Staycations have become the new vacations with many of us appreciating what gems the UK has to offer. Whether you’re planning to venture locally or across the country, there are many staycation hotspots to choose from.

The coastal scene in the UK is completely underrated from locations such as St Ives to Kent. Kent is renowned for its title of ‘The Garden of England’, however, it’s also home to a jaw-droppingly stunning coastline.

Things to do on the Kent Coast

The Kent Coast includes everything from the bays in the Isle of Thanet to the pebbly paradise of Whitstable and Deal, with many beaches in between that you can dabble into. If you’re planning a trip, here are the best things to see and do on the Kent Coast.

Visit Dreamland in Margate

Image by  Laura Louise Grimsley

Dreamland is a hub for events, rides and a family-friendly day out when you’re down in Margate. The seaside town has grown in popularity with an abundance of exciting activities for all walks of life, whether you’re looking for a day at the beach, an alfresco meal, to spruce up your history, go boutique shopping or spend the day at Dreamland.

All year round, Dreamland hosts seasonal events including festivals, concerts, markets and more. And, when the park isn’t raising the roof with good tunes, it’s also home to many exciting rides, a roller disco, arcade and a place to socialise with family and friends. Plus, it’s right on the beach too.

Mooch around Whitstable town

Whitstable is a favourite for many Kent locals for good reason. It’s famous for its dreamy pebbly beach and harbour area which hosts the iconic Oyster festival in the summertime, however, there’s more than you think to explore.

The town is a gold mine for boutiques, independent shops, restaurants and bars, and a great spot for fine dining. Whitstable also offers a small castle which is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a cafe on site, perfect for a picnic or to get away from the bustle of the beach. 

If you love fresh and authentic food or a unique item to take home with you, Whitstable is an iconic mooching location.

Beach hop in Thanet

The Isle of Thanet deserves more praise with its extensive range of sandy beaches stretching from Ramsgate to Minnis Bay. 

The main three towns are prime spots if you want more to your beach day with a range of quirky restaurants, bars, arcades, mini-golfing, museums or bowling. However, for a dreamy beach day, the in-between bays such as Botany Bay, Stone Bay, Palm Bay and Minnis Bay are some firm favourites to experience the quieter side of coastal life and witness glorious sunsets as your day comes to a close.

Drinks on the Harbour Arm in Folkestone

 Image by David George

Folkestone is a seaside town that is a lot quieter than the other Kent Coast favourites, however, that doesn’t take away from the popular spot for many, The Harbour Arm. When blue skies hit and the sun is glaring down, The Harbour Arm lights up with smiley faces, music and is a brilliant place to grab a drink and dinner for incredible beach views.

Explore Herne Bay Pier

Whistable’s slightly quieter neighbour, Herne Bay is a completely underrated beach location with colourful beach huts lining the shore and a pier that’ll keep you entertained for hours. If it’s rides, arcades or simply an ice cream with a view, the pier needs to be on your list for a day at the beach.

When you’ve experienced the joys of pier life, the town of Herne Bay is a secret treasure with beach bars and restaurants, minutes from the shore and a town centre with unexpected shops and cafes too.

The Kent Coast is a destination not to be missed with a range of activities and universal fun for everyone on a weekend staycation or week-long trip.

Article by Della.

I’m Della Driscoll, a twenty-something-year-old passionate writer and traveller who loves nothing more than jetting off on my latest adventure, picking up a great read or typing away at my next story.

Main image by https://unsplash.com/@zoltantasi