Matthew’s guidebook
Sunbathing, water sports, cycling and walking
If you are a sunbather Thanet is a paradise for sandy bays. You can also try out some water sports such as paddle boarding, sailing and swimming. For walkers and cyclists the coastline is never ending and you can go for miles on designated paths.
I once walked from Ramsgate to Whitstable!
This is the nearest beach to me (2 minutes walk) and the most popular in Broadstairs.
83 locals recommend
Viking Bay
This is the nearest beach to me (2 minutes walk) and the most popular in Broadstairs.
This is the next bay along going towards Margate. It’s generally not quite as busy as Viking bay.
24 locals recommend
Stone Bay
This is the next bay along going towards Margate. It’s generally not quite as busy as Viking bay.
Again, going towards Margate and a 15/20 minute walk from stone bay. This is a great sandy beach and generally has less people. There is also a car park here if you are feeling a bit lazy!
92 locals recommend
Joss Bay
Joss Gap RoadAgain, going towards Margate and a 15/20 minute walk from stone bay. This is a great sandy beach and generally has less people. There is also a car park here if you are feeling a bit lazy!
This is the next beach going towards margate. It’s about a 10 minute walk from joss bay. It’s often secluded and has a wonderful natural arch carved from the sea into the cliff
Kingsgate Bay Sea Arch
Kingsgate Bay RoadThis is the next beach going towards margate. It’s about a 10 minute walk from joss bay. It’s often secluded and has a wonderful natural arch carved from the sea into the cliff
This is the last notable bay before the outskirts of Margate start. It’s a lovely beach but can sometimes get busy from tourists coming from Margate.
131 locals recommend
Botany Bay
Marine DriveThis is the last notable bay before the outskirts of Margate start. It’s a lovely beach but can sometimes get busy from tourists coming from Margate.
This is the first bay going towards ramsgate. It’s small but you can have a cup of tea at the cafe and there are usually less people.
10 locals recommend
Louisa Bay
This is the first bay going towards ramsgate. It’s small but you can have a cup of tea at the cafe and there are usually less people.
Again going towards ramsgate and 10 minutes walk from Louisa bay. Yet another small cafe and a bigger beach. If you are walking to ramsgate (and the tide is coming in) you are best to walk up the path here to the higher level and continue from there as you can get cut off if you continue along the beach.
Dumpton Bay
Again going towards ramsgate and 10 minutes walk from Louisa bay. Yet another small cafe and a bigger beach. If you are walking to ramsgate (and the tide is coming in) you are best to walk up the path here to the higher level and continue from there as you can get cut off if you continue along the beach.
Places to eat
Some of the favourite spots in Broadstairs
This is literally around the corner from me and appears to be a favourite amongst visitors. It offers standard fare pub grub and also has a restaurant upstairs with a great view.
24 locals recommend
The Charles Dickens Gastro Pub & Dining rooms
5-6 Victoria ParadeThis is literally around the corner from me and appears to be a favourite amongst visitors. It offers standard fare pub grub and also has a restaurant upstairs with a great view.
We all know it and ironically it’s next door to Posillipo but it’s easy to get a seat and the view from the outside seating at the back is lovely.
9 locals recommend
Prezzo Italian Restaurant Broadstairs
16-18 Albion StWe all know it and ironically it’s next door to Posillipo but it’s easy to get a seat and the view from the outside seating at the back is lovely.
This hotel has a restaurant and also serves food from the bar. It’s slightly better than pub grub but I like it for the view from the rear outside terrace.
27 locals recommend
Royal Albion Hotel
6-12 Albion StThis hotel has a restaurant and also serves food from the bar. It’s slightly better than pub grub but I like it for the view from the rear outside terrace.
Independent Italian restaurant with a good reputation. My only criticism is that they have enclosed the rear outside seating area which has detracted from the view.
62 locals recommend
Posillipo Pizzeria
14 Albion StIndependent Italian restaurant with a good reputation. My only criticism is that they have enclosed the rear outside seating area which has detracted from the view.
This hidden gem is a Small ‘bring your own wine’ Thai restaurant. I’m a great fan but I would suggest booking.
