I’VE lived on Kent’s trendy coastline for more than five years, so I think I can legitimately call myself a local now.
After ditching London in my late twenties, I’ve lived in both Margate and Folkestone, while spending my weekends exploring the other seaside towns.
In the last 15 years, Kent’s seaside towns have arguably seen the biggest transformations of the whole British coast.
That’s due to a combination of new investment, an influx of ‘down from Londoners’ moving in and a reignited love of the traditional seaside break among Millennials.
But which town you should visit depends on what type of trip you’re looking for.
So here are my top tips for seven of the best Kent beach towns and villages, from what to do and where to eat, to the best hotel and things to do under a fiver.
Whitstable
One of the more established Kent seaside towns, Whitstable is famous for its annual Oyster festival and has been a popular tourist destination for the last few decades – long before towns like Margate saw a resurgence.
Eat and drink in Whitstable
Blueprint Coffee and Books is the kind of place where you’ll go in for a cappuccino but come out with magazines and a candle.
The pastel pink Wheelers Oyster Bar is where everyone goes for their seafood (and for good reason) but if you fancy something other than fish, Harbour Street Tapas is the place for Spanish sharing plates.
In the summer months, the Old Neptune pub is a must, where the pub garden is right on the beach. Or try Porto Wine Bar, tucked a bit further down for staff who really know their wines.
Don’t forget an ice-cream – Bear’s Ice Cream Imaginarium has everything from classics to more unusual flavours like celeriac and wasabi. Yes, really.
Best things to do in Whitstable
Harbour Street is home to some fantastic vintage shops to explore. I picked up a jumper worth £69 for a fiver, so it has some treasures if you look hard enough.
There’s also Whitstable Harbour, still a working harbour, to explore as well as the free-to-visit Whitstable Castle with beautiful gardens and a kids’ play area.
Really fancy a dip? Brave the water with the other cold water swimmers but make sure to warm up in the Sea Scrub Sauna, one of many around Kent.
Where to stay in Whitstable
The Marine Hotel is a classic coastal B&B, with big chunky king size beds and windows thick enough to keep out the sea breeze.
The restaurant is where you will join the locals on a Friday night with a classic but hearty menu making you grateful for the proximity of your room.
Rooms from £125. See marinewhitstable.com.
Under £5 in Whitstable
Why not test your crabbing skills?
Head to the end of the harbour and pick up a crabbing net from one of the stalls which are usually under a fiver and see what you can catch.
Margate
Nicknamed Shoreditch-on-Sea, Margate is known for being one of the trendiest beach towns in the country.
As well as having one of Kent’s rare sandy beaches (most are shingle) this has also seen a huge increase in cool wine bars and restaurants.
Eat and drink in Margate
Start your day at Big Shot Diner for a cup of tea while looking out over the beach, or the Bus Cafe for a great full English breakfast.
When it comes to fish, the best chippies in town are Peter’s Fish Factory and Beach Buoys, so expect queues out the door, or for a fancier sit down affair, head to Angela’s.
Pizza by the slice is best at Palm’s Pizzeria, best chased by a pickleback shot (whisky and pickle juice).
There are some great wine bars too but my favourite place to go are the pubs in Margate.
Try Rose in June for fun food and drink pop ups or the 18th century George & Heart House, which also has rooms above if you fancy staying the night.
Best things to do in Margate
The beach itself is beautiful but for more adrenaline-fuelled fun, head to the free-to-visit Dreamland.
You can pay for rides, or just take in the retro-style attraction – come in the summer for the fantastic live music line up ranging from Lovebox to Bastille.
Or did you know Margate is home to Europe’s only Crab Museum? It’s certainly quirky but one to visit as its free, although they rely on donations.
And of course there is the free Turner Contemporary art gallery as well, which is reopening on May 23 with a new exhibit.
Where to stay in Margate
Lots of boutique hotels have opened in Margate in recent years, and one of the best is Guesthouse No.42.
One of just four in the UK, it even has the town’s only rooftop bar, which overlooks the beach.
Rooms start from £141. See guesthousehotels.co.uk.
Under £5 in Margate
The bizarre Shell Grotto remains a mystery as to why or how it was built – but its a beauty to see.
Concession tickets start from £5, kids tickets are £2.
Folkestone
Named one of the best places to live in the UK last year, Folkestone has seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years, partly because of its speedy, 52-minute train from London.
There are some new openings to be excited about too, including the Lower Leas Cliff funicular.
Eat and drink in Folkestone
After it’s success in Margate, Pomus opened their second small plate restaurant in Folkestone. It’s one of the smarter places in town, but service is just as friendly with a rotating menu of locally caught produce.
Award-winning Rocksalt is the place for fish lovers, overlooking the harbour (and the oysters are a must).
Or for something more low-key, there is the local-loved Morley’s which has a small but classic menu – think burgers and pastas.
If there is one thing Folkestone isn’t short of, it’s pubs – try the Harbour Inn or The Pullman for friendly staff and local ciders.
And splash out for the evening by heading to the end of the harbour for a glass of fizz at The Lighthouse Champagne Bar, or a cocktail at Gaia Studios.
Best things to do in Folkestone
The Harbour Arm celebrated 10 years this year, and you can easily spend a day in the shipping container yard.
Along with food and drink stalls, there are independent shops selling everything from locally-made wine to clothing and dog treats. It also has lots of live music throughout the year and live screenings of films and sports.
Also nearby is The Boardroom for darts and shuffleboard (currently closed for a renovation), while the new Sea Scrub Sauna is the largest of its kind in the UK. Otherwise go for a wander along to the Lower Leas Coastal Park, which is getting a huge new playground too.
Where to stay in Folkestone
The London & Paris Hotel is one of the few boutique hotels in town, where every room overlooks the harbour.
Each room is coastal chic – think blue striped walls and vintage bathtubs – and they come with little touches such as complimentary binoculars and breakfasts delivered by hamper.
Rooms start from £71. See londonandparishotel.co.uk.
Under £5 in Folkestone
Grab an ice cream from Herbert’s Gelato with a rotating menu of interesting flavours such as hot cross bun or malted milk. From £3.90.
Ramsgate
From welcoming Queen Victoria in the 1800s to having the UK’s only Royal Harbour, Ramsgate has a rather regal history.
Now, it is a popular seaside town still slightly overlooked by its trendier neighbours Margate and traditional Broadstairs, but it is a great weekend break.
Eat and drink in Ramsgate
Get your morning coffee at Staple (along with an irresistible cruffin to go) with cafes also open in Westgate and Broadstairs.
But for the best places to eat, there are two top choices. First up is Marc-Pierre’s Kitchen restaurant where you will find some of the best seafood in town (with enough awards to show for it).
Otherwise curry fans should head straight to Flavours by Kumar.
It’s tucked down a tiny hidden side street but with big restaurants under his belt, including London’s famous Cinnamon Club, you’re in good hands (make sure to save room for the chocolate samosas).
End your evening at Noa Rooftop, which opened last year, for a crisp glass of wine to watch the sunset.
Best things to do in Ramsgate
Ramsgate has the UK’s only Royal Harbour, so it is the best place to spot the boats coming in and out for the day.
But its wartime history is best learned about at the Ramsgate Tunnels.
There are daily tours of the underground system that is also the largest UK network of wartime tunnels.
Search the knick-knacks of Petticoat Emporium, one of Kent’s biggest indoor markets with 200 traders and where you can pick up everything from vintage spoons to huge wicker chairs.
Where to stay in Ramsgate
Ramsgate is more B&Bs than boutique hotels, but one of the best in town is the The House at Ramsgate which dates back to 1780. With just 14 rooms which are cosy but modern, choose the Queen Victoria Room where she spent three months in 1835. Make sure to stay for the roast dinners too…
Rooms from £90. See thehouseatramsgate.co.uk.
Under £5 in Ramsgate
Of course, a visit to Ramsgate isn’t complete with a trip to the Victorian Pavilion – the UK’s (and technically) the world’s biggest Wetherspoons pub, so spend around £4.50 for a pint of Corona and head to the rooftop for views over the beach.
Broadstairs
With strong connections to Charles Dickens (who raved about the place while holidaying there), Broadstairs is your more traditional seaside town.
It has seven sandy beaches to choose from, so you’re spoilt for choice.
Eat and drink in Broadstairs
If you love a good coffee, you’re in luck – there’s Giant Coffee, who do unique hot drinks like cloud matchas (and are also in Ramsgate and Margate) to Forts who are known for their great coffees across Kent.
Fish and chips are a must at the beach and everyone heads to The Mermaid who do very large portions.
Chase it with an ice cream at Morelli’s Gelato which dates back to 1907, they sell huge towering sundae with all the trimmings.
But for dinner, you can’t go wrong with the award-winning Bar Ingo, a tiny restaurant with just a few tables but serving small plates inspired by basque dishes.
I’m still dreaming of the miso mushrooms after my last visit.
Best things to do in Broadstairs
Broadstairs has the beautiful curved Viking Bay sandy beach, so hanging out there is a must. Grab a paddleboard or rent a deckchair; you can do what you like to while away the day.
