2025 Thanet District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)

Absolutely beautiful, clean beach with soft sand and the biggest wetherspoons in the country. Not too crowded and well maintained. The walk next to the chalk cliffs were breathtaking. Great temperature to have a swim and also do all kinds of water sports. The Ramsgate tunnels were incredible with all kinds of information and history. Tours last one and a half hours and it's best to be in comfortable shoes. We stayed at Spencer Court Hotel for two nights which was nice and quaint. Walking distance from the beach and decently priced. The breakfast there was perfect and the service was amazing. Overall, a great weekend away.

Sandwich, Kent, is a historic market town in southeastern England with a unique blend of medieval heritage, natural beauty, and cultural significance. 📜 1. Historical Significance - Origins: Founded as a Saxon settlement, its name derives from Old English Sandwic (market town on sandy soil). It replaced the Roman port of Richborough (nearby), which launched the AD 43 invasion of Britain. - Cinque Port Status: A key member of the medieval Cinque Ports alliance (with Dover, Hythe, Romney, and Hastings), providing ships for the Crown in exchange for trade privileges. Its port thrived until the 16th century when the Wantsum Channel silted up, leaving it 2 miles inland. - Key Events: - French raid (1457) that burned the town, leading to the tradition of the mayor wearing a black mourning robe. - Huguenot settlement (1561), with Flemish and Dutch refugees revitalizing the economy through textile production and introducing celery cultivation. They comprised a third of the population by 1573. - Richard the Lionheart's return from the Crusades (1194) and the Battle of Sandwich (1217) offshore. 🏞️2. Location: Situated on the River Stour, 2 miles from the North Sea. The surrounding area includes: - Sandwich Bay: Renowned for birdwatching (Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory) and dunes. - Nature Reserves: Monk's Wall (wetland habitat) and Gazen Salts (15-acre Local Nature Reserve). - Pegwell Bay: Nearby salt marshes and mudflats critical for migrating birds. Sandwich masterfully preserves its medieval soul while adapting through science, nature, and culture—a true completest medieval town with layers of history waiting to be explored 🏰. #travel #naturalwonders #citydaytours

Walking distance from Margate station ( took us 2h walk) lovely views and gorgeus#beach #botanybay #margate 📍Address: Botany Bay Beach 💞Reasons to Recommend: lovely time with family

Why do sunsets never get old?

#myfavoriteroute 🏖️ Pedals, sea breeze, and ice cream stops – that’s how we roll on the Viking Coastal Trail! London to Ramsgate by train and back from Herne Bay to London on the train. Starting in Ramsgate, we weave through charming spots like Margate, Kingsgate Bay, and Reculver before rolling into Whitstable for oysters and seaside views. A perfect escape from London and one of our most cherished day trips. #VikingTrailAdventure #KentCoastByBike #CyclingCouple #UKGetaway #BeachLifeUK

#myfavoriteroute One of my all-time favourite adventures: the Coastal Viking Trail in Kent! We take the train from London to Ramsgate and cycle back along the stunning coastline, passing through Margate, Kingsgate Bay, Reculver, and lovely seaside towns like Whitstable. Think clifftop paths, sandy beaches, and seaside fish & chips – this route has it all. A must for coastal cycling lovers! #CoastalVibes #VikingTrailKent #CyclingUK #SeasideEscape #HiddenGems

#myfavoriteroute 📍London → Margate (via National Rail) 🗓️ Visited on a sunny weekend – perfect beach weather and sea air Whenever I need a quick seaside escape, I hop on a direct train from London St Pancras to Margate — just 1.5 hours and I’m at the coast with sand between my toes and a 99 Flake in hand. The moment you step off the train, it’s all fresh sea breeze and retro charm. I always start with a wander down the main promenade — a mix of pastel-painted cafés, galleries, and arcades — before heading to Turner Contemporary for some inspiration by the sea. Next stop is Dreamland, Margate’s iconic vintage amusement park. Even if you’re not up for a ride, it’s worth a visit for the nostalgia and colours alone. Then it’s time for some classic fish and chips on the beach, or a scoop of gelato from Melt if it’s hot. Before catching the train back, I make time for a browse around the Old Town’s vintage stores and record shops, and often end the day with a golden-hour stroll along the harbour arm, watching the sun dip below the horizon. ⸻ My Route Tips: 🚆 Travel off-peak with a Railcard for a great-value day trip 🧺 Bring a towel — Margate’s beach is sandy and swimmable 🎨 Check out free exhibitions at Turner Contemporary 🎢 Dreamland often has free entry and retro events #tripmoments

