Thanet has one of the most distinctive stretches of coastline in Kent, combining sandy beaches, dramatic chalk cliffs, traditional seaside towns, coastal walking routes and internationally important wildlife habitats. From Margate through Broadstairs to Ramsgate, there is an enormous amount to explore without needing to spend the day indoors.
The coastline is home to 16 beaches and bays, ranging from busy resort beaches with plenty of facilities to quieter coves backed by white chalk cliffs. Walking and cycling routes connect much of the coast, making it easy to combine several beaches, viewpoints and seaside towns in a single day.
Whether you want a traditional family beach day, a long coastal walk, surfing at Joss Bay, sea swimming in Margate or birdwatching around Pegwell Bay, these are some of the best outdoor things to do in Thanet.
Discover Thanet’s Best Beaches and Bays
One of the biggest attractions of the Thanet coast is its variety. Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate may sit relatively close together, but the beaches between them can feel completely different.
Some are broad sandy resort beaches surrounded by cafés and seaside attractions, while others sit beneath chalk cliffs and feel surprisingly secluded. Thanet’s coastline is also geologically significant, containing Britain’s longest continuous stretch of coastal chalk and extensive areas of intertidal chalk reef.
You could easily spend an entire trip beach-hopping, but a handful of bays stand out for offering particularly distinctive outdoor experiences.
Margate Main Sands – Classic Seaside Fun in the Heart of Margate
Margate Main Sands is the obvious choice for a traditional seaside day out. Its broad sandy beach sits immediately alongside the town, putting the sea, harbour and surrounding attractions within easy walking distance of one another.
The beach works particularly well for families who want plenty happening around them rather than an isolated stretch of coast. There is room for sandcastles, paddling and relaxing beside the sea, while Margate’s seafront means you can easily break up the beach day with a walk towards the harbour or around the town.
Margate railway station is also close to the beach, making Main Sands one of the easiest Thanet beaches to visit without a car. From here, more energetic visitors can continue east on foot towards Cliftonville, Walpole Bay and eventually the chalk coastline leading towards Broadstairs.
Botany Bay – Chalk Stacks, Rock Pools and Dramatic Coastal Scenery
Botany Bay, near Broadstairs, offers one of the most recognisable landscapes on the Thanet coast. Golden sand sits beneath tall white cliffs and distinctive chalk stacks that have made the bay one of the area’s most photographed beaches.
Low tide reveals a much larger landscape to explore. Rock pools appear around the exposed chalk reef and the area is known for fossil hunting, while the cliffs and stacks create a striking backdrop for a coastal walk.
The bay feels considerably more natural than Thanet’s central resort beaches, despite being relatively close to Margate and Broadstairs. A clifftop approach also provides impressive views before you descend towards the sand.
Tides are especially important here. Although plenty of sand remains accessible at high tide, the ends of Botany Bay can become cut off as the sea comes in. Anyone planning to walk between bays along the beach should check tide times beforehand rather than assuming the route will remain open.
Joss Bay – Thanet’s Go-To Beach for Surfing and Watersports
Continue around the coast and the next major bay has an altogether more active character. Joss Bay is particularly associated with surfing and is widely regarded as Thanet’s main surf beach.
The sandy bay stretches for around 200 metres between chalk headlands, with open countryside and a golf course behind it. Surfing tuition and equipment are available seasonally, making it possible for complete beginners to experience the water rather than simply watch from the shore.
Rock pooling and ordinary beach days are equally possible, so there is no requirement to arrive with a surfboard. Joss Bay also sits directly on one of the most attractive stretches of Thanet’s coast, meaning it can easily become a stop on a longer walk between Botany Bay and Broadstairs.
Like Botany Bay, both ends of the beach can be affected by the incoming tide, so coastal walkers should check conditions before setting out.
Viking Bay – Broadstairs’ Traditional Seaside Centrepiece
At the centre of Broadstairs, Viking Bay is a sweeping horseshoe-shaped beach surrounded by the town’s cliffs, promenade and traditional seaside architecture.
Its central location makes it one of Thanet’s easiest places to combine a beach day with exploring a seaside town on foot. The harbour sits at one end of the bay, while steps and pathways connect the beach with the streets and clifftop above.
Broadstairs has long been associated with Charles Dickens, but you do not need to be following its literary history to appreciate the setting. The combination of sandy beach, chalk cliffs and compact town creates a distinctly traditional Kentish seaside atmosphere.
