The flight of stairs which gave the town its name are long gone, but once connected the sandy beach to the 11th-century shrine on the cliff above it. Today, the town is best known for tourism. Queen Victoria once holidayed here, as did Charles Dickens, and the number of hotels and guest houses has only increased since then, with visitors taking advantage of the town’s beautiful beaches and wide range of activities. Although the Isle of Thanet, which Broadstairs sits on, is now a peninsula, rather than an island, the area is still an excellent example of a British seaside resort: read on for some of the best things to do during your stay in Broadstairs.
See all 7 beaches
Broadstairs has no less than 7 sandy beaches to its name, which is one of the main reasons for its continued popularity with tourists. Take your pick from:
- Botany Bay which is one of the most photographed beaches in England, with stunning views of the surrounding white cliffs.
- Joss Bay, which is known as Thanet’s best surfing location.
- Viking Bay is Broadstairs’ main beach, and is where you’ll find a promenade filled with shops, restaurants, and more traditional seaside attractions.
- Louisa Bay is a little quieter, but still has some excellent amenities.
- Kingsgate Bay has some of the best sea caves in the UK.
- Stone Bay is fringed by stunning white chalk cliffs.
- Dumpton Gap connects with nearby Ramsgate, and is popular with walkers.
Visit the Dickens House Museum
English writer Charles Dickens loved Broadstairs, and wrote some of his most famous works here. The location of the Dickens House Museum provided inspiration for the home of his character Betsey Trottwood in David Copperfield, so it’s appropriate that it’s now dedicated to Dickens himself. The museum houses many of the writer’s personal belongings, plus some first editions of his books, and is a fascinating place for any aspiring writer or lover of literature.
See the Bleak House
Still on the subject of Charles Dickens, the house he was staying in when he wrote David Copperfield still sits high above the town’s Viking Bay beach, and although it’s no longer open to the public, you can book yourself a room there, and sleep in the room where Dickens wrote David Copperfield.
Take the St. Peter’s Village Tour
For a real insight into life in the area in the 18th century, the St. Peter’s Village Tour is an immersive experience, conducted in small groups which allows you to interact with actors playing the parts of some of the more colourful characters of the era, while learning about the history of this fascinating part of Broadstairs.
Stroll through the Victoria Gardens and Promenade
This classic Victorian promenade runs next to a series of cliff top gardens which are the perfect place for a picnic, stroll, or just to sit and watch the world go by. You’ll find a bandstand and clock-tower in a spot overlooking Viking Bay and there’s plenty of seating available, so you can linger as long as you like.
Tour a museum in a tower
Thomas Russell Crampton was a Victorian engineer credited as the first person to lay a telegraph cable under the Channel. However, the museum created in his honour focuses more on his work as a railway designer. Crampton Tower Museum holds some of Crampton’s drawings and models, plus everything you need to know about his life and world. When you’re done, climb to the top of the tower to see some of the best views in Broadstairs.
Explore Pierremont Park
Once the grounds of Pierremont House, where the future Queen Victoria stayed on childhood visits to Broadstairs, Pierremont Park has formal gardens with a pergola, and children’s play area. You can also still view the exterior of the house, which is now a working space for local businesses.
Play a game of mini golf
Mini golf is a classic British seaside activity, and Lilyputt Mini Golf, in Broadstairs, has had over 100 years to learn how to do it right. One of Broadstairs’ most popular family-friendly attractions, once you’re finished on the putting green, there’s also a restaurant serving hot and cold food.
Relax at the spa
After a day’s sightseeing, why not take some time to pamper yourself with three luxury treatments for two, at Bannatyne’s Health Club, in Broadstairs? You’ll get full access to all of the spa’s facilities, and will spend a total of 55 minutes enjoying a massage, plus two other treatments.
Try an escape room
If you’ve ever fancied trying an escape room experience, The Bank Job in Broadstairs could be a good place to start. While most escape rooms require you to break out, however, this one is your chance to break in and rob the bank in question. Located on Broadstairs High Street, the venue used to be an actual bank, and you’ll be breaking into its vault, so, as escape rooms go, this is probably one of the more authentic experiences around.
