Kent's best beaches and coastal areas

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside.

And what a good amount of gorgeous coastline Kent can let us be beside.

We've picked out some firm family favourites for sand, sea and hopefully some sun this summer.

Botany Bay

When you think of Kent's coastline its hard not to picture the iconic chalk stacks at Botany Bay, near Broadstairs.

It's one of Kent's most photographed beaches for a reason. This is a perfect sandy spot for those both looking to relax and those seeking adventure. When the tide is in there is plenty of sand to enjoy – although due to the bay’s shape the ends can be cut off at high tide - but it is when the tide comes out that the fun really begins.

Great for fossil hunting and rock pools, Botany Bay is an explorer’s paradise regardless of your age.

Broadstairs

With gorgeous sandy beaches, independent shops in the High Street, restaurants, cafes and ice cream parlours as well cliff top walks to neighbouring Ramsgate and Margate - Broadstairs has something for everyone.

It's an ideal place for families to spend a few hours on the sand building sandcastles with buckets and spades with enough attractions nearby for when people feel the need for a wander.

Dymchurch

If you want your beach complete with bucket-loads of sand, you will find miles of it at Dymchurch. The golden sands are the jewel in the crown for this seaside spot, come rain or shine.

But if little feet are getting itchy after a few hours or the sun goes in and it looks a bit inclement, it is only a short walk to the Family Amusement Park, which is full of rides for young children and can make the ideal end to a day out. Learn more about this great little attraction at the edge of the beach at dymchurch-amusements.co.uk

Herne Bay

All manner of seaside magic can be found on the shores of Herne Bay. With a pier, gardens, bandstand, fish and chip restaurants, ice cream stalls and parlours and children’s entertainment Herne Bay has it all available for a great British day out at the seaside.

Throw in spots to have a picnic or eat your chips by the sea, an excellent children's play area right on the seafront and plenty of nearby parking and you have all the makings of a great seaside outing.

Hythe

Have a wheelie-good time on the seafront in Hythe. Bring bikes, scooters or even roller-skates to travel the length of the promenade before stopping for an ice-cream or cup of tea or to throw some pebbles into the water. The long sweeping front, which takes you into neighbouring Sandgate, is popular with visitors all year round seeking a place to stretch their legs by the sea.

A short walk away from the sea is Hythe’s military canal – a perfect place for picnics or to even hire a rowing boat for an hour or two in the warmer months while Sandgate has a good selection of antique shops and coffee spots to spend a few hours after a walk by the water.

Margate

Traditional seaside charm, beach-side amusements, fish and chip restaurants and take-aways and sandy beaches are mixed with a cool retro vibe, cafe culture and art down in Margate. As well as it's fantastic sandy spots there is the Turner Contemporary, a raft of independent shops to wander and of course the Dreamland theme park.

The pleasure park has rides, entertainment and even an appearance by Justin Fletcher (AKA Mr Tumble!) this summer sealing Margate as a top coastal destination for families.

Minnis Bay

A beautiful sandy beach, Minnis Bay in Birchington is an ideal choice for young families. It is only a short walk from the car park, making it extremely easy to transport children, pushchairs, picnics and bags to your chosen spot on the sand.

And with a cafe and toilets also not too far away, it makes Minnis Bay an excellent beach to spend a few hours building sandcastles or splashing in the sea.

Sheppey

The Swale coastline might not be your first thought when you think of a beach-based day out but it has a raft of beaches all crying out to be enjoyed.

With coastal pit-stops at Sheerness, Leysdown and the tranquil Leas at Minster these bathing and walking spots are great reason to head over the Sheppey Crossing.

Whitstable

Colourful beach huts, long stretches of pebble beach and boardwalk, eateries galore and plenty of shallow water for splashing. Whitstable is always a popular place with families. A busy town centre, bustling harbour area and nearby parking make the town a big hit with beachcombers.

Walking along the beach into Whitstable from neighbouring Tankerton is also a worthwhile wander for a good dose of sea air and sunshine and with parking in most parts of Tankerton free, this would also help to keep the cost of your day out down.