A favourite among locals, this award-winning beach is perfect for families and those looking for a secluded place to take in that fresh sea air.
Living on an island means Britain is brimming with gorgeous coastline and beaches that will simply take your breath away. And some of the country’s best looking beaches sit on the southern coast of England.
Focussing on Kent, the south-east county’s coastline stretches for 350 miles, made up of beautiful bays, the White Cliffs of Dover, and quaint seaside towns. The bays and coves in East Kent should not be overlooked. In fact, one such bay is home to one of the best beaches in the UK, according to CN Traveller. Botany Bay is just two miles from Margate right on the tip of the Isle of Thanet in Broadstairs. The bay is a favourite for locals seeking solitude from the annual migration of summer crowds, with the bay being often less busy than Margate’s Main Sands. While slightly out of the way, it’s only a 45-minute walk from Margate and accessible on foot or by cycling along the famous Viking Coastal Trail.
Botany Bay is 200 metres long and defined by the surrounding white chalk stacks and cliffs. It’s so idyllic it has been regularly featured in films, advertisements and music videos. Aside from the visual appeal, the sands are clean and the shallow water is temperate and perfect for a dip. The beach was awarded both the Blue Flag Award for water quality and its environmental education programme as well as the Seaside Award in 2024. The presence of lifeguards daily between May and September also make Botany Bay an attractive destination for families.
Because the bay is slightly off the beaten path, the selection of food offerings is somewhat limited so you’ll want to pack a cooler. But in a pinch, there is one of everything you could need, including: a cafe, seasonal toilets and deckchairs and parasols for rent (though the sand is soft enough for a towel to suffice). Just off the beach you will also find Botany Bay Hotel and Restaurant, where you can grab a light lunch and a pint. The hotel veranda makes for a relaxing spot to enjoy the coastline at sunset and is dog-friendly.
However, it should be noted that dogs are banned from May 1 to September 30 (peak season) between 10am and 6pm. Be sure to check tide times and the RNLI website before visiting. But even when the tide is out, there’s still fun to be had as Botany Bay is notoriously great for fossil hunting and exploring the rock pools. When the tide is particularly low, you can even walk all the way to Joss Bay.
One final tip: just north of the main beach is a spot long used by naturists. The “naturist beach” as it has come to be known is a short walk to the northwest of the main southern beach. The naturist beach features the same soft sand as the main beach and a narrow strip of dunes backed by low chalk cliffs.
What can I do in Broadstairs?
Broadstairs itself is a quirky and quintessential seaside town that has bags of charm. It’s lined with fishermen’s cottages, clifftop walks and independent in the Victorian streets and alleyways. Visit Broadstairs says: “The town was Charles Dickens’ favourite holiday spot and his legacy includes Dickens House Museum. Nearby you’ll find the multi-award winning, costumed, St Peter’s Village Tours. Or for something with a more modern twist, try your luck at beating the challenges The Escapement escape room has to offer.”