Nestled on the east coast of Kent, this beach is often deemed one of the UK’s most photogenic coastal spots
If you’re looking for a perfect beach day out this summer, look no further. A travel influencer has now flagged an idyllic, lesser-known gem – and it’s only two hours from London.
Step on the fine golden sands of this east coast beach and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in Italy or Greece. The scenic spot is framed by white cliffs, chalk stacks and caves accessible when tides are low.
TikTok creator ‘Lotteboo’ recently expressed her admiration for the bay in a quick video. She named it a ‘fairytale’ spot in the UK while adding: “Tucked between Broadstairs and Margate on the east coast of Kent, Botany Bay is one of the UK’s most photogenic beaches — known for its dramatic chalk stacks, golden sands, and hidden sea caves that are only accessible at low tide.
“There’s a small car park right next to the beach (Botany Bay Hotel car park – CT10 3LG), but it fills up fast on sunny days. Alternatively, you can park at Kingsgate Bay or Joss Bay and walk along the coast (about 15–20 minutes with sea views all the way).”
As the influencer mentioned, the beach in question is none other than Botany Bay in Kent. For Londoners near Waterloo, it can take just over two hours to drive there, though this depends on traffic.
While many visitors simply enjoy lounging on its golden sands, others may safely enjoy a dip in the sea. According to Visit Kent, Botany Bay is among many of the county’s beaches to have received a Blue Flag award for water quality and top-tier cleanliness.
Fossil-finding and rock pool exploring are two other popular pastimes at the bay as well. Although it’s not part of the UK’s Jurassic Coast, Kent is often believed to be one of the best sites for fossil discoveries in the UK.
As of now, Botany Bay has an impressive 4.2-star rating on Tripadvisor, with some visitors even claiming to have spotted starfish and crabs while there. Among the overwhelming comments, one read: “Lovely spot for a small and secluded beach at low tide you can explore the rock pools and find crabs, shrimp, starfish, walk around in to the second small beach (until tide is in).
“…Water is sometimes seaweed mixed, but a sandy beach to at least get you to shoulder height for a swim, although there is seaweed in the deep parts, nice beach cafe with food and drinks and ice cream, didn’t use the toilets but I also took my rubbish home.”
Meanwhile, another person wrote: “Great bay, secluded, very pretty and very well maintained, surprisingly little rubbish in the beaches and coastal area.” Someone else added: “The beach was clean with wide open spaces for our dog to run free.”
It’s also worth noting that Margate, a quaint seaside town, is only a short drive from Botany Bay. Visitors here can enjoy a variety of unique shops and restaurants, visit another beach, or head to Dreamland, a free vintage-style amusement park.
Although it might not boast quite the same scorching temperatures as other seaside spots abroad, it’s still worth a day trip while Britain’s still sunny this summer.
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