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Our beaches are beautiful

Margate, , your favourite seaside pick ‘n’ mix

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Contents Our beaches When life's a beach 4-5 A tantalising taster of what we have to offer

Wind, waves and wonderful fun 6-7 are beautiful For those days when you're itching for activity

People, places and piddocks 8-9 Things to explore and discover – a great adventure

Viking Coastal Trail 10-11 Great cycling opportunites for all abilities

Thanet Coast Project 12-15 Find out what makes our coastline unique. Plus great events & activities

Your guide to our beaches and bays 16-17 Map and key to symbols

Which is the best beach for you? 18-19 Where to go for activities, family fun or to get away from it all

Discover our beautiful beaches 20-23 Information on individual bays and facilities

General Information 24-25 From chalet hire to tide information

Which is our best beach and why? 26-27 We would like to hear your views

For full listings on all there is to see and do in the area, pick up a copy of Isle magazine from our Visitor Information Centres (see page 26)

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When life’s a beach , Broadstairs and Ramsgate, beautiful beaches lots to do, smiles and laughter – take your pick ‘n’ mix for a brilliant seaside break.

Lazy summer days lounging in a Seashore Safaris with the Thanet secluded cove, fun family cycle rides Coast Project Team are a thrilling way along bright spring promenades, to encounter local marine life, and do bracing cliff-top walks on crisp autumn take a boat ride out to the sand banks mornings – our 26-mile coast is a to spot seals. refreshing escape at any time of year. And what could be more heart- If you’re feeling energetic, plug into the warming in mid winter than watching elemental buzz of our breathtaking from the comfort of a cosy restaurant water sports and beach activities. as white horses break onto the shore? What an adrenaline rush as you fly along the sands on a kite board, what Enjoy all the golden highlights of euphoria as you master perfect balance traditional holidays beside the sea at on a surf board or bounce across the Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. salty waves on a jet ski! There’s plenty Paddling and donkey rides, candyfloss of choice and if you’re a beginner you and ice cream, building sandcastles can get going with lessons. and tucking into fresh fish-and-chips. So simple, so memorable. Between Or combine activity with discovery on them our resorts have 15 sandy one of our local trails. The Viking beaches and bays and a record Coastal Trail is one of the most number of Quality Coast and Blue attractive leisure cycle routes in Flag Awards. and takes in our entire coastline before sweeping inland to quiet country There are exciting surprises, too. villages, whilst the Maritime Heritage Take a walk with our very own Rock Trail reveals thousands of years of Doc through 80 million years fascinating, and sometimes colourful, of history and find out about edible maritime history. seaweed, unique cave algae that changes colour, chalk stacks Our beaches are beautiful and we and fossils. would like to share them with you. 4 5

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Lillyputt Mini Golf Course, Victoria Volleyball Gardens, Broadstairs, CT10 1QS – Organised public beach volleyball at Twelve championship mini golf holes. Viking Bay, Broadstairs, CT10 1QS. Lucky thirteenth hole - win a free game. Sessions every Tuesday between 6 t: 01843 861500 May and 2 September, from 7pm till www.lillyputt.co.uk dusk (weather permitting). t: 07971 251 847 Strokes Adventure Golf, Westbrook Promenade, CT9 5BJ – 18-hole floodlit Walking adventure golf course set in attractive A gentle promenade stroll or a bracing surroundings. Just a little bit different! cliff-top stomp? Do either or both: t: 01843 294970 there’s nothing more refreshing than www.strokesadventuregolf.com filling your lungs with tangy sea air, Jet Skiing gazing at blue flag bays and big skies. Jet Ski World, Palm Bay, Cliftonville, CT9 3EL – absolutely everything you Cliff Top Walks need to whiz across the waves can be Cliff Top Delights – a self-guided walk Wind, waves hired or bought here. Tuition also along Broadstairs’ seafront gardens available. and promenade highlighting buildings, t: 01843 231703 gardens and structures of interest. and wonderful fun www.jetski-world.co.uk Free leaflet. Kite Surfing Great opportunities at Minnis Bay, Westbrook Bay and Ramsgate On those days when you’re itching for activity, you’ll Main Sands. For lessons t: 0870 3003 213 or find a fantastic range of choices all around our coast: visit www.allgoodfun.com