7 locals recommend
Thai Four Two
42 York StThis hidden gem is a Small ‘bring your own wine’ Thai restaurant. I’m a great fan but I would suggest booking.
Traditional pub grub downstairs and fish restaurant upstairs. The restaurant has been around for a long time and I hear the restaurant is a tad dated in presentation. However, I believe the fish etc is old school and good. 3 of my guests have said it was good
38 locals recommend
The Tartar Frigate Bar
Harbour StreetTraditional pub grub downstairs and fish restaurant upstairs. The restaurant has been around for a long time and I hear the restaurant is a tad dated in presentation. However, I believe the fish etc is old school and good. 3 of my guests have said it was good
Broadstairs Tandoori
41 Albion StI’ve eaten here a few times and the food was ok.
This upmarket breakfast, lunch and dinner venue has had great reviews inc three from my guests. It’s probably best to book.
26 locals recommend
Samworth & Mee
11 Albion StThis upmarket breakfast, lunch and dinner venue has had great reviews inc three from my guests. It’s probably best to book.
Classic 1950’s Italian cafe selling, amongst other things, their own ice cream.
61 locals recommend
Morelli's Gelato
14 Victoria ParadeClassic 1950’s Italian cafe selling, amongst other things, their own ice cream.
New China Inn
8 Charlotte StI stopped eating Chinese food when I discovered Thai so I haven’t tried it.
I’ve heard it’s good and this has been confirmed by one of my guests. Note: this is a bring your own wine etc restaurant
Da's Thai Diner & Take-Away
168 High StI’ve heard it’s good and this has been confirmed by one of my guests. Note: this is a bring your own wine etc restaurant
I only tried this Italian a few days ago and thought my pizza was very good. I’ve been back since and again was pleased with the food. Five different guests have now also tried it and gave it the thumbs up.
12 locals recommend
Sardinia
1-3 Albion StI only tried this Italian a few days ago and thought my pizza was very good. I’ve been back since and again was pleased with the food. Five different guests have now also tried it and gave it the thumbs up.
Raindell's
19 Albion StAmerican style burgers/steaks etc
Aqua 43
43 Albion StLocal cuisine, seafood,British ,vegetarian /vegan friendly
Seggari's
39 Albion StSteak house
Tapas. A French guest of mine went here recently and thought it was good as did 3 other guests.
19 locals recommend
Albariño
29 Albion StTapas. A French guest of mine went here recently and thought it was good as did 3 other guests.
Cool small cafe/restaurant/gin bar with small focused menu.
8 locals recommend
Artfuls Bar, Bed & Breakfast
1 John StCool small cafe/restaurant/gin bar with small focused menu.
A small Michelin guide special restaurant. Some guests of mine went there recently and said it was fantastic. Note: the taster menu was £60 per head plus wine..so save up!
28 locals recommend
STARK
15 Oscar RdA small Michelin guide special restaurant. Some guests of mine went there recently and said it was fantastic. Note: the taster menu was £60 per head plus wine..so save up!
A really nice reasonably priced restaurant Only a 10 minute train journey from Broadstairs. Minster is also a nice village which has an abbey with nuns still in residence!
8 locals recommend
The Corner House Restaurant
42 Station RdA really nice reasonably priced restaurant Only a 10 minute train journey from Broadstairs. Minster is also a nice village which has an abbey with nuns still in residence!
A great authentic Italian restaurant. Had 3 good reviews from guests.
24 locals recommend
The Little Sicilian
45 York StA great authentic Italian restaurant. Had 3 good reviews from guests.
The Funicular Coffee House
A very cool beachside bar/coffe house on Viking bay
This is a relatively new restaurant but one of my customers has recently raved about the quality of the food and interactive staff. I have subsequently been myself and concur. However, if you are on a budget, it’s probably not for you :-)
20 locals recommend
Kebbells Seafood Bar • Restaurant
8 Victoria ParadeThis is a relatively new restaurant but one of my customers has recently raved about the quality of the food and interactive staff. I have subsequently been myself and concur. However, if you are on a budget, it’s probably not for you :-)
This is a relatively new addition to Broadstairs. It’s in a fab location on the harbour arm and ,by all accounts ,the food is good and reasonably priced.
20 locals recommend
Jetty Broadstairs
This is a relatively new addition to Broadstairs. It’s in a fab location on the harbour arm and ,by all accounts ,the food is good and reasonably priced.
A very good contemporary restaurant also with an attached upmarket takeaway fish and chip shop.
69 locals recommend
Wyatt and Jones
23-27 Harbour StA very good contemporary restaurant also with an attached upmarket takeaway fish and chip shop.
A small but ,by all accounts, fab hidden gem in a side street of broadstairs.
