Latest news with #Broadstairs
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Our pick of Kent's best beaches from hidden bays to pubs on the sand ahead of the 26C weather
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. 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. 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 9 9 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 9 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 9 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Westwood Cross shopping centre celebrates 20th anniversary
A Kent shopping centre is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a programme of live music and giveaways throughout the opening on June 9, 2005, Westwood Cross in Broadstairs became one of the UK's largest open-air shopping mark the anniversary, local buskers and Thanet Rock Choir will be performing at the centre on 14 June. The 475,000 sq ft shopping centre was built on the site of the former Haine Hospital, which served as a military hospital during World War One and Two before closing in 1997. Centre director Fran Donovan said everyone involved was "incredibly proud" to be celebrating 20 years of Westwood Cross. "Since opening in 2005, the centre has grown and evolved alongside the community, and this milestone is a chance to say thank you to all our staff, guests, retailers, and partners who've been part of that journey."Wendy Pidduck, who has been store manager of H. Samuel since the opening, recalls first visiting the site when it was still "a building site". "I was fitted out with steel toe capped wellies, hi vis jacket and a hard hat, whilst trying very hard to visualise our new store when it was set out in string and pegs," she said.A Memorial Wall located at the heart of the main car park stands as a tribute to the site's past as a hospital. Etched into its surface are the regiment numbers of the soldiers who were treated there during both conflicts. The musical performance is scheduled to start at 14:00 BST.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
ANDREW PIERCE: Celebrate Mrs T! Just what would grumpy Ted say?
The feud between Ted Heath and Margaret Thatcher, who ousted him as Tory leader, was one of the most long-running and rancorous in politics. So what a nice surprise to learn that the Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation, set up to promote his memory, is to honour the Iron Lady. Next month they will mark the centenary of her birth with a tribute at the Sarah Thorne Theatre in Broadstairs, the genteel seaside resort in Kent where Heath was born in 1925. There will be a discussion chaired by Iain Dale, who has written a new biography of her. The panel on July 20 includes John Redwood, who ran Mrs T's Downing Street policy unit, Virginia Bottomley, who served in her government, and veteran MP Roger Gale, who – as a former TV producer – advised the Iron Lady on how to conduct herself when parliament was televised in 1989. Steve Nallon, the voice of Maggie for Spitting Image, will also be on the panel. Michael MacManus, who worked for Heath and Thatcher, said: 'I don't think my fellow trustees ever expected to stage an event celebrating Mrs T, but I think it's a great departure.' Truss could make a dram out of a crisis Much mockery of 49-day PM Liz Truss after she promoted an Irish whiskey brand alongside bare-knuckle fighter Dougie Joyce, once jailed for punching a pensioner. Sir Roderic Lyne, our former ambassador to Russia, suggests Truss might follow the example of Alec Douglas-Home after his 14 months in No 10: 'Perhaps she could take up salmon fishing like Douglas-Home. It goes down very well with a wee dram.' What a bunch of heels Labour MPs were cock-a-hoop after Prime Minister's Questions last week amid suggestions they had discovered Kemi Badenoch's 'Achilles heel'. They claimed they could see the Tory leader had forgotten to remove a 'bargain sale' label from the sole of one her shoes. Quipped one Labourite: 'She must know she's on the way out and will soon lose that nice extra salary as Opposition leader. She's already cutting back on essentials!' But is this yet another Labour dirty trick? The Tory leader's office certainly thinks so. The footwear was from M&S, said a source. And there was no such 'bargain' tag upon them. Flushed with Labour's surprise success in last week's Scottish Parliament by-election, party insiders know who to thank for victory over the SNP. 'Virtually every Labour MP came up to campaign in Hamilton. The only one who didn't was Keir Starmer – so it definitely was Keir 'wot won it',' sniped one. Labour historians noted that the Govan shipyard, where Starmer outlined his defence strategy last week, was earmarked for closure by the Heath Tory government in 1971. It was saved after a 'work-in' organised by Communist union leaders Jimmy Airlie and Jimmy Reid. Lefty Labour MPs grumble that the massive expansion in defence spending, which will benefit the Govan yard, will be paid for by trimming benefits – the sort of cuts those Communist diehards would have fought to resist. Labour MP Markus Campbell-Savours may now sport a Trotskyite beard, but he wants reform of the House of Lords to be delayed. Young Markus should perhaps have declared a family interest. His father Dale, a former Labour MP, is now a life peer. The status quo suits the Campbell-Savours family just fine. Meanwhile, peers are feathering their nests. Last week they increased their hotel expenses allowance from £103 to £125 a night. That's well above the rate of inflation.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
James Norton and Rebecca Adlington finish Joss Bay endurance swim
Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington and actor James Norton have taken part in a sea swimming endurance challenge in were participants in a 10-hour relay at Joss Bay in Broadstairs on Friday in aid of the Blue Marine Foundation conservation who won her medals swimming freestyle, said she "always felt a deep connection to water" so supporting coastal restoration "just felt like a natural fit".The event sponsor said it would donate £150 to for every kilometre participants swam at the event to the charity. According to organisers, 36 swimmers swam a total of 29.4km. Adlington added: "I hope people see this event as more than just a challenge, it's a call to action."The UK has seen a 92% reduction in seagrass meadows and a 95% decline in native oyster reefs over the last century, according to a report published by Blue Marine Foundation in Valley actor Norton said his family goes by the mantra "you'll never regret a swim" but admitted he had never been involved with this level of endurance swimming."Like everyone, I'm in awe of the ocean. It's wild, powerful, and under threat," he said."Taking a stand is about protecting biodiversity and ensuring future generations can experience the magic of healthy seas."
