Viking Bay Broadstairs
A picturesque horseshoe bay with golden sands, dramatic cliffs, and family-friendly charm. A perfect seaside escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes
Viking Bay Broadstairs
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque horseshoe bay with golden sands, dramatic cliffs, and family-friendly charm. A perfect seaside escape.
"Copious amounts of golden sand on this beach. Soft silky and smoothe, that slithers in between your toes."
Check Tide Times First! :ocean:
Crucial for beach access & activities. Low tide reveals rock pools and more sand.
Cash for Parking :moneybag:
Some car parks may not have Wi-Fi, so bring cash for parking fees.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Sands of Viking Bay
Broadstairs
Expansive, soft, golden sand perfect for families and beach activities. Feels like a hidden gem.
Chalk Cliffs & Rock Pools
Adjacent to Viking Bay
Explore fascinating rock pools at low tide, surrounded by picturesque chalk cliffs.
Cliff Top Promenade
Overlooking Viking Bay
Enjoy scenic views from the promenade, with easy access to the beach via a lift.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Tides
Parking & Early Closures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times First! :ocean:
Crucial for beach access & activities. Low tide reveals rock pools and more sand.
Cash for Parking :moneybag:
Some car parks may not have Wi-Fi, so bring cash for parking fees.
Early Closures :alarm_clock:
Shops & cafes might close around 4 PM, plan accordingly.
Family-Friendly Fun :child:
Great for kids with a playground & safe swimming areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times First! :ocean:
Crucial for beach access & activities. Low tide reveals rock pools and more sand.
Cash for Parking :moneybag:
Some car parks may not have Wi-Fi, so bring cash for parking fees.
Early Closures :alarm_clock:
Shops & cafes might close around 4 PM, plan accordingly.
Family-Friendly Fun :child:
Great for kids with a playground & safe swimming areas.
Beach Lift Access :elevator:
Convenient lift available to get down to the beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Viking Bay is lauded as a beautiful, sandy beach, perfect for families due to its safety and amenities like a playground. Visitors appreciate the golden sand and the convenience of a beach lift. However, some find that local shops and cafes close a bit too early, and parking can be a challenge with potential cash-only requirements.
"I don’t really fancy the beaches in UK. However, this is a nice, sandy beach. There are public toilets and changing cabinets, shops for drinks and playground for kids. It was difficult to find a parking. P.S: Don’t forget to check the tides before you visit any seaside for swimming. You might be surprised if you find not even a drop of water. ☺️"
Lila Manioudaki
"Beautiful sandy beach
Great for families
Very safe for children
The surrounding cafe and shops close a bit too early for us 4pm
Great day out
Great parking
Great for a 🌞 day out"
Denise Hamilton
"Great beach with local bars, restaurants and shops. Lifeguards on duty and easy to park although no internet available at the car park so had to pay by cash."
Sarah Hubball
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Viking Bay in Broadstairs is a popular day trip from London. You can take a train from London St. Pancras International to Broadstairs, which takes about 1.5 hours. +1 Driving is also an option, taking around 1.5 hours from London.
Yes, Viking Bay is accessible by public transport. Trains run from London to Broadstairs, and local buses can take you to the beach area.
Parking is available near Viking Bay, but it can be difficult to find, especially during busy periods. Some car parks may require cash payment as they lack internet connectivity.
Absolutely! Broadstairs is part of a beautiful coastal route that includes Kingsgate Bay and Botany Bay, all easily accessible from each other and perfect for a day trip.
Yes, there is a lift available to take visitors down onto the beach, making it accessible for those with mobility challenges.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Viking Bay itself is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy the sand and sea freely.
As a natural beach, Viking Bay is accessible at all times. However, nearby shops and cafes may have limited hours, often closing around 4 PM.
No, booking tickets in advance is not necessary for visiting Viking Bay as it is a public beach.
Lifeguards are typically on duty at Viking Bay during the summer season, providing an added layer of safety for swimmers.
