Birchington-on-Sea has the sandy bay at Minnis Bay and the house, gardens and museum at Quex. The sea walk to Reculver starts here, and Margate and Westgate-on-Sea are a few minutes along the 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.
Image: Quex House & GardensQuex 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 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.
Image: Explore KentThis 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: Visit ThanetWest Bay is a sandy, completely tidal bay in Westgate-on-Sea, ideal for sandcastles and rock pooling. A pub, café and beach shop sit along the promenade, and beach chalets can be hired for the day. It is a laid-back choice for families with young children.
Image: Visit ThanetSt Mildred's Bay is a cliff-lined sandy bay at Westgate-on-Sea with a promenade, tidal pool and beach huts. Play on the sand, use the tennis courts or grab food at the beach bar and bistro, and read about the bay's history as a naval seaplane base. It is a gentle family beach for a few hours.
Image: Quex House, Gardens and Powell-Cotton MuseumHome Education Days is a drop-in workshop for home educators at Quex House, Gardens and Powell-Cotton Museum in Birchington on 22 October 2026. Sessions are open-ended, so visitors can explore at their own pace and take home a crafted creation. The sessions suit families and groups of all ages and abilities. Booking is recommended, and times are listed on the event page.
Image: Quex House and GardensAt the start of half term, the Powell-Cotton Museum invites families to see its famous animal dioramas through nocturnal eyes. It is a one-day special in the museum galleries at Quex Park.
Image: Quex House, Gardens and Powell-Cotton MuseumField Guide - Future Edition is an artist in residence Q&A with Sam Parsons, held at Quex House, Gardens and Powell-Cotton Museum in Birchington on 7 November 2026. Times are listed on the event page. Booking is recommended, with tickets from £10, and the event suits visitors interested in art and museums.
Image: Quex House and GardensNew for 2026, Quex House is dressed for a traditional Victorian and Edwardian Christmas, with trees, decorated rooms, period music and sparkling lights. Families can try traditional games and hands-on activities, then warm up with hot chocolate and a mince pie before a winter walk in the gardens. The museum galleries are included.
Image: Quex House, Gardens and Powell-Cotton MuseumA festive wreath making workshop held in the gardens at Quex House in Birchington, where participants create their own plastic-free wreath with expert guidance. Booking is recommended and the event suits families, couples and friends. Check the event page for times and current prices.
Image: KamperfestA Halloween weekend camping festival, now at Manston Raceway Park, for tents, campervans, classic cars and bikes. Live bands and DJs play in the evenings, with racing on the track, street food, traders and children's activities during the day.
Image: Quex House & GardensQuex 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 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.
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.
Image: Explore KentThis 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: Visit ThanetWest Bay is a sandy, completely tidal bay in Westgate-on-Sea, ideal for sandcastles and rock pooling. A pub, café and beach shop sit along the promenade, and beach chalets can be hired for the day. It is a laid-back choice for families with young children.
Image: Visit ThanetSt Mildred's Bay is a cliff-lined sandy bay at Westgate-on-Sea with a promenade, tidal pool and beach huts. Play on the sand, use the tennis courts or grab food at the beach bar and bistro, and read about the bay's history as a naval seaplane base. It is a gentle family beach for a few hours.
