Beaches

Hawthorn Farm is ideally located to explore the Kent coast in all directions!

• Pegwell Bay, Ramsgate (7.5 miles) - Home to a large stretch of sea cliffs and is an area of great geological interest. The bay itself is considered a nature reserve of international importance as it is home to a range of seashore birds and wildlife found nowhere else in East Kent. Birdwatchers may even get a chance to spot wading birds and birds of prey and are permitted to use the bird hide, which is accessible for disabled visitors.
• Deal (10.2 miles) – You can walk miles in both directions along the promenade, or cycle, one way goes to Sandwich and the other to Kingsdown. There is no sand on the beach but pebbles. There are plenty of cafes, pubs and restaurants nearby, all with nice views and a lovely pier in Deal.
• Main Sands, Ramsgate (11.8 miles) – A popular sandy beach surrounded by high chalk cliffs and adjacent to the picturesque Royal Harbour and marina, with plenty of options for ice cream and fish and chips. The beach is perfect for families, with rides for children and clean, safe bathing water.
• Louisa Bay, Broadstairs (12.9 miles) - Reasonably quiet, sandy beach located close to the town, but just off the beaten track. Good facilities and plenty of rock pools.
• Stone Bay, Broadstairs (13.8 miles) - This pleasant sandy beach is backed by a promenade lined with beach huts which leads into Broadstairs town. Behind the beach are high chalk cliffs which provide shelter from the breeze and a feeling of seclusion. It is also worth noting that the beach at Stone Bay almost disappears on the high tide, so be sure to check the tide times. As a Blue Flag beach there are no shortage of facilities.
• Walpole Bay, Margate (13.8 miles) - Ideal for investigating fascinating rock and tidal pools. This long bay has a sandy beach, promenade and tidal pool, there is a small area of beach at high tide. If the tide catches you out there is plenty of on-land activity with mini golf, tennis and indoor bowls. Cafes and restaurants nearby. Disabled Access to the beach. Dogs not allowed from 1st May until 30th September.
• Joss Bay, Broadstairs (14.1 miles) - A Sandy beach located near Margate in Kent. A Blue Flag Award beach, Joss Bay has excellent water quality and some of the best facilities in South East England. NB: Dogs are not allowed from 1st May to 30th Sept.
• Westbrook Bay, Margate (14.6 miles) – A designated water ski area, perfect for people who love water sports. It is also a great family beach with a sandy bay, a small section of sand remains exposed at high tide. There’s an adventure golf course along the promenade, with tennis and bowls close by, and a restaurant along the promenade to keep you in constant supply of ice cream!
• Sunny Sands, Folkestone (20.3 miles) - A popular sandy beach located close to the centre of town and next to Folkestone Harbour. As such all the facilities are close by including cafés, pubs, shops and toilets. It can get quite busy in the summer. The sand here is great for making sandcastles - it must be judging by the entries to the annual sandcastle building competition!
• Herne Bay (20.8 miles) – Shingle beach, great for families. There is sheltered bathing behind the breakwater and everything you need close at hand. With a backdrop of grand Victorian architecture, colourful beach huts and a pier to boot, this is the perfect place to prop up the deck chair and pop on your knotted hanky!
• Tankerton, Whitstable (23 miles) - An old-fashioned shingle beach with wooden groynes and pretty multi-coloured beach huts. The beach is backed by a promenade and gentle grassy slopes that are perfect for children to play on. At low tide it is possible to walk right out to sea on a natural causeway known as 'The Street'. At this state of tide there is a fair bit of sand and a few rock-pools are revealed.
• Whitstable (23.8 miles) – A shingle beach owned by the Whitstable Oyster Company. Good range of local shops, restaurants and a small harbour from which a local shell fishing fleet operates. The Neptune pub sits virtually on the beach, and is a nice spot for a pint and lunch.
• Hythe (24.3 miles) – Great for long walks, flying kites, fishing, watching the waves and eating fish and chips on the Prom! A long pebble beach/seafront away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world and a place where families can come together to make their own fun.