Here are some of Kent's best beaches and seaside spots including Broadstairs, Dymchurch and Whitstable

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside!

And in Kent we're very often spoilt for choice.

We take a look at where you might be able to find the best sun, sea and sand - and something for the kids to do - on the county's coast this summer.

Broadstairs

With gorgeous sandy beaches to be proud of, a unique seaside town full of independent shops and a raft of places to eat and drink including some very popular ice cream parlours - Broadstairs has some definite seaside sparkle.

The town has numerous coastal spots and beaches to choose which are sure to leave families looking for a day at the seaside spoilt for choice.

You can play among the infamous chalk stacks at Botany Bay, learn to surf at Joss Bay, head to the sandy stretches of Stone Bay or enjoy the rides, trampolines and crabbing opportunities at Viking Bay for a glorious day at the seaside.

And for those getting itchy feet - cliff top walks with paths that can take you towards neighbouring Ramsgate and Margate are also worth an explore.

Scroll down for a full run-down of Kent's Blue Flag beaches.

Dymchurch

Dymchurch has bucket loads of sand to go around, but the jewel in its crown for families is perhaps the Amusement Park which is just a short walk from its sandy beaches.

Rides, arcades and food and drink a-plenty make this a popular spot with those who want to combine their day at the beach with a little more action. Rides include The Twister, Wave Swinger, Family Coaster, Rolling Racer, Ghost Train and not forgetting the Dodgems!

And if that enough to satisfy those who are keen to be on the move - you can hop aboard the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Light Railway which runs for 13 miles along the coast with stops at various points between Hythe, New Romney and Dungeness.

Herne Bay

For some traditional seaside magic head over to Herne Bay.

With a pier full of independent traders and amusements, gardens, a bandstand, a fantastic children's play area on the seafront, arcades, ice cream parlours and fish and chips galore the town has the makings of a great family seaside outing.

Hythe

You can have a wheelie good time on the seafront at Hythe!

Bring bikes, scooters, skateboards or even roller skates and make use of the extensive promenade before stopping for an ice cream, cup of tea or to throw some pebbles into the sea.

Hythe's long sweeping seafront, which leads you into neighbouring Sandgate, is the perfect place to stretch little legs by the sea and as a result makes it a popular spot even in sub-standard seaside weather. A short walk away from the seafront is Hythe's miltary canal with its picturesque picnic spots. Boat rides and rowing boat hire is available here too.

Margate

It's well-known for its cool retro vibe, cafe culture and art scene but Margate's sweeping seafront, sandy beach, fish and chip shops, arcades and traditional sweet treats on sale mean that it retains all the nostalgic seaside feels that families love.

Alongside all of its beach-side amusements those heading down to Margate should also consider a visit to theme park Dreamland, which is free to enter this summer with a pay-per-ride and unlimited wristband option, and the town's often forgotten Shell Grotto which is home to four million shells and where family tickets are just £10.

Sheppey

The Swale coastline may not be your first thought when considering a day out on Kent's coastline, but with two Blue Flag beaches it's an area definitely deserving of a visit.

There are perfect spots for bathing, walking and playing with popular pit-stops including Sheerness, Leysdown, and the peaceful Leas at Minster - for anyone looking for a reason to head over the Sheppey Crossing during July and August.

Whitstable

Beach huts, picturesque stretches of pebble beach, restaurants and cafes, water sports, shallow water for splashing and shops for a stroll! Whistable continues to be a popular place for families in the summer and it's not hard to see why.

But if the busy town centre and harbour area leaves you and your wannabe beachcombers seeking something more sedate, it is worth making use of the free street parking in some areas of neighbouring Tankerton and wandering towards Whitstable on foot (or with bicycles, tricycles and scooters!) which will also help keep the cost of your day down.

Kent's Blue Flag beaches

Ten beaches around Kent, including seven in Thanet, have been named among some of the best in the world this year.

Families looking for a summer by the sea may wish to take note of the award-winning parts of the county's coastline crowned 2019 Blue Flag winners.

The status acknowledges high environmental standards and water quality as well as involvement in educational activities for the community to learn about caring for the environment.

Minnis Bay in Birchington, West Bay and St Mildreds in Westgate-on-Sea, Botany Bay and Stone Bay in Broadstairs, Westbrook Bay in Margate and the town's Main Sands will all fly the blue flag.

Tankerton, near Whitstable, and Sheerness and Minster Leas are the only beaches in Kent outside Thanet to feature on the list.

• Kent's extensive choice of coastal spots is not the only place you can make a splash this summer. There are also a number of outdoor pools and splash parks the kids will love this summer. You can read our full guide to the county's lidos by clicking here.