Thanet is surrounded by many award winning, gorgeous, sandy, family friendly beaches, perfect for a free or cheap day out for the family. For a full list of the beaches please go to www.visitthanet.co.uk.
You can investigate the old smugglers’ hangouts, cosy bays, ancient churches and some of the area’s stunning architecture.
The Captain Digby was once a favourite haunt of the smugglers. Now it makes a great place to enjoy a meal and take stock on what you have discovered.
The historic town of Broadstairs, makes you feel like you have stepped back in time to the age of the classic seaside holiday. With donkey rides in the summer on the beach, sticks of rock, and Punch and Judy Shows, or you can just have fun on the beach and play in the sea.
Broadstairs was also the favourite holiday destination of Charles Dickens. The Dickens House Museum, also situated in Broadstairs, has memorabilia belonging to the great author. Then as you continue walking up the coast you’ll come across the North Foreland lighthouse, the last manned lighthouse in the country, with its bright-white walls, and beautiful view.
Carry on up the coastline towards Kingsgate and Margate, and you will pass a number of secluded bays en route, which are perfect for a picnic, and you will quite likely have the beach all to yourself.
If you plan to spend your holiday on the beach, why not consider booking a chalet. Although it costs between £85 and £90 per week, it also saves lots of money. Each hut has a gas burner and 2 deck chairs. You can store towels, buckets and spades, you can bring the food for lunch instead of eating out, and you can even store things for an early evening barbeque while the children are still playing on the beach. Or how about a truely unique breakfast on the beach whatever the weather. The huts are available from May until mid September each year, and can be booked from the end of July onwards for the following year. To book one just contact Thanet Leisureforce on 01843 296111.
The Visit Thanet website also gives information on which beaches are most suitable for wheelchair users or those who have limited mobility.
For fresh-air activity, theThanet Coast Project organizes seashore safaris and Rock Doc Walks, revealing the natural wonders of our coast.
The Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate is also free, where changing exhibitions span art from 1750 to the present day. At the front reception, you can purchase for only £1 an activity pack for children which also contains binoculars, which should definitely keep the children entertained. There are also events on at the weekend - some for the whole family, where only the adult pays £2 to participate, and others for children, where only children over 3 pay £2 to participate. For full details of their activities please go to www.turnercontemporary.org. You can also view exciting displays by artists and makers in the galleries of Margate Harbour Arm and Old Town.
The streets of Broadstairs come alive in June with its famous Dickens Week, while in August its Folk Week sets parks, pubs, gardens and beaches to music. Later in the year discover local produce at the yummy Food Festival.
Ramsgate Week in July is a super-friendly international regatta - the alternative to Cowes - and the Margate Masters is a top weekend on the Volleyball England Beach Tour.
And summer may fade, but Thanet keeps going ‘out of season' with diverse events like the International Kite Festival and the exhilarating Margate Beach Cross.
For further suggestions, why not try visiting www.kent.gov.uk/leisure.