Within 1.5h from London, the sea views and sunny beaches of Broadstairs are a must-visit day trip from London. This coastal area is directly accessible via high-speed rail from St Pancras International and is a perfect way to spend the day by the sea #myitinerary #beachlife You can hike from Broadstairs to Margate, passing Botany Bay, Neptune’s Tower and Joss Bay, or simply enjoy the old-town charm of Broadstairs, home to Charles Dickens’ Bleak House.

Dreamland was a dream.

Fabulous meal at the Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie! Great food & service #staycation #couplestrip #travel #dinnerdate #seaside

#beachtime Botany Bay in Kent is a stunning coastal destination with breathtaking views, chalk cliffs, and sandy beaches. Here’s a quick travel guide for your visit: ### **Getting There** - Botany Bay is located near Broadstairs in Kent, England. - If traveling by car, use postcode CT10 3LG for navigation. Parking is available but limited, especially in peak season. - By train, head to Broadstairs Station, then take a short taxi or bus ride. ### **What to See and Do** 1. **The Beach**: - A quiet, unspoiled sandy beach surrounded by iconic white chalk cliffs. - Perfect for a peaceful stroll or relaxing by the sea. 2. **Fossil Hunting**: - Explore the base of the cliffs at low tide to spot fossils and unique shells. 3. **Rock Pools**: - Discover marine life in the rock pools during low tide—a favorite for families with kids. 4. **Sea Kayaking and Paddleboarding**: - Calm waters make it a fantastic spot for water sports. 5. **Photography**: - Capture the picturesque chalk stacks and dramatic cliffs, especially during sunrise or sunset. ### **Tips for Your Visit** - **Timing**: Check the tide schedule. Low tide reveals the full beauty of the bay and its features. - **Facilities**: There are limited facilities, so bring food, water, and essentials. Nearby cafés and shops can be found in Broadstairs or Kingsgate. - **Safety**: Avoid sitting or standing close to the cliff base as erosion can cause falling rocks. - **Seasons**: Summer offers the best weather, but autumn and spring provide quieter experiences with equally stunning views. ### **Nearby Attractions** - **Kingsgate Bay**: Just a short walk away, with equally stunning chalk cliffs. - **Broadstairs**: A charming seaside town with historic sites, shops, and eateries. - **Joss Bay**: Ideal for surfing and more adventurous beach activities.

Lovely large beach, soft sand, not busy even in summer schools. A few rides for children at the back of the beach and plenty of arcades and restaurants along the beach front. Old town end is lovely for food and drink.

#SummerTripEvent #LondonNearTravel #botanybay Botany Bay Beach Marine Dr, Cliftonville, Broadstairs CT10 3LG UK It's a place where white cliffs and sandy beaches create a spectacular view.

Nice sandy beach

#europetrip Margate is sad, charming, beautiful and tragic all at the same time, the beach comes alive in the summer with a mix of colourful people, and whilst some of the town is delightfully rundown, it has a sense of spring in it's step. We were pleasantly surprised by this beach with fine sand and an important aspect: the beach is very clean, you don't see any packaging or bottles on the sand. We had a great time and luckily for us, it was really deserted in the evening, although it was quite nice outside.

the beach is one one my favourite places to go and with it being 5 minutes away from where i live i find myself being here often even on the days that it isn't sunny. It makes for a great day out. #beach #nicedayout #sunisout #tan #chillaxing