21 locals recommend
The Bottleneck
7-9 Charlotte StA small but ,by all accounts, fab hidden gem in a side street of broadstairs.
Pubs and bars
Traditional atmosphere with good beers and the wine is generally good too. It’s a bit dark though!
14 locals recommend
The Thirty-Nine Steps Brewhouse
11-13 Charlotte StTraditional atmosphere with good beers and the wine is generally good too. It’s a bit dark though!
Modern pub/bar with live music and food
24 locals recommend
The Charles Dickens Gastro Pub & Dining rooms
5-6 Victoria ParadeModern pub/bar with live music and food
The bar (at the rear) has a great outside space overlooking Viking bay.
27 locals recommend
Royal Albion Hotel
6-12 Albion StThe bar (at the rear) has a great outside space overlooking Viking bay.
The Chapel
44/46 Albion StQuirky bookshop come micro pub. Good barrelled ciders/beers Available.
Neptunes Hall
1-3 Harbour StNice old traditional pub
This place has a great view over the beach in the raised outside seating area.
9 locals recommend
The Pavilion Bar
Harbour StreetThis place has a great view over the beach in the raised outside seating area.
Nicest traditional pub here (level with the beach)but it is a little pricey!
38 locals recommend
The Tartar Frigate Bar
Harbour StreetNicest traditional pub here (level with the beach)but it is a little pricey!
Slightly off the beaten track with no outside seating but good reputation with ales and live music.
Wrotham Arms
Ramsgate RoadSlightly off the beaten track with no outside seating but good reputation with ales and live music.
It called itself a wine bar for some time but not really in the traditional sense. Nice enough bar though.
10 locals recommend
Harpers Bar & Restaurant
8 Harbour StIt called itself a wine bar for some time but not really in the traditional sense. Nice enough bar though.
Sea Lounge
27 Albion StModern bar and club (after a certain hour)
The George Inn
52 Albion StSports pub. Lots of screens for football etc
The Prince Albert
187-189 Middle StreetLocals pub
If you are over 25 you might feel a little bit old on a Friday and Saturday night! That said when I used to host adult foreign students I was dragged down there many times :-)
The Dolphin Inn
55 Albion StIf you are over 25 you might feel a little bit old on a Friday and Saturday night! That said when I used to host adult foreign students I was dragged down there many times :-)
Mind the Gap Micropub
156 High StMicro pub popular with locals
Houdini's Magic Bar
158 High StMicro pub with resident magicians!
CRAMPTONS BROADSTAIRS
139 High StLarge bar with food and disco on weekends
The Four Candles Alehouse
1 Sowell StMicro pub with good ales
Yard of Ale
61 Church StMicro pub with good selection of ales. It’s a bit of a walk though
!
The Magnet Micropub
37 Albion StGreat friendly local micro pub with good beer.
Artfuls Bar, Bed & Breakfast
1 John StSmall, newly re opened cafe/gin bar.
This pub is about 4 miles away on the other side of ramsgate. You can walk along the seafront from here if you have the energy. The reason to visit it is the most amazing views over Pegwell bay and beyond.
17 locals recommend
Belle Vue Tavern
159 Northdown RdThis pub is about 4 miles away on the other side of ramsgate. You can walk along the seafront from here if you have the energy. The reason to visit it is the most amazing views over Pegwell bay and beyond.
The Pavilion Bar
Harbour StreetBar, cafe and pub grub with great views over Viking bay
The biggest jds in the world in a spectacular location on ramsgate beach
38 locals recommend
Royal Victoria Pavilion
Harbour ParadeThe biggest jds in the world in a spectacular location on ramsgate beach
The Thirty-Nine Steps Brewhouse
11-13 Charlotte StA great traditional pub with good ales and wines
Sightseeing
A fascinating subterranean maze of tunnels dug for a number of reasons over the last few hundred years.
80 locals recommend
Ramsgate Tunnels
Marina EsplanadeA fascinating subterranean maze of tunnels dug for a number of reasons over the last few hundred years.
Everyone should pop in here. He was a broadstairs resident after all.
28 locals recommend
Dickens House Museum
2 Victoria ParadeEveryone should pop in here. He was a broadstairs resident after all.
Crampton Tower Museum
The BroadwayA bit of a strange thing to put under places to see but you should visit the biggest and best ‘spoons’ due to its architecture and amazing position on ramsgate beach. There is a vast wrap around balcony on the first floor with great views over the beach, harbour and ramsgate. It’s about a 35 minute walk along the seafront from here.
