Are you looking for a place to take a traditional British bucket and spade holiday? The type of vacation you used to enjoy as a child, when having fun on dreamy sandy beaches was so much simpler?
If so, then why not hop on a train from London and head to the beautiful east Kent coast? Here in the garden of England you’ll discover the scenic coast of Kent, home to the traditional seaside town of Broadstairs which supplies nostalgia and coastal charm in bucket-loads.
Broadstairs is a town on the Kent coast situated about eighty miles from London. So close to the capital city, and yet so far in terms of what it offers. For outdoor activities such as surfing and sailing from yellow sandy bays, Broadstairs has it covered. If you are seeking a unique destination that has retained its Victorian resort charm, then broadly speaking, Broadstairs has it.
Imagine, if you will, the typical basic elements you would find in a dream seaside town. Key ingredients such as sandy beaches, lines of colourful beach huts, fishermans’ cottages, ice cream parlours, donkey rides, Punch and Judy, a promenade and a bandstand – all these you will find in Broadstairs.
Taking a trip down on the train is a great idea because once you’re in Broadstairs, it’s quite easy to reach all the main parts. Should you need to get further afield use the reliable services of www.canonnsscs.co.uk for private and comfortable taxi rides. It would be a shame to miss out on a trip to nearby Margate’s fabulous art gallery The Turner Contemporary which has become a beacon attracting hoards of new fans to this unloved and often over-looked part of the coastline. To really get a good view of the whole area, why not arrange a chauffeur driven trip around the local highlights with Cannon Chauffeur Services?
The town is famous for its literary connections, in particular to the famed novelist Charles Dickens, who used to spend much of his time here. He lived in Bleak House between the 1850-60s and penned his famous novel, David Copperfield, whilst taking the brisk sea air. The majestic profile of Bleak House stands proudly above the Viking Bay, the town’s main beach. Taking inspiration from the majestic landscapes, the cliffs and bays, and the attractive architecture of the town, Dickens was a lifelong fan and friend of Broadstairs. Today there is an annual literary festival commemorating the life and works of the author and if you happen to visit during the festivities, you may spot people in Victorian dress strolling along the promenade in celebration of all things Dickensian.
Arriving here in mid-August for a full English summer hols extravaganza couldn’t be better timing. Broadstairs Folk Week takes place in August and hosts a vast range of different folk and traditional bands and musicians – if you are a partial to the rhythms and unique sounds of folk music, make a date with Broadstairs for August.
They like their festivals and events here and should you visit in October you may encounter The Broadstairs Food festival, a celebration of delicious local produce of the edible and quaffable varieties. For serious gourmands and casual foodies alike, the sea breezes will only serve to sharpen your appetite and make everything taste just that little bit better.
There are several beaches in and around the town and various activities to get stuck into. Surfing is a big hit in the area, either on traditional surf boards or wind surfing and even kite-surfing. For beginners wishing to brush up on their basic wave riding skills, surf lessons are widely available. Viking Bay is the main town beach and it offers a lovely sweep of sand. Other popular beaches include Joss, Botany, Louisa, Stone,Dumpton and Kingsgate. Most people have their favourites for different reasons, and it’s a good idea to check them all out to see which one best suits you and your family.
Stay several days in Broadstairs to squeeze the maximum out of this fun-packed place. You will find a range of accommodation from traditional B&Bs to elegant boutique hotels and holiday rental cottages. There are many good restaurants to choose from including Italian and Indian – and of course, being by the sea there are fish and chip outlets serving freshly caught delicacies.The famous ice cream parlour, Morelli’s, is not to be missed – dipping into one of their ice cream sundaes is an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike.
If you are seeking a seaside sensation that’s not too far from the city, make a bee-line for Broadstairs, Kent’s best kept secret holiday hideaway.