Viking Bay
Broadstairs, Coast
Image: Visit ThanetViking Bay is the horseshoe-shaped sandy beach at the heart of Broadstairs, the seaside town Charles Dickens chose for his holidays. Spend the day building sandcastles, swimming in lifeguarded water or trying the surf school, with a boardwalk, café, beach shops and deckchair hire on hand. It is a classic family seaside day.
Highlights
- Sheltered sandy bay in the centre of Broadstairs
- Seasonal lifeguards and a Seaside Award
- Surf school from March to October
- Deckchair and beach hut hire, café and boardwalk
Good to know
- No dogs at any time from 1 May to 30 September
- Toilets, a first aid point and a water refill station are on the beach
Getting there
Viking Bay, Victoria Parade, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 1EUParking: Public car parks nearby, paid by phone or online with RingGo.
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: Dickens House MuseumDickens House Museum
This seafront cottage in Broadstairs inspired the home of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield and now celebrates Dickens' long love of the town. Volunteers show visitors round letters and belongings of the author, including his writing box, alongside Phiz prints, Victorian costume and Dickens memorabilia. It is small and best combined with a walk along the bay.
Image: Lillyputt MinigolfLillyputt Mini Golf
Lillyputt is a heritage mini golf course on Victoria Parade in Broadstairs, based on Arnold Palmer's original designs and set among beautifully kept gardens, windmill included. After your round, the Tea Garden Cafe serves hot and cold food, ice cream and its toasted teacakes. It suits families and couples, there is no need to book, and a round plus tea fills an hour or two.
Image: Visit ThanetLouisa Bay
Louisa Bay is a small, sheltered beach a short walk from Viking Bay in Broadstairs, and one of the town's best spots for rockpooling. There is a cafe on the promenade and beach chalets along the front. It suits families with young children who want a quieter hour or two by the sea.