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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Our pick of Kent's best beaches from hidden bays to pubs on the sand ahead of the 26C weather
Some of them have record-breaking lidos and historical hotels to stay at too KENT WAIT Our pick of Kent's best beaches from hidden bays to pubs on the sand ahead of the 26C weather Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 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 9 Stone Bay in Broadstairs is slightly quieter but Credit: Alamy 9 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 9 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 9 Whitstable is still a great destination despite it's popularity Credit: Alamy 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish 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 Advertisement 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, 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. Advertisement Read more on beaches 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. Advertisement Most read in Beach holidays Exclusive But 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. Advertisement Head of Travel (Print) - Lisa Minot 9 Stone Bay in Broadstairs is slightly quieter but Credit: Alamy 9 Make sure to head back to Morelli's in town for ice cream Credit: Alamy Mermaid Beach, Folkestone Advertisement 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 Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey Advertisement 9 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. Advertisement Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire 9 Whitstable is still a great destination despite it's popularity Credit: Alamy 9 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 Advertisement Having Tucked under the cliffs, it is much quieter than the main area and is round the corner 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 Advertisement 9 Palm Bay is quieter in Margate and near the famous lido Credit: Alamy Kingsgate Bay Beach, Broadstairs The walk from Margate to 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 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. Advertisement Make sure to grab a pint from the authentic Captain Digby pub above too. Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey 9 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 Advertisement 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 Advertisement Head of Travel (Print) - Lisa Minot 9 EWBEXG the beach at Deal in Kent, England Credit: Alamy Camber Sands Beach, Camber East Sussex lays claim to Which helpfully means we can use it as part of this round-up, as it is easily the best beach in the area. Advertisement 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 Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire 9 Camber is so large that you can always find a spot Credit: Alamy Advertisement
Belfast Telegraph
18-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
NI set for another week of ‘abnormally dry and sunny' weather – but a change is on the way
Northern Ireland is set for another week of 'abnormally dry and sunny' weather, with forecasters predicting high temperatures to continue. People have been making the most of the sunshine, with many flocking to the north coast to soak up every bit of the sun. Ice cream sellers across the region have been working hard to keep up with demand, with Portstewart's popular Morelli's ice cream parlour saying sales have seen a significant boost in recent days. Manager Amy Platt said the sunny weather has had a positive impact on the business, with 'many happy faces' seen walking and working along the promenade. 'It's been such a long stretch of warm weather, and our sales have definitely gone up, especially for ice cream,' she said. 'While sit-in customers aren't as busy, the great weather means lots of takeaway ice cream sales and people love being out on the promenade enjoying themselves. 'The atmosphere is lovely, everybody is more relaxed, happy, and patient. It's a real mood booster.' Amy said that although the store plans its stock a week in advance and is seeing strong sales, the sunny May weather also presents challenges, particularly with staffing. 'Great weather makes a huge difference to us as a business. People love to get ice cream and be out enjoying themselves at times like this. 'May is always tough for staffing, with many part-timers off doing A-levels and GCSEs, so it's mainly full-timers and myself managing the high demand. 'We just ask customers for patience as we navigate with limited staff, but we are working hard as always to supply the north west with their favourite ice cream.' She added: 'We plan a week ahead to stay on top of orders. Some suppliers have struggled to meet demand, which means occasional shortages of certain flavours. But overall, business has been very successful.' A Met Office spokesperson told the Belfast Telegraph that clouds or rain are unlikely during this working week. They added: 'Fine, dry and settled is the name of the game for Northern Ireland over the next few days. It's not until next weekend that we should start to see clouds and outbreaks of rain begin to show their hand.' Temperatures are expected to stay in the high teens to low 20s, sitting 'comfortably around 22–23C' throughout the week, with a 'slight dip' towards the weekend. The meteorologist said the sunny spell is unusual for this time of year, adding that while it's not officially classified as a heatwave, temperatures are higher than normal for spring. 'We need to hit three consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 25°C in Northern Ireland to meet the Met Office's heatwave criteria. We've come close but haven't quite reached that mark. This threshold applies across NI, Scotland, parts of England, and Wales,' they said. 'It's not typical. Spring has been exceptionally dry and sunny so far, and we expect this pattern to continue throughout the week.' The Met Office spokesperson also warned people to take care in the sun and regularly apply suncream, as UV levels are currently moderate to high, increasing the risk of sunburn.