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Couple who built bright green extension 'blocking sea view' of furious neighbours put near £1m home up for sale just months later
A £1million home with a controversial green-brick extension is up for sale just months after it appeared on Tinie Tempah 's Channel 4 property show. Extraordinary Extensions followed interior designer Karim Mezeli and his partner Carly as they radically transformed the four-bed seaside property in 2022. The couple added a double-storey extension with a unique green-glazed brick to the 1960s end-of-terrace house in Broadstairs, Kent. Karim and Carly, whose episode aired in February last year, said they wanted to swap around the orientation of their 'dream' property so that it faced the sea. The plans, however, sparked furious opposition from neighbours who said the large addition to the family home would block their sea view. Others claimed that the green glazed brick - believed to be the first of its kind used on a residential property - was 'out of keeping' with the other houses on the street. Now MailOnline can reveal that the newly-renovated home, dubbed 'The Green Wing', has been put up for sale for £900,000. Interior designer Karim said they were planning to move out as it was time for the 'next project'. It comes as one neighbour told MailOnline they know someone who is already interested in buying it. Speaking to British rapper Tinie Tempah on Extraordinary Extensions, Carly and Karim described the Broadstairs property as their 'dream home'. Carly said: 'When I stood in the garden seeing the sea, I knew instantly all my dreams had come true. Karim added: 'We just loved the idea of the kids growing up and their view being the lifeboat going up and down. 'It is quite dreamlike.' The couple had a £300,000 budget for the extension - with the green-glazed brick alone estimated to cost £15,000. Carly explained on the show that the building material had typically only been used on pubs and restaurants and not on residential properties. Listing the property for sale on their website, estate agent Ben Morris said: 'The Green Wing is a bold and beautifully executed modern home that embraces its spectacular coastal setting through clean lines, intelligent spatial design, and panoramic sea views from every room. 'Featured on Channel 4's Extraordinary Extensions, the house is a statement of contemporary architecture and coastal living, quietly set on a peaceful residential road in Broadstairs, just a 10-minute walk from the town via the beach.' The extension, however, sparked controversy among neighbours - with some claiming it blocked their sea view and was out of keeping with the area. Several submitted objections on Thanet District Council's public planning portal when the initial application went in back in June 2021. One local living in a nearby close told MailOnline this week: 'I objected as many did but they got planning permission as you are not entitled to a sea view. 'But then you pay for it when you buy a house. 'It was such a beautiful home beforehand – I wanted to buy it but I just couldn't afford it. 'I don't know why they have put it up for sale but I do actually know someone who is interested in buying it.' Pointing to a photo of the original home, the neighbour added: 'That was it before, you can see it has come right out and blocked many people's views. 'It took my sea view away from my back window but it went ahead anyway. It isn't in keeping with the rest of the close but I understand that on the inside it is really lovely. 'They wanted to extend out, they have a family so I understand that but yes a lot of people were unhappy.' Another neighbour told MailOnline they had also looked around the property when it was previously up for sale. They said: 'We have watched it develop from the time they first did something with it. 'We actually first looked at the house before it turned into what it is now. 'We did not go for it. It is an end of terrace house. 'What they have done to it is very different. It is like marmite. 'It isn't the size of it. It is just the green brick. It looks like a Victorian toilet block. But it is just different people's taste. 'Now it is just part of the road.' Tinie Tempah praised Karim and Carly's property on the episode of Extraordinary Extensions that aired in February last year. The British rapper said: 'This is a really confident piece of design, elevated to new heights by the daring choice of brick. 'There was a little bit of me that was thinking you know what this could go horribly wrong but they've not only pulled it off, they have given this house a whole new face and it is definitely smiling.'
