This stunning little coastal town is just a few miles away from its famous neighbour, Margate, and is nowhere near as busy during those hot summer days
This lesser-known seaside town and civil parish is only two hours from London and a 10-minute drive from the beloved resort town, Margate. Just off the eastern coast of Kent, Westgate-on-Sea is a little town rich in heritage, filled with charming shops, historic architecture, and home to two quiet beaches.
Westgate-on-Sea was initially renowned for being the home of the Royal Naval Air Service seaplane base at St. Mildred’s Bay (formerly Marsh Bay), which protected the coastal towns of the Thames Estuary during the First World War. This historic air station was active from 1914 to 1920 and has an impressive story of defending Britain.
Now, Westgate-on-Sea is an established seaside town with a growing population of 7,517. It borders the larger seaside resort of Margate, which has been famous for decades and is well-known for its beaches, amusement park, art gallery, and bustling summer months. The town, rich in history, has many traditional shopfronts on the high street, most of which are independently owned. These are under classic Victorian canopies, adding a unique charm to the coastal community.
In the warmer months, the town’s two wide-open bays, St Mildred’s Bay and West Bay, are fabulous places to unwind. These beaches boast beautiful, golden sand and clear waters and experience far fewer crowds than surrounding beaches. A long promenade frames the West Bay making it perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll. Meanwhile, the rock pools ensure a safe swimming spot for children and adults to explore, and between July and September, lifeguards monitor the beach from 10am to 6pm. Along the promenade are picture-perfect colourful beach huts that add to the quirky seaside vibe of the town.
On the coast of Westgate-on-Sea lies the scenic, cliff-lined sandy bay of St Mildred’s Bay. The bay features a promenade and a tidal pool, ideal for both beachgoers and landlubbers. At high tide, only a small stretch of beach remains, and it is completely submerged during spring tides. Hire a beach hut or reserve a table at Millie’s Beach Bar and St Mildred’s Bay Bistro for the perfect beach day.
The coastal town is also home to the heritage-listed Edwardian Carlton Cinema. This Swiss-Gothic style building, from the Edwardian era, was originally constructed and opened in March 1910 as a Town Hall but was never used for that purpose. While, just down the road is the church of St Saviour’s, which was built as part of the Victorian development of the Westgate-on-Sea estate constructed in 1884, now 140 years on, it sits in the heart of the town.
So, if you’re looking for a beautiful seaside escape without the crowds, Westgate-on-Sea offers something for everyone. With its less-known tidal beaches, Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and rich history in the military air base, this coastal gem is well worth the visit.