Viking Bay offers public toilets, changing cabinets, shops for drinks, and a playground for children.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Viking Bay is perfect for a seaside stroll, beach day, swimming, exploring rock pools at low tide, and enjoying the golden sands.
Yes, Viking Bay is highly recommended for families. It's very safe for children, with a playground and shallow waters.
The sand at Viking Bay is described as copious amounts of golden sand, soft, silky, and smooth.
Swimming is possible at Viking Bay, especially during high tide. It's advisable to check tide times before planning a swim.
Viking Bay offers stunning views with its horseshoe shape, golden sands, and chalk cliffs, making it a great spot for photography, especially from drone perspectives.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are local bars, restaurants, and shops within walking distance of Viking Bay. Some popular spots include Forts Café for breakfast and Kebbells for seafood. +1
While not directly on the sand, there are cafes and shops located very close to Viking Bay, offering refreshments and meals.
You can find a variety of food options, from breakfast at cafes to seafood specialties like oysters and lobster.
Some reviewers have noted that local cafes and shops may close relatively early, around 4 PM, so it's good to plan your dining accordingly.
Yes, there are shops located near Viking Bay where you can purchase drinks and snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful light for photography. Weekday afternoons can also be great for capturing the beach with fewer people.
The cliff-top promenade provides excellent panoramic views. Drone photography also captures the stunning horseshoe shape of the bay.
The combination of golden sands, white chalk cliffs, iconic beach huts, and the horseshoe shape of the bay makes it very photogenic.
Yes, drone photography is popular at Viking Bay, offering unique aerial perspectives of the coastline and the bay's distinctive shape.
The beach huts along the promenade and the dramatic chalk cliffs are key landmarks for photography at Viking Bay.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to check tide times to maximize beach play and rock pooling opportunities.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The horseshoe shape of the bay is particularly photogenic, and drone shots provide a unique perspective. +3Aim for golden hour for the best light, or visit on a weekday afternoon to avoid crowds and capture a more peaceful scene.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from London
Combine your visit with nearby Botany Bay and Kingsgate Bay for a comprehensive coastal experience.
Be mindful of parking challenges and potential early closing times for local amenities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Coastal Charm of Broadstairs
+1 It's a popular spot for a day out, offering a quintessential British seaside experience. The surrounding cliffs add a dramatic backdrop, and at low tide, the bay reveals fascinating rock pools teeming with marine life. Beyond Viking Bay, Broadstairs boasts other beautiful beaches like Louisa Bay and Botany Bay, each with its unique character.
+1 The town itself has a lovely promenade and boardwalk, ideal for leisurely strolls. You'll find a good selection of local shops, cafes, and restaurants, though it's worth noting that some may close earlier in the afternoon. For those interested in photography, Viking Bay offers numerous opportunities. The golden sands, the iconic beach huts, and the dramatic white cliffs provide a picturesque setting.
Drone footage often highlights the bay's unique shape and its integration with the coastline. +2 Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach day, a family adventure exploring rock pools, or simply a scenic coastal walk, Viking Bay and its surroundings deliver.Family Fun and Activities at Viking Bay
Beyond the sand and sea, the town of Broadstairs offers additional family-friendly amenities. There are public toilets and changing facilities, which are essential for a day out with children.
The presence of a lift down to the beach is also a significant convenience for families with strollers or young children. While the beach itself is the main draw, the surrounding area provides opportunities for a full day of family enjoyment. The proximity to other bays like Kingsgate and Botany Bay means you can easily extend your coastal exploration.
Just remember to check the tide times to make the most of the sandy areas and rock pools. Capturing the Beauty of Viking Bay: Photography Tips
+3 Photographers can capture the interplay of light on the sand, the textures of the cliffs, and the vibrant colors of the beach huts that line the promenade. For the best light, aim for the 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset. The warm, soft light can transform the beach into a magical scene.
Key elements to focus on include the expansive sandy beach, the iconic beach huts, the imposing white cliffs, and the overall panoramic views from the cliff-top promenade.
Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, Viking Bay provides a picturesque backdrop for memorable photos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit