by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:28th July 2026

A seaside town for everyone

So, you’re craving a change of scenery from the hustle and bustle of old London-town and longing for a cathartic seaside breeze to brush across your face. In which case I have the perfect remedy for you, a relaxing day trip to a Kent coastal town.

Whether you’re escaping the city with your family or friends, or you’re just yearning for some quiet time alone. Kent offers many stunning seaside locations to suit everyone and every age, all just a day trip from London.

We’ve chosen an eclectic mixture of Kent towns for you, places that will bring out your inner child with nostalgic, slapstick fun, to historical towns that will lure you into unearthing more of their fascinating and captivating past.

Some of these localities you’ll be able to reach by public transport; others, due to practicality of time and accessibility, you may need to jump in a car.

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So, without further ado, our first port of call is…..

Our 7 Kent coastal towns

We’ll be discovering the following Kent coast locations;
  1. Deal
  2. Margate
  3. Folkestone
  4. Broadstairs
  5. Ramsgate
  6. Hythe
  7. Dungeness
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The delightful town of Deal on the eastern shoreline of Kent is one of my favourite towns to visit on the Kent coast. Deal has this wonderful unpretentious charm and relaxed feel that truly makes it a pleasure to visit.
Two small varnished natural wood boats on the pebble beach of Deal in Kent in front of The English Channel
Lady Irene

The narrow lanes that lead from the shingled seafront are a joy to explore, many lined with pastel-coloured fisherman’s cottages and individually adorned with seafaring mementoes. Every time Gary and I visit Deal, we grab a bag of chips with lashings of salt and vinegar and just sit by the seafront to watch the passing boats sail by.

Deal High Street is also a pleasure to explore, with lots of independent stores, cafés and bric-a-brac shops and one or two quirky taverns to discover.

Unique, individual, independent shops that line the end of Deal's High Street
The High Street
Ensure you take a leisurely stroll along the pier and try to avoid the local fishermen casting their lines into the sea. The eastern shores of the Kent coast are where the English Channel meets the North Sea and can make for a bracing stroll during the winter months.
The view back to Deal town from the end of the concrete pier, lined on either side with benches.
The view down the pier
One of Deal's standout landmarks is Deal Castle, an impressive artillery fort built by King Henry VIII in the 1540s to defend England against invasion. Its distinctive circular design and maze of passageways make it one of the best-preserved Tudor forts in the country.

How to get to Deal

- By Train
Catch a Southeastern train, direct from London St Pancras towards Ramsgate and hop off at Deal Station; it takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

- By Car
Deal is around 85 miles (135km) from central London; you can take either the M2 & A2 towards Dover and then A258 to Deal or the M2 & M20 towards Folkestone and then A258 to Deal.

Margate lies on the north Kent shoreline and is renowned not just for its beautiful golden sandy beaches but also for the Only Fools and Horses episode “The Jolly Boys’ Outing”, look out for the iconic Reliant Robin mural.
A small portion of Fish 'n' Chips in a cardboard container by the sea at Margate, Kent
Fish 'n' Chips on the beach
The bustling town of Margate has been drawing people to the Kent coast for centuries, but it's a town that's constantly reinvented itself. Originally a small fishing village, it blossomed in the 18th and 19th centuries as one of Britain's first great seaside resorts, thanks in part to the arrival of steamships and later the railway, which made a day at the seaside an easy escape from London, as it does today.
The classic 1920's towering brick-built entrance to Dreamland in Margate
Dreamland

Stroll through the winding streets of the Old Town, and you'll find a mix of independent shops, galleries and cafés tucked into historic buildings and some quaint, nostalgic throwbacks to decades gone by.

Margate's history isn't just about bucket-and-spade holidays, though. The town has long inspired artists, most famously the painter J. M. W. Turner; his artistic legacy lives on at the striking Turner Contemporary gallery overlooking the harbour. At low tide you can even spot Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Time’ cast-iron figure in the bay.

A collection of small boats anchored in Margate's harbour overlooking the Turner Contemporary Gallery
Looking across the bay

 
Just along the seafront, the lovingly restored Dreamland Margate amusement park brings a nostalgic splash of colour with its vintage rides and classic, kiss-me-quick seaside atmosphere.

