23 THINGS TO DO IN KENT COASTAL TOWNS.
Before we started travelling full time, I would often escape to the Kent coast. I lived close enough that I could jump on a train, have a whole day breathing in the salty sea air, and still be back home for supper.
Since then, I’ve returned countless times – partly because these coastal towns are beautiful, and partly because they’re endlessly varied.
Kent’s shoreline is dotted with traditional seaside resorts, bohemian art enclaves, fishing towns, and wild, otherworldly landscapes. Whether you’re craving fish and chips on the beach, a bracing winter swim, or a Michelin-starred dinner with sea views, the Kent coast has something to offer.
This is my guide to the very best things to do in Kent’s coastal towns – 23 ideas to help you plan your next day out by the sea.
1/ Swim in Margate’s Tidal Pools
Margate’s tidal pools were built in the 1930s to give swimmers a safe space to enjoy the sea, no matter the tide. On a bright summer morning, the water sparkles and feels almost Mediterranean – but even in winter, you’ll find locals braving the icy plunge.
There are two tidal pools Walpole Bay Tidal Pool or Margate Sands Tidal Pool, both are within walking distance of the town centre.
Visiting from London? Trains from London St Pancras reach Margate in about 1 hour 30 minutes. From the station, it’s a 10-minute walk to the main tidal pool near the Turner Contemporary.
Find our full guide to visiting Margate here.
2/ Take a sauna and cold plunge
Many Kent coastal towns have embraced the Nordic wellness approach and you can now enjoy beachfront saunas, followed by cold plunge.
If you’re visiting either Margate or Whitstable, book with Sea Scrub. The Margate sauna is quite special and perfectly located by one of the tidal pools, so you can swim and sauna until your heart is content.
There is also a sea sauna in Folkestone, but it currently operates on a members only basis. Nearby Hastings in East Sussex also offers a great sauna, this time on the pier.
3/ Enjoy craft beer at a brewery
Kent’s brewery scene is thriving, and the coast has its share of gems. Xylo Brewing Ltd
in Margate has a quirky vibe with a tap room close to the seafront, whilst North Down brewery has an out of town location. In Dover, you’ll find Breakwater Brewery and Tap Room, whilst in Ramsgate you’ll find The Ramsgate Brewery & Taproom.
4/ Walk from Ramsgate to Margate
Part of the Viking Coastal Trail, this 14km cliff-top route takes in sandy bays, chalk stacks, and the charming town of Broadstairs halfway along. You’ll actually see nine beaches along the way, making it a fantastic walk if you want to stop off to swim, or grab an ice-cream along the way.
Find out more? Our detailed guide to completing this walk can be found here.
5/ Head to a regal looking Wetherspoons
The Royal Victoria Pavilion might be Britain’s most glamorous Wetherspoons. Housed in a restored Edwardian seafront building, it has sweeping views over the harbour and a terrace for sunny days.
Visiting from London? Ramsgate is 1 hour 45 minutes by train from St Pancras.
6/ Dickens in Broadstairs
Charles Dickens wrote part of David Copperfield here and holidayed often in the town. Visit the Dickens House Museum, wander past Bleak House on the clifftop, or pause for Coffee in the Havisham and Cratchit Tea House, and imagine Victorian seaside life.
7/ Have a traditional seaside day out
Arcade games, fish and chips, candyfloss, sandcastles – lean into the cliché. Margate, Herne Bay, or Broadstairs are perfect for it.
Visiting from London? All three towns are under 1 hour 50 minutes from London by train.
8/ Walk Reculver to Minnis Bay
The Reculver to Minnis Bay walk follows another stretch of the Viking Coastal Trail. A short walk of 6km each way, either walk there and back, or take a bus to return to your starting point.
Take in the Reculver Towers at the start of the walk, grab coffee at The Hat Hat’s coffee shop and end with a swim or lunch in the brasserie at Minnis Bay. Full details can be found here.
9/ Vintage shopping in Margate
Margate is a haven for vintage and thrift lovers, with its charming Old Town offering a treasure trove of retro finds. You’ll come across quirky boutiques and antique shops where you can spend hours browsing everything from vintage clothes and accessories and nostalgic trinkets.
Seek out Kings Emporium, Old Stables Antiques and the aptly named Paraphernalia which showcases some quirky Asian items. On weekends, you’ll also find a small market in the center of the Old Town.
10/ Michelin Guide Highlights Along the Coast
Kent’s coast might feel relaxed and seasidey, but it’s quietly home to some seriously impressive Michelin-recognised spots. Hide & Fox close to Hythe offers a relaxed vibe with fancy food. In Margate, Angela’s brings refined, seaside dishes.