There are also the retro arcades at the top of the hill, which are a surefire hit with the kids.
Or you can explore some of the independent shops selling trinkets and gifts on the high street (my favourites are Home by SP and Arrowsmiths).
Where to stay in Broadstairs
One of the newest hotels in Broadstairs is Smith’s Townhouse, with just six bedrooms in the Georgian building. Stylish east London interiors are across the downstairs cafe and the rooms – Room Five even has Elton John’s former wardrobe.
They have some of the best coffee in town – perfect for a breakfast pick me up – but stay for a vibe in the evening where you can get cocktails and nibbles too.
Rooms start from £140. See smithstownhouse.co.uk.
Under £5 in Broadstairs
Broadstairs was once raved about by Charles Dickens, so a visit to the Dickens House Museum is a must.
Inside is the inspiration for Betsey Trotwood’s home from the novel David Copperfield.
Tickets cost £5 for adults of £2.50 for kids.
Deal
The town of Deal is quickly becoming a foodie hub, with some critically-rated restaurants popping up.
It also has a great art scene, with numerous galleries and frequent exhibitions from local artists.
It’s on the smaller side than Whitstable or Folkestone, but also makes it far more walkable.
Eat and drink in Deal
Popup Cafe is, despite it’s name, not a pop-up but a fantastic coffee shop where you’ll be hanging with young families and coworkers on their laptops.
Mostly known only to locals, the local Jenkins & Son Fishmongers opens at certain days to offer street food dishes; I regularly make a trip for the Monkfish Tacos.
For pubs, try the Caribbean style roast at The Port Arms, which shares an outdoor seating area with the nearby Kings Head pub – also worth a drink in.
The recently revamped Le Pinardier wine bar will transport you to a French bistro (without the snobby staff when you ask for a Pinot Grigio, however).
Best things to do in Deal
The high street is full of art galleries and independent sellers, my favourites being The Hoxton Store, Mileage and 123 High Street for gifts.
Explore the brutalist Deal Pier, restored twice in its history and now one of the last remaining of its kind, where you can weave between the fishermen for some of the best views in town.
Kids will love Deal Castle where they can explore the hidden tunnels and even play pretend with wooden muskets.
Otherwise try and visit on a Saturday morning to catch the local market that dates back to 1699 – and fill your pockets with antiques and cinnamon buns.
Where to stay in Deal
The Rose Hotel is one of the UK’s best boutique hotels, with just nine cosy rooms. Make sure to try the restaurant too, its one of the finest in town with a previous menu highlight being the chicken shnitzel.
Rooms from £110. See therosedeal.com.
Under £5 in Deal
Grab a bottle of beer at the stunning Deal Pier Kitchen to get beautiful ocean views, while being protected from the sea winds.
Hythe
The military history of Hythe shapes it, being one of the UK Cinque Ports.
Now, its a sleepy seaside town, less crowded due to it being off the beaten track and having no major train station.
Eat and drink in Hythe
Arrive early and get a coffee from the tiny, locally-run Mit Milche Coffee although expect queues out the door by mid-morning.
Gorge on some moules mariniere at The Waterfront with a table outside by the promenade, where you can expect a range of live jazz and DJ music on certain days.
If you’re in the mood for something fancier, just on the outskirts is Hide & Fox which gained a second Michelin star last year.
Just come hungry if you opt for the eight-course menu.
If the sea air is a little brisk, warm up in the Kings Head pub, one of the oldest and cosiest in town dating back to 1583.
Best things to do in Hythe
The Royal Military Canal is prime for low-key strolling, running for 28 miles and made as an anti-invasion defence again Napoleon in 1803 (although it was never used.)
There are also the Hythe Sound Mirrors which were huge structures build to “listen” for enemy planes and have now been left abandoned – but worth a visit to see the sheer scale of them.
Make sure to take kids to the famous Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, with small train carriages running a small route via Dungeness.
Want to get your shopping kicks? Head to Malthouse Arcade on Fridays and Saturdays with trinkets galore across two floors.
Where to stay in Hythe
You don’t get much grander than the Hythe Imperial Hotel, overlooking the English Channel. Inside an 18th manor house, there are 92 rooms to choose from. Save time for a cuppa in the Snug or a trip to its Moet & Chandon Bar.
Rooms from £146. See hytheimperial.co.uk.
Under £5 in Hythe
Why not have a free game of tennis, with five courts open to the public at South Road Sports Facility (although save a few quid to buy some more tennis balls for any rogue hits).