UK's secret exotic paradise sandwiched between two seaside towns
Botany Bay in Kent has been named the UK's most photographed beach and it's not hard to see why, whether it's the golden sands, sparkling water or the inviting rock pools
Discovering such a spectacular beach with sparkling waters and golden sands in the heart of Kent is truly remarkable, especially when it feels akin to an exotic overseas hideaway.
With the summer season approaching, now is the ideal time to mark 'beach day' on your calendar. One breathtaking spot is Botany Bay, which constantly earns Blue Flag recognition, guaranteeing that its cleanliness and maintenance are top-notch.
At low tide, Botany Bay reveals extensive sands and invites exploration of its intriguing rock pools. The scenery here captivates with the bay framed by the quintessential white cliffs and chalk stacks, forming a photographer's dream and one of the region's most distinctive features.
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You can wander over to Kingsgate Bay and Joss Bay, just be cautious of the rising tide – you wouldn't want to get stranded for six hours like someone recently did. Botany Bay is also manned by daily lifeguard patrols from May 24 to September 7, between 10am and 6pm. Dog owners will be pleased that their furry friends are allowed on the beach outside these times, from May 1 to September 30, reports the Express.
An impressed visitor recently described this hidden strip between Margate and Broadstairs as a real "gem" and enjoyed long walks along the sand and cliff paths, a definite highlight of their visit. If you're planning a first trip, remember: street parking near Botany Bay is prohibited, according to Kent Live.
Not to forget, Margate itself is an excellent place to explore and enjoy. Broadstairs, with its unique mix of the traditional and the modern, along with an abundance of artistic touches and playful quirks, provides a cool, contemporary haven not to be overlooked by visitors.
Reaching the bay, celebrated as the UK's most photographed last February is simple, thanks to the established path from the cliff top, or the concrete pathway by the water station at the end closest to the sea.
The bay's water quality has been awarded an 'excellent' stamp for swimming in 2024, keeping up the high standards seen in previous years. Through 2025, testing of the waters will occur 15 times, the first taking place on May 7 with the year's final sample to be collected no later than September 30.
A traveller recently shared their approval on Tripadvisor, where Botany Bay enjoys a 4.2 out of 5-star rating based on 546 reviews, commending the beach's cleanliness and the freedom it offers for dogs.
Their review enthused: "We were able to walk along to Joss Bay passing the chalk formations and arch at Kingsgate Bay. In the summer, this beach would be world-class. Cannot fault it. I heard there's a naturist, if that's your thing, area in summer at the dunes area in the Margate direction."
Be sure to time your trip right, as the low tide reveals enticing rock pools and allows passage to Kingsgate Bay.
The local council has issued a tip for beachcombers and explorers: "When the tide is out, Botany bay is a great location for fossil hunting and exploring rock pools. There is plenty of exposed sand to enjoy when the tide is in, but due to the bay's shape the ends are cut off at high tide."
For those who relish the idea of a picturesque walk, aim to visit Botany Bay during low tide early in the day. That's when you can meander along the extensive stretches of sand, flanked by dazzling white cliffs with skylarks soaring above.
Surprisingly, the history behind the name 'Botany Bay' is not tied to its plant life; it's rooted in lore. The spot was reportedly notorious as a contraband hotspot during the 1700s, leading to the capture and deportation of smugglers to Botany Bay, Australia.
Though this UK version of Botany Bay doesn't boast the warm temperatures of its namesake down under, it nevertheless entices with its distinctive allure. This charming bay in Kent is the most northerly of Broadstairs' seven bays.
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