Viking Bay also offers seasonal watersports, while its position roughly midway along Thanet’s main coastal stretch makes it a useful starting or finishing point for walks in either direction.
Stone Bay and Dumpton Gap – Quieter Alternatives to the Main Beaches
If Viking Bay is busy, some of Broadstairs’ neighbouring beaches offer a noticeably quieter experience. Stone Bay and Dumpton Gap form part of the chain of sandy bays surrounding the town but generally feel further removed from the main resort centre.
Stone Bay lies north of Viking Bay beneath chalk cliffs and works well for a slower beach day or as part of a walk towards Joss Bay and North Foreland.
Dumpton Gap sits on the other side of Broadstairs towards Ramsgate. Its location makes it particularly useful for walkers following the coast between the two towns, with the cliffs and sea accompanying much of the route.
These smaller bays demonstrate why exploring Thanet on foot is so rewarding. Within a relatively short distance, the atmosphere can change from a busy resort beach to a much quieter stretch of sand beneath the cliffs.
Walk Some of the Most Scenic Stretches of the Thanet Coast
Thanet’s beaches are not isolated attractions. Much of the appeal comes from the paths, promenades and clifftop routes connecting them, allowing visitors to experience several different sections of coast during the same walk.
You can choose anything from a short promenade stroll to a substantial day walk linking towns and beaches. The changing scenery of sandy bays, chalk cliffs, harbours and open sea prevents the route from ever feeling particularly repetitive.
Follow the Viking Coastal Trail Around the Isle of Thanet
The Viking Coastal Trail is Thanet’s best-known long-distance outdoor route. The complete circular trail covers approximately 32 miles, taking in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate before continuing inland through villages and countryside.
There is no need to complete all 32 miles. Breaking the trail into shorter sections creates a series of far more manageable walks and cycle rides, with railway stations in the main coastal towns making it relatively easy to travel back from another point on the route.
Large sections follow promenades, sea walls and the coastline, passing beaches, chalk cliffs and places to stop along the way. Much of the route is suitable for leisurely cycling as well as walking, although anyone planning a longer journey should check the current route before setting out.
Walk from Margate to Broadstairs Along the Chalk Coast
The stretch between Margate and Broadstairs is one of the best ways to appreciate how quickly Thanet’s coastline changes.
Leaving central Margate, the route heads east towards Cliftonville and Walpole Bay before continuing towards increasingly dramatic chalk scenery. Botany Bay, Kingsgate Bay and Joss Bay provide natural stopping points before the walk eventually reaches Broadstairs.
It is possible to experience busy seaside promenades, quieter residential stretches, chalk cliffs, sandy coves and open coastal views during the same journey. The ability to stop at different bays also makes it easy to shorten the route depending on weather and energy levels.
Where a route uses the beach rather than the clifftop, tide times need to be taken seriously. Several Thanet bays can become separated from one another at high tide, so staying on recognised higher-level routes is the safer option when there is any uncertainty.
Walk from Broadstairs to Ramsgate via Dumpton Gap
Heading in the opposite direction from Broadstairs gives another attractive coastal walk. From Viking Bay, the route continues south towards Louisa Bay and Dumpton Gap before eventually approaching Ramsgate.
The walk provides sea views for much of the journey and gradually moves away from Broadstairs’ enclosed bays towards the broader Ramsgate coastline.
Reaching Ramsgate brings a distinct change in character. The town’s Main Sands, marina and harbour create a more expansive waterfront, giving the walk a clear destination rather than simply ending at another bay.
With rail connections in both towns, walking one way and returning by train is a practical alternative to retracing the route.
Enjoy Thanet’s Outdoor Attractions Beyond the Beach
Thanet’s coastline offers much more than somewhere to put down a beach towel. Sea swimming, cycling, wildlife watching and harbour walks mean there are plenty of outdoor activities even when sitting on the sand is not the main attraction.
Swim at Walpole Bay Tidal Pool
On Margate’s eastern side, Walpole Bay combines a sandy beach and chalk rock pools with one of the area’s most distinctive outdoor swimming spots.
The large tidal pool dates from the 1930s and stretches approximately 100 metres across the bay. As the tide falls, the enclosed seawater remains, giving swimmers an alternative to heading directly into the open sea.
The surrounding chalk reef also makes Walpole Bay a good place for rock pooling when conditions are suitable, so it works equally well for families interested in exploring the shore.
