Broadstairs beach days are a huge draw for families, but did you know there's more than one beach here? In fact, there's seven sandy bays, each with their own amenities and beach rules.
Read on for an insider's guide to the beaches and bays of Broadstairs so you can find the right fit for your family's vibe...
The main attraction in Broadstairs has to be Viking Bay: a classic British sandy beach with all the facilities you need right on the beach including public toilets, a shower, water bottle refill station, ice cream stand, deck chair hire, two beach bars and cafes, a surf school and a children's amusement area.
There's plenty of rock pools to explore at low tide and an old crabbing tidal pool for little adventurers scouring for seaside treasures. The old town is on the cliffs just above, so you've got your pick of pubs, cafes, restaurants and shops if you fancy a break from the beach or need to stock up on supplies.
It's pretty easy to access from the train station, and there's also car parks and street parking close by.
Fireworks displays bring out the crowds on Wednesday evenings in the school summer holidays, as well as the historic Water Gala on 30 July 2025 which offers traditional family fun including an impressive sandcastle building competition.
Beach safety
RNLI Lifeguards patrol the beach between 10am and 6pm (daily 24 May - 7 September, weekends only 13 - 28 September)
Step free access for pushchairs, wheelchairs and trolleys
A gently sloping ramp leads down to the wooden boardwalk at the Jetty end of the beach, and there is a lift at the Bandstand end of the beach (seasonally operated).
Dog access
Dogs are not allowed on Viking Bay at any time from 1 May to 30 September.
Sounds great right? And it is! But it's also the busiest beach in Broadstairs, and can get very crowded especially on hot days. If you have a more chill disposition, it might be better to head elsewhere...
Stone Bay is truly stunning and as it's a bit more basic, amenities-wise, it's a firm favourite with families looking for a quieter alternative to neighbouring Viking Bay. It's also the closest beach to Kinder Collective, and if you follow us on Instagram (which you definitely should) you're sure to recognise it.
The beach is an expansive stretch of sand lined with colourful beach huts which make for many a photo moment. Namaka is a seasonal beach hut cafe serving up plenty of good vibes, drinks and food with gorgeous views.
There's a public toilet block built into the cliffs, but this is only accessible via stairs in the middle of the bay. There's also portaloos at either end of the beach but these are technically for the use of beach hut occupants and may be padlocked.
Wondering why it's called Stone Bay as it's a sandy beach? It's actually a pretty perfect name: low tide reveals big formations of stones (plus seaweed and shells) that are lovely to explore with children. But this means that there's a lot of stone underfoot across the shore line so crocs, waterproof kids sandals or beach shoes are recommended if you're taking a paddle!
Beach safety
RNLI Lifeguards patrol the beach between 10am and 6pm (daily 19 July - 7 September, weekends and Bank Holidays only 24 May - 13 July).
Step free access for pushchairs, wheelchairs and trolleys
A steeply sloping ramp down to the concrete promenade located on Eastern Esplanade, near the junction with Rectory Road or step-free access via the Broadstairs Harbour car park on the Jetty.
Dog access
Dogs are allowed only between 6PM and 10AM, 1 May - 30 September.
Particularly popular with day trippers and holiday makers, Joss Bay is a Blue Flag beach known locally as the surfers' beach.
At 200m wide and with large sloping dunes, it still has plenty to offer for those with younger children too. There's even a small inflatable play area, where you can pay for a short session or get a wristband that allows access all day.
A seasonal beach café serves up take away ice creams, food and drinks on the sand, and there's a little shop up in the car park that sells ice cream and hot and cold drinks.
Deckchairs and loungers are available to hire, and there's a beach shower and toilets. Kent Surf School offer lessons and equipment hire should you wish to catch some waves.
There's a large car park, and limited on-street parking too, but make sure you pay before heading to the sand, phone reception is very poor.
Beach safety
RNLI Lifeguards patrol the beach between 10am and 6pm (daily 24 May - 7 September).
Step free access for pushchairs, wheelchairs and trolleys
There's a ramp from the car park to the beach, but it's quite steep.
Dog access
Dogs are allowed only between 6PM and 10AM, 1 May - 30 September.
A little overshadowed by its neighbours, and slightly harder to access, Kingsgate Bay is definitely worth the effort.
This is a lovely sandy cove that's ideal for fans of the simpler things in life and a peaceful place to enjoy the waves, explore rock pools and sea caves in the chalk cliffs. Access via steep steps or, at low tide only, you can walk from Botany Bay via the sand but be aware that route may get cut off when the tide comes back in.
