Kent's best beaches - our top tips for a trip to the seaside

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside! And when it comes to Kent’s coastline – why would you not?

From long stretches of sandy beach to cliff pools and children’s amusements, there is plenty to ensure you’re not at sea with nothing to do.

Here are some top picks for a coastal day in Kent this summer.

Margate

It is in the midst of a cultural renaissance but Margate is holding onto its traditional seaside holiday town charms, which have made it popular with families for decades.

But alongside sandy beaches, fish and chip shops and beach-side amusements can now be found a cool cafe culture and raft of independent shops selling retro gifts.

Yet it is the reopening of Dreamland, which seals the deal for Margate as a top seaside family destination.

The pleasure park has rides, shows and lots of old fashioned seaside fun.

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.

With its iconic chalk stacks Botany Bay in Broadstairs must be one of Kent’s most photographed beaches.

With stunning views of the white cliffs, this is a sandy spot for those both looking for a place to relax and find 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.

And with so much to discover past sitting on the sand, it is a perfect beach for visiting during inclement weather too!

Hythe

With its long sweeping seafront Hythe is great place for families looking for a wheelie-good time.

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 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.

Dymchurch

If sand is your chid’s preference you will find miles of it at Dymchurch on the Romney Marsh.

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, 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 during warmer days.

Herne Bay

With a pier, gardens, bandstand, fish and chip restaurants, ice cream stalls and children’s entertainment Herne Bay can offer all manner of seaside magic.

Add plenty of spots to picnic, an excellent children’s play area right on the seafront and nearby parking and you have yourself a great day out.

Isle of Sheppey

The Swale coastline has a raft of beaches all in close proximity ensuring there is plenty to do on the North Kent coast.

Sheerness, which won Kent’s first blue flag award in 1991, Leysdown which has many of the amenities associated with a traditional British seaside resort and the tranquil Leas at Minster are all worthwhile bathing and walking spots.

Whitstable

With its 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.

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, with enough attractions nearby for when little feet get itchy and require a wander.