How to get to Margate

- By Train
Catch a Southeastern High-Speed train direct from London St Pancras towards Ramsgate and hop off at Margate Station; it takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

- By Car
Margate is around 78 miles (125km) from central London; take the M2, A2 and Thanet Way (A299) towards Margate and then follow the signs to the town and beach.

Stay informed

You will find us across many forms of social media. You will find our latest posts, some throwbacks, links to historic events with our 'On this day' posts, across Facebook, X, Bluesky & Threads. Each week, themed visual content on Instagram, and our narrated travels on YouTube. Collections of the images in our posts are also collated into boards on Pinterest.

Folkestone is another Kent coastal town that I love visiting; it now has so much character and charm, thankfully, its tired and neglectful days are over.

Folkestone town is perched high on the cliffs overlooking the English Channel; like Margate, it has been welcoming visitors for centuries. It began life as a small fishing community. Then, its fortunes changed dramatically during the Victorian era when the arrival of the railway transformed it into one of Kent's fashionable seaside resorts. Grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings that still line the streets today are reminders of that golden age.

Boats in the harbour in front of the Harbour viaduct, and the green swing bridge leading to the old Folkestone Harbour Station.
Harbour viaduct
Folkestone played a vital role during both World Wars, serving as an important military embarkation point, with thousands of soldiers passing through its harbour on their way to the battlefields of France. The nearby memorial at the Leas stands as a poignant reminder of that chapter in its history.
The Old High Street in Folkestone lined with brightly coloured, quirky shops and boutiques.
The Old High Street
Looking from behind the Antony Gormley installation "Another Time XVIII” in the harbour arm onto the water and the white cliffs.
Another Time XVIII” by Antony Gormley
Today, the colourful town of Folkestone has reinvented itself as one of Kent's most vibrant coastal towns, blending its rich heritage with a thriving creative scene. A stroll through the charming Creative Quarter reveals narrow streets lined with independent galleries, cafés and artisan workshops. At the same time, the beautifully restored harbour area has become a lively destination for food, events and seaside walks.
The Folkestone Mermaid by Cornelia Parker, perched on a rock overlooking the sea.
The Folkestone Mermaid by Cornelia Parker
Folkestone has quietly become one of the UK's most exciting destinations for contemporary art, where creativity spills out of galleries and into the streets. The internationally acclaimed Folkestone Triennial has transformed the seafront and town centre with thought-provoking public artworks, many of which remain as part of the UK's largest permanent outdoor exhibition of contemporary art.

How to get to Folkestone

- By Train
Catch a Southeastern High-Speed train direct from London St Pancras towards Dover Priory and hop off at Folkestone West Station; it takes around 1 hour 10 minutes. Alternatively, catch a Southeastern train direct from London Bridge; this route takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

- By Car
Folkestone is around 70 miles (113km) from central London; take the A2 and A20, then pick up the M20 all the way to Folkestone, then follow the signs to the town centre and harbour.

Escape for a few days

Are you looking for that ‘perfick’ holiday hideaway to relax in while you discover the Garden of England?

After a day exploring the Kent coast and its many historic castles enjoy one of the handpicked properties and unique retreats at Holiday Cottages.

Holiday Cottages icon
The beautiful town of Broadstairs is one of those seaside towns that seems to have held onto much of its old-fashioned charm. Tucked away on Kent's east coast, it grew from a small fishing settlement into a fashionable Victorian holiday destination.
A view of Viking Bay as it sweeps around towards the harbour. On the left hand side you can see the lift What takes you to and from the promenade. also stretched out along the sea front you can see the bathing cabins.
Clifftop view of Viking Bay

Unlike some larger seaside resorts, Broadstairs has a delightful, intimate feel, with its narrow lanes, independent cafés and quirky stores that make you feel you have stepped into another era.

At the heart of Broadstairs is its colourful beach huts and the beautiful cove of Viking Bay. The gorgeous horseshoe-shaped sweep of golden sand is framed by chalk cliffs, and the quaint little harbour, where you’ll catch kids having fun with their crabbing lines.

The view from the Harbour towards the Tartar Frigate pub with Bleak House on the hillside above.
Bleak House on the clifftop in Broadstairs

The town's most famous visitor was unquestionably Charles Dickens, who spent many summers in Broadstairs and found plenty of inspiration in its peaceful atmosphere. He stayed at what is now known as Bleak House, perched dramatically on the cliffs overlooking the English Channel, and is said to have worked on parts of David Copperfield while staying in the town.