Other gems include Updown Farmhouse, which combines countryside charm with elevated plates, Sargosso in Margate for creative seafood, and Quince in Westgate-on-Sea, which is perfect for a celebratory dinner or a special treat with a sea view.
11/ Drink Champagne in Folkestone
The Lighthouse Champagne Bar at the tip of Folkestone Harbour Arm feels more Côte d’Azur than Kent. Order fizz, watch the fishing boats and the world go by.
12/ Explore art galleries
The Turner Contemporary in Margate is great, but Folkestone’s Creative Quarter and Whitstable’s independent galleries deserve your time too. An ideal way to break up a seaside day out.
13/ Go wine shopping in Deal
Le Pinardier is a charming wine shop-bar hybrid where you can browse carefully curated bottles or simply sip a glass on-site. They often run tasting flights or small plate deals, so you can try several wines without committing to a full bottle. It’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink or a casual afternoon wind-down. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along Deal’s seafront as the sun dips below the horizon.
You can find our detailed guide to visiting Deal here.
Visiting from London? It’s about 1 hour 50 minutes from St Pancras. Plan to arrive mid-afternoon for wine tasting and a sunset walk – ideal for a mini getaway.
14/ Eat at 81 Beach Street Deal
A long-time local favourite, 81 Beach Street sits right on Deal’s seafront with views across the Channel.
The menu champions seasonal Kentish produce and fresh seafood, from oysters and Dover sole to hearty roasts and creative vegetarian plates.
There’s also a well-curated wine list with plenty of English options. The setting strikes a balance between laid-back brasserie and special-occasion spot – it’s just as suited to a leisurely lunch as it is to a celebratory dinner. Ask for a window seat if you can.
You can find our detailed guide to visiting Deal here.
15/ Fish and chips on the beach
No visit to a Kentish seaside town is complete without a classic fish and chips moment. Grab a piping hot portion from a local chippy and head straight to the beach. Eating your meal wrapped in paper, with the salted sea breeze in your hair and seagulls circling overhead, is an essential part of the experience.
16/ Surf at Joss Bay
Broadstairs’ Joss Bay is Kent’s go-to surf spot, known for its sandy beach, clear waters, and consistent waves. Lessons are available for all levels, so whether you’ve never held a board or are looking to improve your turns, there’s a course for you.
17/ Marvel at Dungeness
Dungeness is a surreal shingle desert, a striking landscape dotted with rustic fishing huts, modernist homes, and Derek Jarman’s famous garden. It’s an eery but strangely calming place to visit. The Lighthouse is worth climbing and costs only £5 per person.
Visiting from London? The nearest station is Rye, followed by a bus or taxi. A full morning or afternoon is ideal to explore and take photographs.
18/ Eat Oysters in Whitstable
Whitstable is renowned for its oysters and laid-back quirky seaside charm. Whenever I have time, I always visit Whitstable – a place that has fond memories as a young child. Stroll along the pebble beaches, browse the local art galleries, and sample fresh seafood straight from the boats.
The most famous restaurant in Whitstable is Wheelers Oyster Bar.
If you time your visit for September you can also enjoy the Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival, a lively celebration of seafood, live music, and local culture.
Visiting from London? Roughly 1 hour 15 minutes from London Victoria, making it an ideal lunchtime or early-afternoon excursion.
19/ Try Sailing
For a different perspective of the Kent coast, head to the Whitstable Yacht Club for beginner taster sessions. Experienced instructors guide you through the basics, so even total novices can get the thrill of catching the wind on open water.
20/ Stand-Up Paddleboarding
For something more active, consider taking a Stand Up Paddle Board Safari along the coast. Kite Pirate, a water sports centre based in Ramsgate offer a few different routes along the coast. And prices are very reasonable too.
21/ Shop in Whitstable
Whitstable’s High Street is a treasure trove of indie shops selling jewellery, homewares, gifts, and local crafts. From quirky boutiques to artisan stores, there’s something for every taste, and I rarely leave empty-handed.
22/ Lunch at The Sportsman in Seasalter
The Sportsman in Seasalter is regularly named one of the UK’s best restaurants, offering seasonal, locally sourced dishes in a relaxed pub setting.
After your meal, take a walk along the nearby coastal paths, where the tide-dappled salt marshes create a peaceful atmosphere and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot seals lounging or swimming just offshore.
Visiting from London? Take the train to Whitstable, then a short taxi ride to Seasalter. Ideal for a full day that combines food, nature, and gentle seaside exercise.
23/ Beach Walk in Hythe
Hythe is an upmarket seaside town in Kent. It has a long pebble beach, perfect for a romantic stroll. There are boutique stores to explore as well as some fantastic restaurants. Stop at The Lazy Shack which is right on the beach for some fried seafood or a cold drink.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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