by the stunning sundaes.
Head of Travel (Print) - Lisa Minot
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Stone Bay in Broadstairs is slightly quieter but
Credit: Alamy
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Make sure to head back to Morelli's in town for ice cream
Credit: Alamy
Mermaid Beach, Folkestone
Folkestone has it's all - a hidden sandy beach that comes with the tide and the main pebble beach lined with bars and restaurants.
But the pretty Mermaid Beach- named from the rock shape formation looking like a tail - is where to go to avoid the crowds.
You are more likely to be joined by local families with a BBQ than hoards of tourists, and it is right under the Leas Cliff Hall which has a new bar open this summer and live music.
Mermaid Cafe has some great food and drink nearby too for when you need a snack, as well as the Lower Leas Coastal Park which is free to visit and undergoing renovation.
Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
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You can tell why it is called Mermaid Beach
Credit: Alamy
Whitstable Beach, Whitstable
Whitstable has long been the most fashionable of Kent's seaside towns, despite the surge in popularity of places like Margate and Folkestone with 'down from Londoners'.
I love the town's beach, not for its soft yellow sand (it's instead full of grey pebbles) but for the awesome attractions, pubs and restaurants that line it.
Sea Scrub sauna is a lovely experience, the Whitstable Oyster Company is a perfect place for lunch, The Forge oyster shack serves excellent no-frills seafood and The Old Neptune Pub is a great spot for a pint.
Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire
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Whitstable is still a great destination despite it's popularity
Credit: Alamy
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The Old Neptune Pub is right on the beach
Credit: Alamy
Palm Bay, Margate
One of Margate's big draws is the sandy Main Sands which you can see as soon as you leave the train station - but the nearby Palm Bay is my favourite.
Having lived in Margate for a number of years, Palm Bay is where you will spot the locals.
Tucked under the cliffs, it is much quieter than the main area and is round the corner from Walpole Bay lido - the largest of it's kind in Europe.
Make sure to find the pop up sauna as well, and visit on the last Sunday of every month for Cliftonville Farmers' Market, with fresh food and drinks.
Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
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Palm Bay is quieter in Margate and near the famous lido
Credit: Alamy
Kingsgate Bay Beach, Broadstairs
The walk from Margate to Broadstairs has some amazing hidden coves, one of which being Kingsgate Bay.
With white cliffs on one side and Kingsgate Castle on another, you can even walk through the natural archway depending on the tide (reminiscent of Durdle Door).
The sandy beach is often overlooked, as it is only accessed by a steep set of steps and there is very limited parking so it is mainly for walkers to visit.
Make sure to grab a pint from the authentic Captain Digby pub above too.
Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
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Kingsgate Bay is hidden thanks to having steep steps and limited car parking
Credit: Alamy
Deal Beach, Deal
While the broad sweep of pebbles on Deal's seafront may not be great for kiddie sandcastles, this is a very grown-up place for adult fun.
With its upmarket bistros and historic buildings, it is picture postcard pretty and its high street behind has won awards for its range of independent shops.
The Royal Hotel is the perfect place to admire the beach and sea views, you'll be in good company as Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton were once frequent visitors.
For somewhere great to stay, The Clarendon Hotel is an elegant 18th century building right on the seafront with great views across to Deal Pier where you can stroll by day to the restaurant at the end or watch anglers try their luck along its length.
Trying to choose somewhere to eat? The Frog & Scot is a great small plates restaurant, while The Pelican is one for fish-lovers.
Head of Travel (Print) - Lisa Minot
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EWBEXG the beach at Deal in Kent, England
Credit: Alamy
Camber Sands Beach, Camber
East Sussex lays claim to Camber Sands, but according to Wikipedia a small fraction of this seven-mile-long beach reaches over the Kent border.
Which helpfully means we can use it as part of this round-up, as it is easily the best beach in the area.
Backed by large sand dunes, Camber is so large that you can always find a spot - even on the hottest of summer days - if you are willing to walk.
After an afternoon lazing in the sun, drive 10 minutes down the road to the medieval town of Rye for a pub dinner.
Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire
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