Sun, sea and sand. Three scrumptious words us Brits practically melt over. Sometimes a bit of frolicking around the beach is exactly what we need. Here’s a beach break that doesn’t require longer than a weekend or a big budget. Right here! Yes ladies, a beautiful beach break in Britain.
With an abundance of coastline on your doorstep, pack your bikini, your fella or some gal pals and head to the gorgeous beaches of Kent.
Here’s our suggestion: The Broadstairs Beach getaway guide for a spontaneous seaside weekend. Only 1 hour 50 minutes from London Victoria or a similar length trip along the M2, Broadstairs, in the Isle of Thanet, offers a quick retreat with a bit of everything. Our hotel recommendation is The Royal Albion Hotel where you can get a Standard Double room with a sea view and Breakfast from £100/ night.
Day 1: Head to Beaches cafe for a huge selection of healthy breakfasts, bacon baps, bagels and smoothies before heading down to Viking Bay, Broadstairs’ main beach. Hire a deck chair or lounger for just £3 for the day. Try your hand at Kayaking or take a leisurely stroll to the pier and try the freshly caught cockels and crab. The bandstand usually has live music playing throughout the weekends in the Summer. Maybe play a spot of mini golf or head to one of the classic seafront ice cream parlours for a sundae or a 99. Alternatively lay back, bask in the British sunshine or lose yourself in a good book.
Broadstairs offers a complete variety of restaurants. (They do get booked up on the weekends so booking a table during the day may be a good idea). Our favourite is the undisputable Posillipos. A glorious selection of Italian foods with Italian chefs and waiters and a true Italian feel. If you’re lucky you can bag yourself a table on the decking overlooking the sea for dining alfresco. Alternatively, go British and grab yourself a wrapped Cod and chips and take it down to the beach for a picnic on the sand.
Broadstairs has a big pub scene but you can also find good wine bars like Harpers or Peens if you want a more relaxed atmosphere. If you want more of a party scene jump in a taxi to neighbouring town, Ramsgate where you can have a civilised drink in Miles Bar before enjoying a live band in Enoteca to dance the night away. (All bars within a stone throw of each other) . Check out the music guide to watch one of the many amazing live bands like ‘The Locals‘.
Day 2: Get down to The Royal Albion Hotel and grab a table in their beer garden overlooking the sea for a cooked breakfast to get rid of that hangover! With its lovely promenade views, which enable plentiful people watching you may want to stay here in the sunshine for a wee while. Today we suggest you head north to the neighbouring town of Margate.
Margate has undergone a huge make over in the last few years and the Old Town now holds a very arty and vintage image. Along the seafront is the new Turner Contemporary Art Gallery.
Explore the Old Town’s cobbled roads dotted with art galleries, vintage shops and cute and quirky cafes. Stock up on some one-off vintage wonders at ‘Madam Pompoffs Vintage Emporium’, sit down and try a cupcake at the delectable Cupcake Café or a late lunch at The Greedy Cow for a homemade burger with dolloping’s of yummy homemade coleslaw before heading back home.
Want a longer break?
Head to wonderful Whitstable to be whisked away with their glorious array of eateries, cafes and shops and of course lovely coast line. Head to the famous Wheelers Oyster Bar for a treat, hire a bike or just take a wander.
Thanet Seascapes and beaches by James Davies Photography
Now that seems like a worthwhile weekend away to us!
If you take a visit let us know what you think @tweetjanes