Outdoor swimming still needs to be approached according to the conditions. Water temperatures can remain cold even when the weather feels warm, and visitors should check local guidance before entering the water.
Explore Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour and Waterfront
Ramsgate provides a different outdoor experience from Thanet’s smaller bays. Its waterfront is dominated by the harbour and marina, with promenades and viewpoints making it an enjoyable place simply to explore on foot.
The Royal Harbour has been central to Ramsgate’s maritime identity for generations, and boats continue to give the area a working character rather than leaving it as a purely decorative marina.
A walk around the waterfront can be combined with Ramsgate Main Sands or extended along the cliffs and coastline. Boat trips also operate from the harbour, including sightseeing and wildlife experiences at various points in the year.
For visitors travelling between Thanet’s three main towns, Ramsgate provides a natural southern end to a coastal day that may have started several beaches away.
Watch Wildlife at Pegwell Bay
South of Ramsgate, Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve shows a completely different side of the Thanet coast.
Instead of resort beaches and seaside promenades, the landscape includes mudflats, saltmarsh, sand, shingle and other habitats that support an extraordinary range of wildlife. The reserve is particularly important for breeding, migrating and wintering birds.
Different seasons bring different highlights. Migratory birds arrive during spring, while autumn and winter bring large numbers of waterfowl and waders feeding around the bay. Seals can sometimes be seen from parts of the reserve during the colder months too.
Wildlife needs space here. Visitors should remain on designated access routes and avoid entering sensitive mudflats and saltmarsh areas. Dogs are restricted from several parts of Pegwell Bay to reduce disturbance to feeding and resting birds.
For anyone interested in birdwatching, photography or simply experiencing a quieter coastal landscape, Pegwell Bay provides a striking contrast to Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate.
Explore Thanet’s Coast by Bike
Cycling is another practical way to link Thanet’s beaches and seaside towns. The Viking Coastal Trail provides the main framework, with significant stretches using level promenades and sea walls rather than busy roads.
A full circuit is a substantial ride, but shorter coastal sections can work well for families and occasional cyclists. Riding between Margate and Broadstairs or Broadstairs and Ramsgate provides frequent opportunities to stop at beaches, viewpoints and towns rather than treating cycling as the sole purpose of the day.
The route also extends inland, so those looking for a longer ride can continue away from the sea through Thanet’s villages and countryside before returning towards the coast.
Plan the Perfect Outdoor Day in Thanet
A little planning makes exploring Thanet’s coastline much easier, particularly when walking between beaches.
Check tide times before setting out. Several of the bays can become cut off at their ends as the tide rises, meaning a route that looks straightforward on the sand at low tide may become impassable later. Clifftop and promenade alternatives are preferable whenever conditions are uncertain.
Seasonal lifeguard coverage is available at selected Thanet beaches, but dates and locations vary. If swimming is part of your plans, check the latest beach information and choose a lifeguarded area where possible.
Dog restrictions also vary by beach and time of year. Some popular beaches restrict dogs during daytime hours in the warmer months, while sensitive nature areas around Pegwell Bay have stronger restrictions designed to protect wildlife.
Good walking footwear is worthwhile if you intend to move beyond promenades, particularly around clifftop paths or after wet weather. Carry water and sun protection during warmer months too; a sea breeze can make a sunny day feel cooler than it actually is.
Finally, consider using public transport rather than planning every outing around returning to the same car park. Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate all have railway stations, making one-way coastal walks considerably easier to organise.
From Sandy Bays to Chalk-Cliff Walks, Thanet Is Made for Exploring Outdoors
One of the best things about exploring Thanet is how much variety is packed into a relatively short stretch of Kent coast.
Margate offers a lively traditional beach alongside outdoor swimming at Walpole Bay. Continue east and the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic around Botany Bay and Joss Bay before reaching Broadstairs and its chain of sandy coves. Further south, the coast leads towards Ramsgate’s harbour and eventually the wildlife-rich landscape of Pegwell Bay.
You do not necessarily need to choose one attraction and spend the entire day there. Walking or cycling between several beaches can be just as rewarding, particularly when each turn in the coastline reveals another bay, cliff or sea view.
Whether the plan involves surfing, swimming, rock pooling, wildlife watching or simply a long walk beside the sea, Thanet remains one of Kent’s richest areas for spending a day outdoors.