Sailing Angling Cycling There are four clubs in the area that welcome new members. If you haven’t Cast your line and reel in a fresh, Viking Coastal Trail – a fascinatingly tried sailing before, go along for a tasty catch for tea at one of many varied ride taking in coast, cliffs and taster day. superb spots, or join one of our local villages. See pages 10 and 11 for Broadstairs Sailing Club – sea-angling clubs. You can also go out further information. t: 01843 861373 in a boat from Ramsgate harbour. Margate Yacht Club – For further information Cycle Hire - see pages 10 and 11 for t: 01843 292602 t: 0870 264 6111 further information. Minnis Bay Sailing Club – BeachART Events t: 01843 841588 Try your hand at creating sand Pop into one of our Visitor Information Royal Temple Yacht Club – sculptures on our beaches. See Centres (see page 26 for details) or t: 01843 591766 Summer Seashore Safaris information visit our website to find out more about Surfing on Thanet Coast Project page 14. out great coastal events, including free The Pugins. A Ramsgate Town Trail – Joss Bay Surf School, Joss Bay, summer fireworks displays. a new trail from the east to the west Beach Soccer Broadstairs, CT10 3PG – t: 0870 264 6111 cliff, featuring architecture by the Pugin With Charlton FC. At various times surf hire and lessons (go on!). www.visitthanet.co.uk family and their links to the town. and beaches, just turn up and play. t: 07812 991195 Augustus Pugin’s Grange is now open For further information Golf www.jossbay.co.uk to the public Wednesday 2-4pm. t: 0870 264 6111. Enjoy a round on 5 excellent golf Kent Surf School, Viking Bay, Free leaflet. courses, with scenic sea views from Broadstairs, CT10 1QS – Variety Boat trips some sections. Non-members Walkers’ Friend – organised walks of lessons available. For details of seal trips and coastal welcome. For further information over various routes. t: 01843 866707 or cruises see pages 8 and 9. www.visitthanet.co.uk t: 01843 579146 07970 870098 www.walkersfriend.co.uk www.kentsurfschool.co.uk

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People, places and piddocks!

If you like to explore, discover and find out more, then our coastline beckons with adventure. (And if you don’t know, a piddock is one of our most distinctive shellfish.)

Bird Watching – observe an Maritime Heritage Trail – Discover enthralling range of wildlife at our maritime history. Free leaflet. Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National www.maritimeheritagetrail.co.uk Nature Reserve. The reserve is particularly known for its wetland birds. Open Top Bus Tours – Daily from 17 May to 7 September, five tours a day, Open all year except Christmas Day. SEAL TRIPS AND COASTAL Wildlife Sailing Trips – See page 14 t: 01622 662012 or visit seven days a week. Tickets valid for 24 hours. Hop on and off as often as CRUISES (see following 4 entries) www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk from Royal Harbour, Ramsgate, Thanet Coast Project you like. Leaflets available from our – see pages 12 to 15 Events – Thanet Coast Project, see Visitor Information Centres. CT11 8LS pages 12 to 15 for further information. Thanet Greeter Project Rock Doc Walks – See page 15 Capital Coastal Sailing – Seal trips and coastal cruises Be one of the first to be shown around in luxurious 42ft yacht. our area by a local volunteer. Based t: 01843 865057 or on the Big Apple Greeter project in 07773 333402 New York we are the only place in www.capitalcoastal.com the country currently running a Greeter project – and its completely free. Galleon Cruises – Seal trips, coastal, Further details from our Visitor wind farm and mystery tours, dinner Information Centres or and lunch cruises – sail or cruise in t: 0870 264 6111. complete luxury. t: 07740 071015 Viking Ship ‘Hugin’ – situated on the www.galleoncruises.com cliff top at Pegwell Bay, this replica Viking ship sailed from Denmark to Horizon Sea Safaris – Powerboat Thanet in 1949 to celebrate the cruises, beaches and bays, Goodwin 1500th anniversary of the landing of Sands seal encounter, Kentish flats and Hengist and Horsa. forks, great fun for all the family. Also run from Broadstairs and Margate harbours in the summer. t: 07931 744788 For leaflets and further details www.horizonseasafaris.co.uk on any of the above please Sea Searcher Boat Trips – Ramsgate Royal Harbour pleasureboat cruises, pop into or ring our Visitor seal and bird watching trips. Information Centres (see p.26). Bookings can be made at the kiosk opposite the Maritime Museum or t: 0870 264 6111 through the Visitor Information Centres. t: 07837 562076 www.visitthanet.co.uk 8 9