A stroll along the clifftop paths reveals sweeping sea views, hidden sandy coves, including Joss Bay and Botany Bay, where white cliffs and striking chalk stacks create some of the finest coastal scenery in Kent.

Ohh yes, you must pop into Morelli’s Ice Cream Parlour.

How to get to Broadstairs

- By Train
Catch a Southeastern High-Speed train direct from London St Pancras towards Margate and hop off at Broadstairs Station; it takes around 1 hour 40 minutes.

- By Car
Broadstairs is around 80 miles (128km) from central London; take the A2, M2 and A299 then pick up Canterbury Road W and follow the signs to Broadstairs town centre.

Ramsgate falls slightly under the radar and is one of Kent's most characterful seaside towns, where maritime history and elegant Georgian architecture come together around its magnificent harbour. It's the only Royal Harbour in the United Kingdom, a title granted by King George IV in 1821.
View from one corner of Ramsgate’s Marina across the selection of different boats that take refuge here. This is set against the backdrop of the red brick colonnade that leads down to the Harbour front
Ramsgate Royal Harbour
The harbour itself has been at the heart of the town for centuries, growing from a small fishing community like many Kent coastal towns into a bustling port that handled everything from cross-Channel trade to naval vessels. Today, colourful yachts bob alongside historic quays, while cafés and restaurants line the waterfront. Ensure you take a stroll along Ramsgate’s golden sandy beach and dip your toes into the fresh English Channel.
An elegant parade of period houses that face the sea front. Each one has its own covered balcony giving excellent views of the coastline
Paragon Promenade

Ramsgate played an important role during the Second World War, with its extensive network of underground tunnels providing shelter for thousands of residents during the Blitz. Also, through Operation Dynamo, when a flotilla of ‘Little Ships’ set off to Dunkirk to collect as many Allied troops as humanly possible.

Away from the harbour, Ramsgate reveals plenty of reminders of its rich past. Grand Regency terraces overlook the sea, telling the story of the town's popularity as a fashionable holiday destination during the Georgian and Victorian eras.

The entrance to Ramsgate Tunnels carved into the soft chalk of the landscape that was once home to a railway line they run all the way onto the beach front.
Peter’s Fish Factory
The entrance to Ramsgate Tunnels carved into the soft chalk of the landscape that was once home to a railway line they run all the way onto the beach front.
Ramsgate Tunnels
Ramsgate is currently in the throes of a rejuvenation, so some parts are not as quaint as others. A stroll through the narrow streets leads to independent shops, historic pubs and sweeping views across the English Channel, where on a clear day you can glimpse the coast of France.

How to get to Ramsgate

- By Train
Catch a Southeastern High-Speed train direct from London St Pancras towards Margate and hop off at Ramsgate Station; it takes around 1 hour 40 minutes.

- By Car
Ramsgate is around 80 miles (128km) from central London; take the A2, M2 and A299 then pick up Canterbury Road E/A255 and follow the signs to Ramsgate town centre.

Visit some of Kent’s coastal towns

Kent is not short of picturesque historic towns, particularly along the Kentish coastline, and we have a collection of posts you may enjoy - why not check one out?
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A visit to Walmer Castle in Kent, England

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Nov. 15, 2017

A visit to Deal Castle on the English Kent coast

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Mar. 19, 2019

A visit to Deal in Kent, England

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Apr. 02, 2019

A visit to Margate in Kent, England

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A visit to Sandwich in Kent, England

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Apr. 19, 2019

A visit to the coastal town of Hythe in Kent, England

Hythe is one of Kent's original Cinque Ports, although these days it's a little more peaceful than in its seafaring heyday. In medieval times, the sea came much closer to the town, making it an important harbour that provided ships and sailors to defend England's coastline.
Fishing boats on the beach at Hythe with the Martello Towers in the background
The working shoreline

Over the centuries, however, the coastline gradually shifted as shingle built up, leaving Hythe's once-busy harbour stranded inland. Although this is one of the reasons I love Hythe, it feels so unique compared to other coastal towns in Kent.

