Minnis Bay
Birchington, Coast
Image: Visit ThanetMinnis Bay is a long sandy beach at Birchington with a paddling pool, play area and a restaurant and kiosk on the promenade. Families come for sandcastles and rock pools, while windsurfers and kitesurfers use the open water. Plan on an afternoon, and check the tides first.
Highlights
- Blue Flag and Seaside Award beach for 2026
- Paddling pool that is good for hunting crabs
- Space for windsurfing and kitesurfing
- Beach shower, picnic area and seasonal toilets
- Start of the flat seafront path to Reculver
Good to know
- Dogs are banned from 1 May to 30 September
- Barbecues are allowed only after 6pm
- At spring high tides the beach can disappear completely
Getting there
Minnis Bay, The Parade, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9LXParking: Ample free parking, including disabled parking.
Get directionsChecked on 15 October 2026 against visitthanet.co.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
Nearby
Image: Explore KentMinnis Bay to Reculver Walk
This flat, stile-free walk follows the sea wall for 3.7 miles from the beach at Minnis Bay to the twin towers of Reculver, with big sea views all the way. Bring binoculars for the birdlife and a picnic for the grounds by the towers. Allow two to four hours for the return trip, or catch public transport back.
Image: Quex House & GardensQuex House, Gardens and Powell-Cotton Museum
Quex Park near Birchington combines a Victorian family house, working gardens and the Powell-Cotton Museum, known for its huge natural history dioramas and collections from Africa and Asia. Free guided tours run through the museum and house. It makes a varied half day on the Thanet coast, with enough indoors for a grey day.
Image: The Jungle at QuexThe Jungle at Quex
The Jungle at Quex Park in Birchington is a soft play centre for young children, with a main play frame, a toddler frame and a baby area for under 1s. It is also a busy party venue with themed rooms and spaces for groups of up to 125. It suits families with little ones, especially on a rainy day.