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Get a really good look at our coastline with a refreshing Viking Coastal Trail cycle ride around the Viking Coastal Trail

The 43.5km (27 miles) route forms part The Six Churches – a very pretty rural Step Forward – a cycle club aimed at Edge of the World Cycle Tour – of Regional Route 15 of the National route taking in one of the oldest people with disabilities meet Friday 1 August at 10am (4 hours) – Cycle Network from in the religious buidings in . Wednesdays from 10am at Minnis Gentle cycle along the very edge of north around the coast to Pegwell Bay Bay, Birchington. For further information the south-east, viewing the chalk in the south, and then linking inland as History, Art and Architecture – a little t: 01732 525054 or coastline around Kingsgate and North far as St Nicholas-at-Wade. bit of everything from historical email [email protected] Foreland to Broadstairs’ Viking Bay architecture to modern art on this and back. Bookings through the For the energetic, the complete route Ramsgate-based ride. East Kent CTC – meet Sundays Thanet Coast Project website. can be tackled in one go, but for throughout the year and there are rides www.thanetcoast.org.uk families or those who prefer a more Historic Broadstairs – discover what each month from a venue in Thanet. leisurely ride, the route can be picked attracted and inspired great historical For further information Cycle Hire up or finished at any point. characters like Charles Dickens. t: 07929 623 289 Ken’s Bike Shop, 26 Eaton Road, The Path of St. Augustine – www.cycle-kent.org.uk Margate, CT9 1XA There are lots of things to see or do t: 01843 221422 along the route and some really St. Augustine landed near Ebbsfleet in Cycling Events 597 AD with the intention of bringing tempting places for refreshments. Sunset Cycle – Friday 13 June at The Bike Shed, 71 Road, Christianity to England, retrace his steps. Clifftop pubs, seafront ice cream 6.30pm (2.5 hours) - Gentle evening Westbrook, Margate, CT9 5AS parlours, continental style cafes for Smugglers’ Haunts – an opportunity to coastal cycle into the setting sun – t: 01843 228866 alfresco dining, cockle and whelk stalls discover the darker side of our coastal from Margate Main Sands to Minnis Cycle delivery and collection available or traditional seaside fish and chips, heritage. Bay and back. Meet at Droit House, subject to how busy they are. the choice is yours. Margate Harbour. Bookings through Viking Coastal Trail Cycle Hire Beaches and Bays – a completely the Thanet Coast Project website. There are also six themed mini-routes to Minnis Bay Car Park, The Parade, coastal ride taking in eight bays, many www.thanetcoast.org.uk be discovered, depending on your of which hold Quality Coast or Blue Minnis Bay, Birchington, CT7 9LT interest: Flag Awards. t: 07772 037 609 or 01843 604628 Free leaflet from our Visitor Information Centres or visit 10 www.vikingcoastaltrail.co.uk 11

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Stay safe – be careful on slippery For information about the Management rocks, of the in-coming tide, and follow Scheme see www.thanetcoast.org.uk bay safety signs Did you know? Be Environmentally friendly – buy postcards or take photos of marine Our coastline represents 20% of the creatures, instead of taking marine UK’s and 12% of Europe’s coastal curios. chalk and we have the longest continuous stretch of chalk cliffs in The whole of our coastline is Britain. designated as part of the ‘North East Kent European marine sites’ covering a number of international nature conservations designations.

The Thanet Coast Project helps to raise awareness of our unique coastline and the marine and bird life associated with the sandy beaches, rocky shores, chalk cliffs, reefs and sea caves. Look out for the series of events throughout the year on the following pages. Highlights include:

Beach Art – create your own beach art For further information visit (school holidays) www.thanetcoast.org.uk or call 01843 577672 Beach Play Scheme – various fun activities suitable for 5-16s Thanet Coastal Codes (school holidays) We share the same coastline with internationally important wildlife, so Kent Coastal Week – week long please help by following these simple celebration of the coast around the voluntary codes to help local wildlife county (25 October - 2 Nov) and show respect for other beach Low Tide Day – a celebration of the users. There’s a general seashore code low tide with rock pooling and and ones for specific activities such as environmental games (May). horse riding, dog walking, powercraft activities, wind-powered activities, Seashore Safaris – hunt and record shellfish harvesting and fixed netting, what’s lurking between the tides! (July- shore angling, bait digging and August) for Marine Week celebrations collecting, and field trips.

SeaART2008 – contemporary art Respect our coastal wildlife – try to exhibition by local artists (August) leave everything as you find it, or Thanet Coast Big Draw – help create would like to find it a breathtaking sand sculpture. Consider our coastline and other (November) users – take your rubbish home, report hazards; and respect the rights of other Wildlife Sailings – to the seals and users. sandbanks from Minnis Bay (April to August) 12 Paul Keene - Avico Ltd 13

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Thanet Coast Project Sat 23 Aug, 11am Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs Events and Activities Sat 6 Sept, 11am To book any of the events detailed below visit Minnis Bay, Birchington www.thanetcoast.org.uk or ring 01843 577672. Sat 29 Oct, 11am Pegwell Bay, Ramsgate

Sat 6 Dec, 11am Kingsgate Bay, Broadstairs Seal Trips Fri 25 July, 11am Wildlife Sailing trips to the seals. Westbrook Bay (east), Margate Beach Playscheme Leaving from Minnis Bay, Birchington. Sat 26 July, 11.30am Get stuck into a variety of coastal The trip includes a visit onto an Walpole Bay, Cliftonville events for children and young people offshore sandbank. (4 hours). including rockpooling, fossiling, Sun 27 July, 12.30pm geology, beach art, surfing and other The Great Crab Hunt Louisa Bay, Broadstairs sports. The Thanet Coast Project will Meander across the rocks & pools with Sat 21 June 06.30am run morning and afternoon sessions marine ecologist, Ian Humpheryes to Sat 22 June 07.00am Mon 28 July, 2pm every day of the school summer find a variety of crabs on our shores. West Bay, Westgate Fri 25 July 09.15am holidays at the following: Sun 8 Jun, 10.30am (1.5hrs) Sat 26 July 10.00am Tues 29 July, 3pm Monday – West Bay, Westgate Wed 06 Aug 08.00am Western Undercliff, Ramsgate All Ability Walk and Rockpool Tuesday – Ramsgate Main Sands Thurs 07 Aug 08.45am 2.5km clifftop stroll, stopping at Wed 30 July, 4.30pm Wednesday – Joss Bay, Broadstairs Sat 23 Aug 08.45am Walpole Bay to explore the rockpools. Joss Bay (north) Broadstairs Thursday – Minnis Bay, Birchington Sun 24 Aug 09.30am Friday – Margate Main Sands Ideal for people with disability. Beach Sat 20 Sept 07.45am Sun 3 Aug, 9am wheelchairs available on request. Sun 21 Sept 08.30am Botany Bay Broadstairs For details of the full playscheme contact the Thanet Coast Project direct. Wed 9 Jul, 11.30am (1.5hrs) Mon 4 Aug, 9am Rocky Shore Discovery Tour! Westbrook Bay (west), Margate Low Tide Day Celebrations Sat 3 May, 2pm (3hrs) Meander across the rocks and pools Tues 5 Aug, 9am The Lido Crab! Join artist Ruth Cutler to with marine ecologist Ian Humpheryes. East Cliff Ramsgate create a giant crab with sand bags. Sat 25 Oct, 3pm (1.5hrs) Wed 6 Aug, 9.30am Sat 3 May, 5pm (1.5 hrs) All Ability Harbour Walk Stone Bay Broadstairs Family wildlife rock-pooling fun around 3.5km walk around Ramsgate’s Royal the chalky shore Thurs 7 Aug, 10am Harbour, ideal for people with Minnis Bay Birchington The Coast on Camera disability or mobility difficulties. Sat 9 Aug, 11am Join local artist Ruth Cutler and the Wed 29 Oct, 11.30am (1.5hrs) Dumpton Gap Broadstairs Thanet Coast Project, armed with your cameras, to observe and record Thanet Coast’s 5th Big Draw – Rock Doc Walk coastal artefacts. ‘Swimming Sand Sculptures’! Summer Seashore Safaris Discover the ancient wonders of the Take part in creating this year’s Sat 10 May, 10am (2hrs) Suitable for families with children chalk cliffs, flints, fossils and sands on strangest marine SandArt –battling Botany Bay, Kingsgate, Broadstairs between the ages of five and thirteen. a free, fun and educational guided against the high tide by 1pm! Bring Explore the rockpools and help us tour with the Rock Doc (2 hours). Seaweed and their secrets! along friends, family & spades. identify the life in each of the bays Wed 28 May, 11am Fascinating guided tour by seaweed around our coast. (2 hours). Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs Sat 1 Nov, 9.30am (2.5hrs) expert Ian Tittley from the Natural Viking Bay, Broadstairs Wed 23 July, 10am Sat 28 June, 11am History Museum Joss Bay, Broadstairs Kingsgate Bay, Broadstairs Sat 31 May, 3pm (2hrs) Thurs 24 July, 10am Sat 12 July, 11am Sun 10 Aug, 12pm (2hrs) Minnis Bay, Birchington Pegwell Bay, Ramsgate

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your guide to our Beaches and Bays

Open Top Bus Route

Key to symbols on following pages... o Open Top Bus Tours –

Bay inspector/information o Lift to beach Daily from 17 May to 7 September, 7 days a week, 5 tours a day. Tickets Our beautiful beaches can be Cafe/restaurant nearby Q Paddling pool/tidal pool valid for 24 hours. Hop on and off as easily reached by train. Chalets for hire Parking often as you like. Leaflets available Southeastern run regular services from our Visitor Information Centres. Deckchairs & sun loungers for hire s Picnic area from London to Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate with Disabled access to beach PH Public house nearby journey times under 2 hours. Disabled parking bays Sailing club Blue Flag Beaches – Fares from £12* return with GroupSave. Disabled toilets open all year Shop Are a symbol of high environmental standards as well as good sanitary *GroupSave prices are per First aid station Toilets and safety facilities person and based on four people Lifeguards Dog Ban travelling together at all times.

(From 1 May to 30 September, dogs are not www.southeasternrailway.co.uk Animal Logo Signposts Quality Coast Award – allowed during any part of the day/evening) These help you locate your position on the The purpose of the Quality Coast beach and help your little ones find their way Dog Restrictions Award is to recognise different parts back to you. (From 15 May to 15 September, dogs are not of the coastline that are well managed allowed during the hours of 10am & 6pm) to suit the needs of different users 16 17

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Which is the best beach for you?

The main reason people visited our beaches last year was to have a great family day out in the fresh air, and the favourite beaches were Margate Main Sands and Ramsgate Main Sands. Whatever your reason for visiting, you’re sure to find something to suit. To help find the best beach for you, look at the lists below.

Activities Getting away from it all From jet-skiing to surfing and sailing to A quiet stroll along the sand at low kiteboarding, the beaches below are tide, a peaceful cove to relax with a great for activities. good book or a secluded bay with great birdwatching opportunities. Minnis Bay, Birchington Westbrook Bay Botany Bay, Broadstairs Walpole Bay (Palm Bay), Cliftonville Kingsgate Bay, Broadstairs Joss Bay, Broadstairs Stone Bay, Broadstairs Viking Bay, Broadstairs Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs Ramsgate Main Sands Pegwell Bay, Ramsgate

Family fun Beach within reach Kiddies play areas, adventure golf, If you are a wheelchair user or have rockpooling and traditional fun like limited mobility, the following beaches donkey rides and Punch and Judy. and bays have beach wheelchairs you can use. Contact the bay inspector on Minnis Bay, Birchington the beach or ring 01843 577528/ West Bay, Westgate 577032 for further information. St. Mildreds Bay, Westgate Westbrook Bay, West Bay, Westgate Margate Main Sands Margate Main Sands Walpole Bay, Cliftonville Viking Bay, Broadstairs Stone Bay, Broadstairs Ramsgate Main Sands Viking Bay, Broadstairs Louisa Bay, Broadstairs To find out more about the facilities at Ramsgate Main Sands each of our beaches and bays, please see the individual entries on the following pages. 18 19

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Westbrook Bay CT9 5DL Discover our Sandy beach approx. 200 metres long with promenade. A great family beach, off the beaten track. Designated water ski area. Strokes Adventure Golf, bowls and tennis nearby. Café open all year, beautiful beaches weekends only in winter. The former Seabathing Hospital overlooked Westbrook Bay. The fresh air and sea water was thought to be extremely beneficial to good health. Lively resort beach, quiet rural cove –

what is best for you? 15 May - 15 Sept

Minnis Bay CT7 9QP Margate Main Sands CT9 1XJ

Long, rural sandy bay with rocky and shingle areas. Sandy and approx. 200 metres long with promenade Tidal bay except on spring tides. Sailing club, and boardwalk. Tidal boating pool, donkey rides and windsurfing area, seal watching trips and kite board children’s rides. Golden sands galore, perfect for lessons available – a really great beach with lots family fun and bathing. Shops and amusements nearby. of activities. Childrens play area nearby. Relax with a Disabled toilets at nearby Buenos Ayres. Just a couple of drink and watch the sun set into the sea. minutes walk from Margate Station and the town centre, but once on the beach the hustle and bustle completely disappears and you’re in another world. Beach Q s 1 May - PH 30 Sept wheelchairs available. 1 May - PH 30 Sept

West Bay CT8 8QG Walpole Bay (Palm Bay/Hodges Gap and Foreness Point) CT9 2HL

Sandy bay with rocky areas and cliffs. Totally tidal bay. Popular water sports area approx. 400 metres long with The sand here is good for sandcastles and there are lots sandy beach, promenade and tidal swimming pool. of little rock pools to explore. Café open in the evening, Nearby Jet Ski World. Water ski area, golf, putting, another great place to have a meal and drink whilst tennis and indoor bowls nearby. Lots of activities at this great stretch of coastline. Walpole Bay has one of the watching fantastic sunset views. Listed by The last Victorian tidal swimming pools to be built. Independent as one of the country’s top 20 beaches – rocking rockpools. Beach wheelchairs available.

15 May - o 1 May -

PH 15 Sept o 30 Sept

St Mildreds Bay CT8 8TR Botany Bay CT10 3LG

Sandy bay with promenade, cliffs and tidal pool. Tidal Popular yet quiet sandy bay approx 200 metres long. bay except on spring tides. Lovely little crabbing pool Thanet’s best-kept secret, a secluded bay with that will keep the children amused for ages. Tennis, breathtaking chalk features. This bay got its name putting and public house with restaurant nearby. Find the because the common fate of a captured smuggler was World War 1 seaplane lookout that is still in place here. deportation to Botany Bay in Australia on a convict ship. In 1916 it proved too dangerous to continue landing In the late 18th century there was a big battle here planes here, so Manston airfield was developed. between the smugglers and the revenue men, which resulted in quite a few fatalities.

15 May - 15 May - 15 Sept PH 15 Sept

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Kingsgate Bay CT10 3QH Louisa Bay CT10 1PU

Quiet and secluded sandy beach approx. 150 metres Quiet sandy bay approx. 150 metres long with long. A great bay for those who like to get away promenade. Disabled access via quite steep slope. from it all and have a bit of space to themselves. Another great little bay for rockpooling and sand It also has some of the best examples of sea caves in the castle building. Originally called Goodstone steps. country. This bay used to be called St. Bartholomew’s Thomas Russell Crampton built a lattice-work bridge Bay until King Charles I was landed here for safety across the gap here and it was renamed Louisa Bay during a squall and he ordered that the name be after one of his family members. changed to Kingsgate Bay.

PH

Joss Bay CT10 3PG Dumpton Gap CT10 1TA

Popular sandy bay approx. 200 metres long. This bay Quiet, sandy bay approx. 150 metres long with some is a must for keen surfers and those who wish to rocks and promenade. Disabled access via quite steep learn. Joss Bay Surf School. Surf boards and wetsuit slope. This is one of the best low tide walking routes hire, amusements. Joss Snelling, the notorious smuggler to Ramsgate and where natural profile of cliff to and head of the Callis Court Gang was named after sea can be found. Check low tide times before this bay. He was fined £100 for smuggling at the age walking. of 89!

