This oft-overlooked gem of the Kent coast offers old-school seaside charm in spades. Here's our guide to spending an ideal day in Broadstairs.
Broadstairs is probably most famous for being one of Charles Dickens' favourite places to escape to. But, often overlooked in favour of neighbouring Margate or Whitstable, this town has got much, much more going for it.
With its backdrop of chalk cliffs and seven golden bays to be explored, Broadstairs has sea views for days – many of which can be enjoyed with a pint in hand or while gorging on some its excellent food offerings. You can build up a hefty appetite by navigating the area's gorgeous coastal trails or perusing its superb independent shops. So, without further ado, these are the best things to do in Broadstairs right now.
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Head straight for Viking Bay beach. The town’s headline stretch is a pristine crescent of sand that shelters a tidal pool. Walk the clifftop Victoria Gardens and end up at Bleak House –the lofty spot where Dickens wrote ‘David Copperfield’. Sadly, the house remains closed, but just a few longing looks will leave you feeling inspired.
Grab fish and chips to go from Star of the Sea and finish up with a sticky gypsy tart from The Old Bakehouse. Both are a stone’s throw from the beach. Twenty Seven Harbour Street is where it's at for Sunday lunch (it's small plates only in summer, but bumper portions again from September), with stunning views to go with its excellent menu and wine list.
The pub scene in Broadstairs includes giant gastros like The Charles Dickens and quirky micropubs like The Chapel – a chapel-turned-bookshop-turned-alehouse that still somehow manages to be a bit of all three. The Tartar Frigate does a fine line in local ales and fresh seafood, with the boozers here back and thriving after a couple of quiet years.
Cycle the Viking Coastal Trail. This 25-mile loop circles the Isle of Thanet, and the views are something else. On foot? Walk the three-and-a-half-mile stretch to Margate. Pause at Botany Bay. This picturesque sandy beach is dotted with giant chalk stacks and backed by huge white cliffs, which hide a handful of smugglers’ caves.
You’re more likely to splurge on seafood than shopping in Broadstairs, but what you will find in spades are art galleries, clustered around Viking Bay. The biggies are The Broadstairs Gallery and New Kent Art, but pop into The Little Art Gallery too. If the weather isn't up to scratch, then check out the tiny but ace Palace Cinema, an independent spot that shows the latest arthouse movies.
If you don’t end up with ice cream dribbling down your arms, did you even visit the Great British Seaside? For masterful scoops of the sweet stuff, head to retro ice-cream parlour Morelli’s. The nostalgic spot, complete with formica tables, has been looking out over Viking Bay since 1932.
You don’t need to book an exotic getaway to enjoy the peaceful lap of waves as you lie in bed – just head to sunny Broadstairs and snap up a room at The Bay Tree Hotel. Housed in a homely-looking red-brick Victorian building, this pretty B&B sits opposite the beach, and has been furnished with care and flair. Colourfully painted bedrooms are decked out with upcycled antiques, while bathrooms are pleasingly contemporary. Push the boat out and book an ensuite with a balcony and sea view. This Kent gem is possibly the perfect home-from-home. Grace Allen
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