Kent’s coastline was voted among the 10 top regions to visit in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2022’ list — our gorgeous county was the only UK destination mentioned, gaining 4th place in the coveted list.
Here are some of our favourite beaches in Kent — all ideal for our holiday rental guests, whether for a sunny summer’s bucket-and-spade day or a breezy winter’s coastal walk, and , all an easy drive from Barnfield House.
DYMCHURCH
A classic seaside town offering a gently shelving sandy beach, safe swimming —and classic steam engines courtesy the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Light Railway which accords a delightful way to explore 14 miles of the coast in East Kent.
DUNGENESS
One of the most fascinating and other-worldly beaches in Kent, with a broad expanse of undulating shingle, soaring lighthouses, and Derek Jarman’s famed garden…all in the shadow of an old nuclear power station.
GREATSTONE BEACH
Sand dunes and sandcastles — two miles of soft sandy beach just perfect for families with young kids, as well as water sports enthusiasts keen on windsurfing and kitesurfing.
CAMBER SANDS
Strictly speaking in East Sussex, but the closest beach to Barnfield House and a favourite with our guests! A fantastic system of sand dunes to shelter or play in, and five miles of sandy beach that stretches to the horizon at low tide. Also a kitesurfing hotspot.
FOLKESTONE
A vibrant creative quarter, a historic Harbour Arm with its fabulous harbourfront Rocksalt Restaurant, urban art everywhere (look out for Tracy Emin and Antony Gormley sculptures), Sunny Sands beach with its iconic mermaid, and a funicular railway clinging to the steep cliffs. How many reasons do you need to visit Folkestone!
ST MARGARET’S BAY
An hour’s drive away, this beach is framed by dramatic chalk-white cliffs and far-reaching views of the French coast. Indeed it is England’s closest point to France, and the place where Channel swimmers set out on their 21-mile swim,
DEAL
A striking 50s pier with a stylish cafe at the end overlooking fishing decks defines Deal’s seafront. Elegant Georgian architecture, a Tudor castle, and a lively culinary scene also draw day trippers to this artistic town.
TANKERTON
A promenade that makes easy work of walking with buggies, grassy banks sloping down to the shingle beach, colourful beach huts and abundant rock pools to explore make this popular with families.
WHITSTABLE
A foodie destination famous for its oysters and the fabulous Michelin-starred Seasalter gastro pub. Be sure to plan your trip around a lengthy meal!
MARGATE
Explore the retro vibe of Margate Old Town, the quirky Shell Grotto , the penny arcades lining the beachfront — and Dreamland, among the UK’s oldest and best loved amusement parks. Not to be missed is the Turner Contemporary, one of the country’s leading art galleries and a nod to Margate’s connection to painter JMW Turner.