Easter - Sept

Stone Bay CT10 1DP Ramsgate Main Sands CT11 8JD

Peaceful sandy bay approx. 200 metres long with chalk Popular sandy beach approx. 250 metres long with cliffs, rock pools and promenade. Disabled access via promenade. Donkey rides, boardwalk, designated jet ski Broadstairs harbour. A great little bay seldom area adjacent to main beach, shops and children’s discovered by visitors and good for rockpooling. amusements nearby. A resort beach situated right next to the glorious Royal Harbour and Marina. Lots of little bars and cafés close at hand for leisurely lunches – a real continental feel. Beach wheelchairs available.

o Easter

o - Sept 15 May - 1 May - 15 Sept 30 Sept

Viking Bay CT10 1QS Pegwell Bay CT12 5JB

Resort’s main bay. Sandy beach approx. 150 metres A stretch of unprotected sea cliffs with great geological long with cliff-top promenade, harbour pier and interest and a sandy bay used by large numbers of boardwalk. Surf School, surf ski/belly boards, shops, seashore birds. A perfect place to experience restaurants and amusements nearby. Childrens rides. coastal wildlife. The bay is also part of Kent’s largest Donkey rides. Punch and Judy (August only). A truly National Nature Reserve. Viking Ship ‘Hugin’ stands English seaside experience with plenty of things for proudly on the clifftop overlooking the bay. Pegwell Bay the children. Charles Dickens’ loved to holiday here. was a popular excursion destination for Victorian Beach wheelchairs available. holidaymakers who used to ride from Ramsgate to the 15 May - PH 15 Sept bay on donkey chaisse. o s

o

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General information

Chalet and beach hut hire Inflatables For further information telephone Beware of using these even in a gentle Thanet Leisureforce on 01843 breeze, they can easily be blown out 296111 or contact one of the bay to sea. If possible tie them to the inspectors on the beaches.Safe shore, and if your children are using them – never let them out of your sight. Making sure you are safe on our beaches is extremely important to us. Know your flags Our bay inspectors and lifeguards are Red and yellow flag – there to help and offer advice – please lifeguard-patrolled bathing just ask. You can also help yourself by area. Always swim between the flags being aware of the following: and within the bouys on all beaches. Barbecues Red flag – do not bathe Individual barbeques are permitted on when red flag is flying. all beaches and bays after 6pm. Black and white quartered Organised group barbeques are flag – Surfing Area. allowed on Joss Bay by prior agreement with the Foreshore White cross on green flag – Department on 01843 577274. first aid. Child safety animal signs Litter Most of our main bays have highly All our beaches and bays are beautiful visible signposts, all resembling and we are proud of them, please different animals instantly recognisable help us to keep them that way. to children. These are here to help you Take your litter away with you or put it locate your position on the beach and in the bins provided. to help your little ones find their way back to you should they wander off. Watch the tides The idea of walking from one bay to Emergencies another may be appealing, but ensure If you see someone in trouble, go to you don’t get cut off by the tide. High the lifeguard or bay inspector for help. and low tide information is often Do not try to rescue them yourself. written at each beach by the Bay Out of season you should telephone Inspector. Local tide tables are also the coastguard on 999. available from our Visitor Information Ensure you don’t burn Centres or visit • Always cover up. www.portoframsgate.co.uk • Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm. For further information on beach safety visit www.rnli.org.uk • Use factor 15+ sunscreen and apply regularly. • Remember to take extra care with children. • Don’t be fooled by a sea breeze, you may be cool but you will still burn.

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Which is our best beach and why? Spend a few short minutes giving us your opinion and you could win:

2 nights bed and breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children at a hotel or guest house of your choice featured in Isle magazine Free pass to local attractions Tickets for the Open Top Bus Tour Trip to see the seals on the sandbanks Go to the beaches and bays section of www.visitthanet.co.uk or pick up a questionnaire from one of our Visitor Information Centres.

Visitor Information Centres Margate Visitor Information Centre Ramsgate Visitor Information Centre 12-13 The Parade, 17 Albert Court, York Street, Margate, CT9 1EY. Ramsgate, CT11 9DN. Broadstairs Visitor Information Centre Visitor Information Call Centre c/o Dickens House Museum, Telephone: 0870 264 6111 2 Victoria Parade, Broadstairs, Email: CT10 1QS. [email protected] Web:www.visitthanet.co.uk

Disclaimer Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all information contained in this guide at the time of publishing, Council cannot guarantee its accuracy and accepts no responsibility for error or misrepresentation. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by reliance on the information in this guide is hereby excluded.

Leaflet produced April 2008.

Thanks are extended to Visit Kent for their assistance with co-ordinating the production of this leaflet. 26 27

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