Such a thrill to leave London on an early Sunday morning train with my teen daughters to hit the Viking Trail, starting from Margate to Botany Bay further up to Broadstairs(18.44 kms in total). It was easy to follow the coastal pathways with benches & a few bins for eco-friendly trekkers to dispose of waste. Such breathtaking views and adventurous paths leading to meadows! However, as foreigners, we noticed there was no public transport at all on the way, to reach Broadstairs station from Joss Beach. A pity really for non-bikers! but Fabulous trip still 👌 😍 Getting There - Book a Day-trip to Margate, better take an open ticket so you can catch a later train from Broadstairs##Vikingtrail #Botanybay

#timetotravel A Seaside Paradise for #TravelLovers! 🌊🌴 Unwind in the Tranquil Beauty of #Margate's Shores, Embrace the Vibrant #CoastalVibes. 🌞🐚 Don't Miss: Stroll Along the Pier, Indulge in #BeachfrontDelights 🍹🍔, and Capture Insta-Worthy Moments! 📸🌅 #TravelSmart: Remember to Pack Sunscreen, Hats, and Flip-Flops for Ultimate Comfort. 🕶️👒🩴 Whether You're a Swimmer or a Lounger, #MargateBeach Offers #RelaxationGoals for All. 😎🏊‍♀️ Make Memories, Soak in the #SeaBreeze, and Cherish Every Moment! 🌊❤️ #TravelMargate #BeachBliss #VacationGoals

#timetotravel 🌅 Exploring Foreness Point: Where Serenity Meets the Sea 🌊 Discover the magic of #ForenessPoint, where breathtaking landscapes and calming waves converge. 🏞️ Unwind in nature's embrace and capture the essence of tranquility. Don't forget your camera! 📸 #NatureLovers #CoastalEscape Useful Tip: Arrive early to catch the sunrise over the horizon, casting a golden glow on the rugged cliffs. 🌅 Bring binoculars for spotting coastal wildlife and enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst the coastal breeze. Remember to pack comfortable shoes for exploring the walking trails. 🥾 #TravelTips #SeasideGetaway

#timetotravel #BeachBliss #CoastalCharm #KingsgateBayAdventures Unveil the breathtaking beauty of Kingsgate Bay Beach, a hidden gem along the coast! 🌅 Walk on golden sands, swim in crystal waters, and bask in the serenity of this coastal haven. 🏝️ Don't forget your camera for picture-perfect moments! 📸 🚗 Tip: Reach early to secure a prime spot, as it can get crowded. Also, pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach and stay for a mesmerizing sunset. 🌄 Remember to respect nature and take your trash with you. Let's keep this paradise pristine! 🌿 #TravelTips #NatureLovers

#timetotravel Beacon of Beauty! 🌅 Discover the Majestic North Foreland Lighthouse 🏞️ #LighthouseAdventures #TravelInspiration #CoastalCharm Get ready for a coastal escapade at North Foreland Lighthouse! 🗺️ Perched on the cliffs, this historic gem offers breathtaking views and photo ops. 📸 Capture the sunsets and embrace the maritime allure. ⚓ Remember to check the weather before visiting and bring comfy shoes for exploring the surroundings. 🚶‍♂️ Also, plan your visit during off-peak hours for a serene experience. 🌤️ Unveil the magic of this iconic structure and relish the coastal breeze. Don't miss the chance to immerse in history and nature in one go! 🏖️ #NorthForelandLighthouse #TravelTips

#timetotravel 🌊🇬🇧 Discover #BroadstairsUK: A Visual Delight 📸✨ Immerse in Stunning Seascapes, Charming Villages, and Rich History. #TravelInspiration #BucketListDestination #UKGetaway #CoastalEscapes Tip: Don't miss the breathtaking views from the cliffs of #BotanyBay 🏞️ Pack comfy shoes for exploring the quaint streets and indulge in local seafood delights at beachfront cafes. 🦞🍽️ Remember to check tide times for optimal beach moments! 🌅 #TravelSmart #HiddenGems #SeasideBliss #CulturalExploration #ExploreTheUK