Broadstairs Harbour
Charming seaside town with picturesque bays, rich literary history, and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for beach days and coastal strolls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Broadstairs Harbour
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Charming seaside town with picturesque bays, rich literary history, and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for beach days and coastal strolls.
"Skip Brighton and come to Broadstairs instead; it's less than two hours from London by train!"
🎯 Skip Brighton, Try Broadstairs!
Consider Broadstairs for a day trip from London; it's less crowded than Brighton and offers a charming seaside experience .
🚗 Free Parking Available
Parking is free on Eastern Esplanade, making it convenient for drivers .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Viking Bay
Broadstairs Harbour
A magnificent horseshoe-shaped bay, the main attraction with a long sandy beach and cliff-top promenade.
Stone Bay Beach
Near Broadstairs Harbour
A hidden gem offering a quieter beach experience, perfect for a peaceful seaside escape.
Harbour Street
Broadstairs
A charming street with independent shops and eateries, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Getting There: Train or Drive?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Skip Brighton, Try Broadstairs!
Consider Broadstairs for a day trip from London; it's less crowded than Brighton and offers a charming seaside experience.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Parking is free on Eastern Esplanade, making it convenient for drivers.
🍦 Ice Cream & Pubs Galore
Enjoy classic seaside treats like ice cream and relax in local pubs after a day at the beach.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Bays
Broadstairs boasts multiple bays like Stone Bay and Botany Bay, perfect for a coastal walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Skip Brighton, Try Broadstairs!
Consider Broadstairs for a day trip from London; it's less crowded than Brighton and offers a charming seaside experience.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Parking is free on Eastern Esplanade, making it convenient for drivers.
🍦 Ice Cream & Pubs Galore
Enjoy classic seaside treats like ice cream and relax in local pubs after a day at the beach.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Bays
Broadstairs boasts multiple bays like Stone Bay and Botany Bay, perfect for a coastal walk.
🎭 Dickensian Charm
Experience the town's literary heritage, especially during the Dickens Festival.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Broadstairs Harbour is widely loved for its beautiful sandy beaches, particularly Viking Bay, and its charming, relaxed atmosphere. Visitors appreciate its suitability as a day trip from London and its picturesque coastal scenery. Some find it can get quite busy during peak times, and the pebble sections of the beach might not appeal to everyone.
"Lovely weekend break"
Jonathan Ellis
""
Tim Coup
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Broadstairs Harbour from London by train in about 1.5 hours from London St Pancras,.
Driving is also an option, taking approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, with free parking available on Eastern Esplanade.
Yes, Broadstairs is accessible by train and bus from London,.
The train journey is a popular and efficient way to travel.
These beaches are located close to each other and can be easily reached by walking or a short drive from Broadstairs Harbour.
While specific park and ride services aren't widely advertised, free parking is available on Eastern Esplanade for those driving.
Broadstairs is a compact town, and most attractions, including the harbour and beaches, are within walking distance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Broadstairs Harbour and its beaches are public spaces and do not require tickets for entry. You can freely explore the area.
The beaches in Broadstairs, including Viking Bay and Stone Bay, are free to access.
Broadstairs Harbour is always accessible. However, individual shops and attractions around the harbour will have their own operating hours.
The promenade along Viking Bay is free to access and enjoy.
Yes, events like the Broadstairs Dickens Festival may have associated ticket costs for specific activities or performances.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Viking Bay is the main attraction, known for its horseshoe shape and sandy beach. Stone Bay offers a quieter alternative,.
Don't miss a stroll along Harbour Street.
You can relax on the beach, swim in the sea, enjoy ice cream, explore local shops, and take scenic walks along the promenade,.
Absolutely! The sandy beaches are great for kids, and there are plenty of ice cream shops and cafes to keep everyone happy.
Walking along the promenade and exploring the streets offers a great perspective. Drone footage also captures the beauty of the bay,.
Broadstairs has a rich history, with connections to Charles Dickens. The Dickens House Museum is a notable site.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a variety of options, from traditional fish and chips to cafes serving light bites and ice cream. Some establishments offer natural wines.
Yes, Broadstairs offers several restaurants and pubs with sea views, perfect for enjoying a meal by the coast.
Classic seaside fare like fish and chips is a must-try. Ice cream is also a popular treat, especially on a sunny day.
Many cafes and restaurants in Broadstairs offer vegetarian and vegan options, catering to diverse dietary needs.
Several eateries are located along the promenade and harbour front, offering picturesque views while you dine.
📸 📸 Photography
Viking Bay, with its unique horseshoe shape and colourful beach huts, is incredibly photogenic. The harbour itself, with boats and the jetty, also offers great shots,.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light, perfect for capturing the coastal scenery. Midday can be good for vibrant beach scenes.
Drone footage is popular for capturing aerial views of Broadstairs Harbour and its bays,,
.
The cliffs provide panoramic views of Viking Bay, the coastline, and the sea, ideal for wide-angle landscape photography.
The distinctive shape of Viking Bay, the boardwalk, and the colourful beach huts are iconic photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The cliffs provide panoramic views, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Don't forget to capture the charming Harbour Street and the Victorian architecture.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Broadstairs' Beautiful Bays
These bays are interconnected, allowing for delightful coastal walks. The Thanet Coastal Path offers opportunities to explore the dramatic cliffs and enjoy breathtaking sea vistas. Whether you're looking for a lively beach day or a peaceful retreat, Broadstairs' bays have something for everyone. The accessibility of these bays, often just a short stroll from the town centre, makes them a key part of the Broadstairs experience.
A Day Trip from London: Why Broadstairs Shines
Visitors often highlight the relaxed vibe of Broadstairs, contrasting it with the busier nature of other coastal towns. The presence of multiple bays, each with its own character, allows for varied experiences within a single visit. From the bustling Viking Bay to the serene Stone Bay, there's a beach to suit every mood. The availability of free parking on Eastern Esplanade also adds to its convenience for those who prefer to drive.
The Dickensian Connection
The town embraces its literary heritage with events like the annual Broadstairs Dickens Festival, where locals and visitors alike don Victorian costumes, bringing the era to life.This historical resonance adds a unique layer to the Broadstairs experience. Wandering through the streets, one can almost imagine the characters and scenes from Dickens' novels unfolding. The town's architecture and seaside setting evoke a sense of nostalgia and charm that is deeply intertwined with its literary past. Even if you're not a literature buff, the palpable sense of history and the town's dedication to preserving its Dickensian spirit make it a fascinating place to explore.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit