Botany Bay
Broadstairs, Coast
Photo: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0Photo: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0
Botany Bay is a sandy cove between Margate and Broadstairs, framed by white chalk cliffs and dramatic chalk stacks. Explore the rock pools and hunt for fossils, and at low tide walk round to Kingsgate Bay. There is a kiosk on the beach and seasonal lifeguards in summer.
Highlights
- White chalk cliffs and sea stacks
- Rock pooling and fossil hunting
- Walk to Kingsgate Bay at low tide
- Beach kiosk and nearby hotel restaurant
Good to know
- Dogs are banned from 1 May to 30 September between 10am and 6pm
- Access to the beach is by steps or a steep slope
- Seasonal lifeguard cover runs in summer
Getting there
Botany Bay, Marine Drive, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 3LGParking: Very limited nearby. Over 200 free spaces at Palm Bay Avenue (CT9 3PP), then a short clifftop walk.
Get directionsChecked on 15 October 2026 against visitthanet.co.uk, thanet.gov.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
Nearby
Image: Visit ThanetKingsgate Bay
Kingsgate Bay is a secluded 150 metre sandy cove below Kingsgate Castle, with some of the best sea caves in Thanet. It is calm and quiet compared with its busier neighbours, and dogs are welcome all year. Allow an hour or two, and pair it with a walk to Joss Bay or Botany Bay.
Image: Visit ThanetJoss Bay
Joss Bay is a 200 metre sandy bay near Broadstairs, best known as Thanet's top surfing beach and holder of a Blue Flag and Seaside Award for 2026. Families can build sandcastles, rockpool, bounce at the seasonal Kids Corner and grab snacks from the cafe. It is easy to spend half a day here in summer.
Image: Thanet District CouncilNorthdown Park
Northdown Park in Cliftonville was once the grounds of Georgian Northdown House, and still has formal walled gardens near the house. Further north there is open space, natural woodland and a children's play area. It is a handy free stop for families and dog walkers for an hour or so.