The 5 best beaches in Margate

Margate is blessed with miles of sandy beaches, but where are the best places to hang out?

Here’s the low down:

Margate Main Sands:

This is the big one - a vast stretch of sandy shoreline right next to Margate Old Town. It’s the beach that greets you as you drive into town, or alight from the train station. It’s a beautiful beach, so it’s not hard to see why the town grew up around it. It’s also super easy to get to, and is backed by lots of great eateries and at the height of summer, lots of traditional amusements for the kids, including a massive bouncy slide and rides.

It also has a tidal pool for safe swimming when the tide is out.

A favourite spot to sit is the Kings Steps directly below Margate Old Town, where you can people watch whilst you enjoy chips and your kids paddle on the foreshore below. Or walk along the Harbour Arm for a great view back over the town and a bite to eat or something to drink.

The Sundeck is on the furthest side of the beach near the station, overlooking the rocky area known as Nayland Rock. There are some great little eateries here and it really comes alive at night when there are DJs on the decks.

I love Margate Main Sands in winter, but bear in mind it gets very very busy in summer, and might not be your bag if you prefer something a bit less crowded. It also lacks infrastructure, with very few public toilets, which makes it hard to spend a long time on if you have little ones.

Botany Bay:

Renowned as one of the best beaches in the UK, this gem is about 10 minutes drive along the coast from Margate Old Town. It is a beautiful spot, sheltered by stunning chalk cliffs and sand dunes.

However, it can also get very busy, and with few places for visitors to park I suggest my guests instead take advantage of our wonderful Viking Coastal Trail and walk along the coast to this beach, which will take about 30-40 minutes from Ballarat House, depending on your pace. If you don’t fancy walking the whole way you can park on Palm Bay Avenue and from there it is only about 10 minutes walk. In peak season don’t try to park on the roads surrounding Botany Bay, it’s a nightmare for local residents and you will struggle to find a spot.

Walpole Bay:

Margate’s best kept secret is Walpole Bay in Cliftonville, the beach where locals go. It is easily accessible (with free parking on the seafront) and has a vast tidal pool which makes it the spot for wild swimming all year round, and the perfect paddle spot with small children (though watch out for the rocky shoreline - those in the know climb into the pool at the steps to avoid painful feet). Kids love to crab off the walls, or wander around the rock pools either side. When the tide is high there is usually a strip of sandy beach to rest upon, but it’s a good idea to check tide times before you visit this beach.

Again, infrastructure is not great - there are no toilets directly on the beach. However if you walk down the car park towards Palm Bay you can use the loos at the cafe on Palm Bay beach, as long as you buy something. (Bear in mind the cafe is only open intermittently). If Thanet Indoor Bowls is open at the top of the cliff you can also use their loos (though be warned they might not be very friendly).

If wild swimming is your thing why not stay at my apartment Walpole Bay Views, which is just above the beach - literally 2 minutes walk away.

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Westbrook Beach:

If you carry on past Nayland Rock along the seafront you will come to a vast stretch of sand known as Westbrook Beach. When the sun is shining and you don’t look back you can easily believe you are in the Mediterranean. (Disclaimer, the water might not be as warm….) This is a great beach if you want something a bit quieter than Margate Main Sands, but still with that wide open feel. There are also public toilets at this beach, though not many options for food and drink.

I also love this beach in winter, great for a wander along the shoreline.

The beach by the Lido:

I don’t think this beach has an official name, but it’s a great spot nonetheless. It’s also easily accessible, especially for guests staying at Ballarat House. Just walk to the end of the road, turn left, cross the road and head down the slope to the sea front, then turn right and cross in front of the remains of our iconic but now sadly derelict Lido. The beach is on the right of the Lido as you look at the sea, and is accessed via the coastal walk along the back of the beach. It is a sheltered beach usually backed with rivulets of water which are fun for kids to explore, and with plenty of history to ponder as you hang out. Marvel at the remains of our Lido slowly disintegrating into the sea, and the remnants of the funicular car on the cliff where birds now like to nest.

In all fairness, you can’t go wrong if you pick any part of our coastline to hang out, and heading away from the most popular beaches will also ensure you find a less busy spot to spread your towel out on the sand.

Happy beach lounging!

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