Today, instead of bustling docks, you'll find charming narrow streets lined with independent shops, cosy cafés, and centuries-old buildings that give the town a wonderfully unhurried atmosphere. It's the kind of place where it's easy to wander and discover hidden alleys, historic inns and attractive Georgian and Victorian architecture.

A close up of a collection of bones from the ossuary at St. Leonard’s Church and Crypt in Hythe
Up close, inside the Ossuary

One of Hythe's most fascinating landmarks is St Leonard's Church, home to one of Britain's largest collections of ancient human bones and skulls, housed in its remarkable ossuary within the church. It’s so incredible to see; the Ossuary is only open during May and September, so check the times so you don’t miss it.

Between the coast and Hythe town runs the Royal Military Canal, built during the Napoleonic Wars as part of Britain's southern coastal defences. Today it's a tranquil place for a walk, with tree-lined towpaths, wildlife and rowing boats replacing soldiers and patrols.

Boats moored up on the Military Canal in Hythe
Boats on the Military Canal in Hythe
Finish your visit with a walk along Hythe's wide shingle beach, where on a clear day you can look across the English Channel towards France. Hythe has a rich maritime history, unique Martello Towers and a relaxed seaside charm.

How to get to Hythe

- By Train
Catch a Southeastern High-Speed train direct from London St Pancras towards Dover Priory and hop off at Folkestone West or Folkestone Central Station; from here you’ll need to catch the no. 10 or 104 bus respectively to Hythe. The journey takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.

- By Car
Hythe is around 71 miles (114km) from central London; take the A2 and then pick up the M20 towards Folkestone, leave the M20 at jct. 11 onto the Ashford Rd/A20. Take the A261 into Hythe.

Dungeness is one of those places that almost feels like you've wandered onto another planet; it’s extraordinary. Stretching out into the English Channel on one of the world's largest expanses of shingle, it's a landscape of endless pebbles, weather-beaten fishermen's cottages, rusting boats and wide-open skies.
An abandoned fisherman's wooden trawler and dilapidated, green, wooden shack next to small track railway lines on the beach of Dungeness.
A weather-worn fishing boat

It can seem stark at first glance, but that's exactly where its beauty lies. The ever-changing light has long attracted photographers, artists and filmmakers, while the sound of the wind and the sea creates a peaceful atmosphere that's unlike anywhere else in Britain.

Wandering the tracks between the cottages, you'll spot quirky homes, old fishing equipment and the famous black wooden house of filmmaker Derek Jarman, whose remarkable garden proves that even the harshest landscape can bloom with imagination.

The pretty, black and yellow trimmed, Prospect Cottage, former home to Derek Jarman, at Dungeness.
Prospect Cottage once owned by Derek Jarman

Despite its remote feel, Dungeness has plenty to discover; it wasn’t content with having one lighthouse; Dungeness has had seven in total: five high lighthouses and two low. One of the remaining lighthouses stands proudly above the shingle, while the nearby power station adds an unexpected industrial backdrop that somehow feels perfectly at home in this unique setting.

You can hop aboard the charming Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, which has its terminus here, or simply enjoy a walk across the nature reserve, home to an extraordinary variety of rare plants, insects and migrating birds.

The modern, fifth, tall, Dungeness lighthouse in the background, with the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch steam train, arriving at Dungeness station in the foreground.
The fifth tall Dungeness lighthouse c1961
It's a place where nature, history and human resilience all come together, making Dungeness one of Kent's most unforgettable and wonderfully unusual coastal destinations. This private nature reserve in Romney Marsh is free for anyone to visit, although respect for your surroundings is uppermost, in what has been tagged 'Britain's only desert'.

How to get to Dungeness

- By Train
Unless you are staying nearby to Dungeness, in my opinion using public transport on a day trip from London is a bit of a no-go. The journey time of around three to three and a half hours each way is a long old trip.

- By Car
Dungeness is around 80 miles (128km) from central London; take the A2 and A20, then pick up the M20 towards Folkestone. Leave the M20 at jct. 10 onto the A2070 and follow this route to Dungeness.

A Kent Road Trip

Why not include Hythe and Dungeness in a Romney Marsh road trip around the unique and diverse countryside? There are so many extraordinary things to see, including the mysterious sound mirrors.
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Our Romney Marsh Road Trip in Kent

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Mysterious Sound Mirrors in Denge, Kent

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