Things to do in the rain in Broadstairs
When you think of a trip to the seaside, you’re probably imagining sunny days and blue skies. That’s not always the case in the UK, though, unfortunately, so you might want to try out these suggestions for some things to do in Broadstairs in the rain!
The Little Art Gallery
Browse and buy paintings and crafts by local artists - you can even commission one to paint something just for you! The Little Art Gallery also hosts art lessons in the town, so, if you’d like to try your hand at painting, this could be the perfect way to pass a rainy day!
The Church of St. Peter-in-Thanet
With some parts dating back to the 9th century, the Church of St. Peter-in-Thanet is a beautiful and peaceful location for a visit.
Sarah Thorne Theatre
This small theatre in Broadstairs hosts a range of different productions, so take a look to see what’s on during your visit to Broadstairs. There’s also a licenced bar available at all productions.
Revolution Skatepark
Despite the name, Revolution Skatepark is more than just a skate park: this indoor venue holds skating, scooter and climbing lessons, making it a great way to burn off some energy, even on a rainy day.
Ramsgate Brewery
Taste some of the best local beer in Kent at Ramsgate Brewery, which offers brewery tours on the first Saturday of every month, plus a Brewery Shop where you can find both regular and seasonal beers to take home as a souvenir from Broadstairs.
The best places to eat in Broadstairs
After working up an appetite on the beach, take a look at these suggestions for some of the best places to eat in Broadstairs:
Bessie’s Tea Parlour
Feeling nostalgic? A classic afternoon tea served on vintage china, plus homemade food and drinks are all on offer at Bessie's, who also cater to private parties and events.
The Yarrow Restaurant
For fine dining by the sea, the restaurant of the town’s Yarrow Hotel offers afternoon tea in its beautiful solarium, or dinner in its contemporary restaurant, serving up the best of Kent produce.
Stark
This Michelin-starred restaurant has a laid-back ambiance, and is run by husband-and-wife team Ben and Sophie Crittenden, who aim to create a fun and relaxing experience for all of their guests.
The Tartar Frigate
Described as one of the best seafood restaurants in Kent, the Tartar Frigate’s 18th century building is located right on the harbour front, allowing you to enjoy dinner and drinks with a view.
The Little Sicilian
Offering an authentic taste of Italy on the coast of Kent, The Little Sicilian prides itself on its fresh ingredients, and offers the perfect choice of wine to suit each meal.
The Best Hotels in Broadstairs
If it was good enough for Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens, you can bet you’ll be able to find the perfect place to stay in Broadstairs, too. Take your pick from:
Artfuls
Located in the centre of town, in a 19th century Georgian townhouse, Artfuls has four different en-suite rooms, each with a different theme.
The Bay Tree Hotel
This Victorian building has been returned to its former glory by its current owners, and has been named as one of the best hotels in the country. The tree which gives it its name stands at the rear of the hotel, and is thought to be the oldest and largest in Kent.
Botany Bay Hotel
With its clifftop location, The Botany Bay offers stunning views, plus accommodation in 30 en-suite bedrooms. It also has its own a la carte restaurant, and is known as one of Kent’s most popular hotels.
Spencer Court Hotel
Located in a quiet square in nearby Ramsgate, this grade II listed building was once home to Van Gogh, who painted some of his masterpieces here. It’s been a hotel now for over 25 years, and is just a short drive from Broadstairs.
The Hotel de Ville
Ramsgate is also the setting for the Hotel de Ville, which is close to the harbour and has two bars, plus the occasional live music act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you walk from Margate to Broadstairs?
Just over 10 miles along the coast from Broadstairs, Margate is one of Kent’s busiest, and best known seaside resorts, with its own beach, theme park and arcades. The Kent Coastline Walk connects the two towns, taking you along the famous white cliffs which dominate this coastline. Most of the route is paved, relatively flat, making it a fairly easy, if long, walk.
How far is Broadstairs station to the beach?
Viking Bay is the closest beach to Broadstairs station, and it’s just half a mile away, down Broadstairs High Street.