There are no amenities or facilities on the beach itself, but they're not too far away. The Captain Digby pub, crowning the cliffs above, offers food, drink, indoor and outdoor children's play areas, toilets for customers and gorgeous views out to sea. Public toilets can be found on neighbouring Joss Bay and Botany Bay.
Beach safety
There is no RNLI Lifeguard patrol. If somebody is in difficulty call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Be aware that high tides cut Kingsgate Bay off from the neighbouring bays.
Step free access for pushchairs, wheelchairs and trolleys
There is no step-free access from the road.
Dog access
Dogs are allowed at any time, all year round.
The chalk stacks of Botany Bay might be one of the most photographed landmarks in Broadstairs (and yes it's in Broadstairs, despite many thinking it's a Margate beach).
This Blue Flag beach is big and beautiful, with a gloriously wide spread of sand at low tide when the receding water reveals a path to neighbouring Kingsgate Bay through the chalk stacks.
Popular with day trippers, holiday makers and locals alike, the facilities are basic - there are public toilets and portaloos, and a kiosk selling drinks, snacks and ice cream operates during the busier summer season - but that's part of its charm.
Little ones will enjoy playing in the sand and the water, exploring the smugglers' coves from long ago pirate adventures and searching for fossils, seaweed and ocean creatures at low tide.
As well as the fun to be had on the beach itself, there are trails on the cliffs above which are popular for walks, dog walks, scooter and bike rides. Up here you'll find large grassy areas used for games and picnics and the child and dog-friendly pub the Botany Bay Hotel.
Beach safety
RNLI Lifeguards patrol the beach between 10am and 6pm (daily 24 May - 7 September).
Step free access for pushchairs, wheelchairs and trolleys
There's a ramp from the bottom of Botany Road down to the beach, but it's quite steep.
Dog access
Dogs are only allowed between 6PM and 10AM, 1 May - 30 September.
Often overlooked due to its small size and tucked-away location, Louisa Bay is just around the corner from Viking Bay.
Screened off from the sights and sounds via chalk cliffs, it's a charming little cove that's perfect for a peaceful family beach day without having to venture far from Broadstairs town itself.
The Louisa Bay Café on the promenade serves up freshly cooked food, hot and cold drinks and those all important ice creams. The amenities of the town can be easily accessed including public toilets in Victoria Gardens (seasonal opening) and a wide range of shops.
The bay is enclosed by a sea wall, and at high tide the sea does reach it, so time your visit accordingly by checking the tide times.
Beach safety
There is no RNLI Lifeguard patrol. If somebody is in difficulty call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
Step free access for pushchairs, wheelchairs and trolleys
There's a steep ramp, and you can also access the Viking Bay lift (seasonal hours) via the promenade.
Dog access
Dogs are allowed all year round, but must be kept on lead between 10AM and 6PM, 1 May to 30 September.
Dumpton Gap is a great beach for the whole family - and if yours includes a pooch, you'll be happy to know it's the most dog-friendly beach in Broadstairs and a great place to meet other dog-owners.
The fantastic Bayside Café serves up a menu of delicious breakfast, lunch, all-day snacks and drinks. Plus ice creams for humans and dogs.
Beach safety
There is no RNLI Lifeguard patrol. If somebody is in difficulty call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
Step free access for pushchairs, wheelchairs and trolleys
There's a steep ramp, and you can access the Viking Bay lift (seasonal hours) via the promenade. Toilets are located halfway up the ramp to street level.
Dog access
Dogs are allowed all year round.
Bag a beach trolley
We're not a family that can travel light, especially as I try to use reusable food and drink containers. We've invested in a collapsible trolley so that we can schlep towels, toys and supplies down to the beach, and it comes in handy for the journey back home when tired children can hop in.
Beware of seagulls
We've lost a fair few snacks and ice creams to seagulls over the years, so it's really important to keep an eye out when your little ones are eating near the beach. They're not shy of rifling through bags too, so make sure you tightly secure any food before you leave your spot.
Leave the sand behind
The solution to sandy feet and rubbing sandals is hiding in your kitchen, Fill an old sock with a scoop or two of cornflour, tie the top off and use it to gently brush wet
or dry sand away from those delicate toes.
Bring a beach tent
A pop-up tent = your secret weapon. Perfect for shade and naps for little ones, shelter from coastal winds, and keep snacks sand-free.
Stock up on your way to the beach!
Be sure to stop by Kinder Collective on your way down to get your sustainable beach toys and ocean-friendly suncream ready for seaside adventures!
Leave no trace
Take everything you brought with you, away with you - even those sneaky snack wrappers. If the bins are full, please find another one. Let’s keep our oceans clean and Broadstairs beautiful for everyone!