38 locals recommend
Royal Victoria Pavilion
Harbour ParadeA bit of a strange thing to put under places to see but you should visit the biggest and best ‘spoons’ due to its architecture and amazing position on ramsgate beach. There is a vast wrap around balcony on the first floor with great views over the beach, harbour and ramsgate. It’s about a 35 minute walk along the seafront from here.
An amazing man made cave covered in tiny shells and nobody actually knows why!?
171 locals recommend
Shell Grotto
33 Grotto HillAn amazing man made cave covered in tiny shells and nobody actually knows why!?
Ramsgate Maritime Museum
Royal Harbour ApproachRamsgate Harbour station
Turner Contemporary
RendezvousA great art gallery in Margate.
A great old monument. I would suggest getting a train to Birchington on sea and walking the rest of the way along the seafront.
23 locals recommend
Reculver
A great old monument. I would suggest getting a train to Birchington on sea and walking the rest of the way along the seafront.
It only takes 22 minutes from Broadstairs to go here by train and there’s no messing around with parking the other end. Well worth a visit. Note: canterbury cathedral is £10/11 to enter. However,if you attend one of their services you can get in for free!
369 locals recommend
Canterbury
It only takes 22 minutes from Broadstairs to go here by train and there’s no messing around with parking the other end. Well worth a visit. Note: canterbury cathedral is £10/11 to enter. However,if you attend one of their services you can get in for free!
Dreamland
Marine TerraceThe famous recreated 1950’s fair and fun park
Sandwich is a small picturesque town full of period houses with a river running alongside leading to sandwich and Pegwell bay. If you take the path across the golf course there is also a nice coastal walk to Deal.its about 10 miles from Broadstairs
109 locals recommend
Sandwich
Sandwich is a small picturesque town full of period houses with a river running alongside leading to sandwich and Pegwell bay. If you take the path across the golf course there is also a nice coastal walk to Deal.its about 10 miles from Broadstairs
Another lovely small coastal town with an unusual pier. If you walk along the coast southwards here you pass deal castle then Walmer castle which are both worth visiting.
113 locals recommend
Deal
Another lovely small coastal town with an unusual pier. If you walk along the coast southwards here you pass deal castle then Walmer castle which are both worth visiting.
Deal Castle
Marine RoadWalmer Castle and Gardens
Kingsdown RoadEveryone has heard of whitstable and it has become a Mecca for people moving from London. There are some great restaurants and speciality shops although it does have a rather stony beach.
Note: if you visit at the weekend it can be very busy and difficult to find somewhere to eat.
220 locals recommend
Whitstable
Everyone has heard of whitstable and it has become a Mecca for people moving from London. There are some great restaurants and speciality shops although it does have a rather stony beach.
Note: if you visit at the weekend it can be very busy and difficult to find somewhere to eat.
Cinema
The Palace Cinema
Harbour StreetA fabulous Quirky small cinema in the heart of broadstairs.
City advice
Don't miss
Live music in Broadstairs
Broadstairs has a reputation for always having some live music playing somewhere. The best website to check to see a calendar of gigs is www.brownbearsw.com
Ways to save
Parking
After you have dropped your bags off go to the end of Buckingham road, turn left into Chandon Square and then right on to Victoria parade (on the seafront).Go to the end of Victoria parade (where there is a sharp corner to the right). To the left of you you will notice a large detached building that looks like it has a private car park directly outside (queens gardens). Surprisingly, if there is a space there, you can park there for free! Otherwise, continue around the corner and take the first left hand turning into west cliff avenue. Most of the roads beyond here are free to park in.
Getting around
If you want to rent some bikes
Ken’s bikes in Margate were highly recommended by one of my guests. He said the bikes were fairly old but were reasonably priced and functioned well. Tel 01843 221422
Also, there is Broadstairs cycle hire on 07563780407
Getting around
Broadstairs train station is 8-10 minutes walk
From the station walk down the high street towards the sea. At the bottom of the high street you will see the Albion hotel in front of you and a turning to your right into Charlotte street. Take a right here and within 1 minute Buckingham road will be directly in front of you.
Getting around
Buses
There is a continuous circular bus service called the ‘loop’ which has buses going both towards Ramsgate and Margate respectively. They are very regular and you shouldn’t have to wait long for one. Note: Make Sure you are on the right side of the road for whichever town you are heading for because, although you will eventually get there, you might end up going the slow way round!