insideKENT Magazine Issue 43 - October 2015 | Page 106

DAYSOUT

VISIT MARGATE, BROADSTAIRS
AND RAMSGATE this Autumn
It looks as though Kent is in for a pretty balmy autumn, but let’s be
honest - for all but the very brave, sunbathing season is probably over.

Botany Bay

But that doesn’t mean Kent’s beautiful beaches are closed until spring –
on the contrary! There is still plenty to do on the East Kent coast in autumn
and well into winter, so there’s no need to abandon the shoreline just yet.
Thanet boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country,
with sandy shores and shingle stretches beloved by people all over the
world, and many offer a range of fun-filled activities for families, couples,
daredevils and seniors to enjoy.

Cycle the Viking Coastal Trail

Make the most of those stunning autumn sunsets
this October and drink in coastal scenes on one
of the most beautiful cycle routes in the county.
Whether you are an experienced cyclist or
a novice, there is plenty to enjoy along the 32-

And with the vibrant towns of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate
close by, people of all ages can enjoy a thrilling day by the seaside and still
be in easy reach of town centre comforts.
Visit Kent and Visit Thanet have compiled a list of great things to do
and see along the coast this autumn, so don your sunglasses, pull on your
walking boots and make sure you experience the best that the East Kent
coast has to offer all year round.

mile Viking Coastal Trail around the Isle of Thanet.
Starting inland at St Nicolas at Wade, you will
pass by pretty Kentish villages, ancient churches
and nature reserves before rolling into the dreamy
artistic splendour of Ramsgate. Make sure you
swing by the UK’s only royal harbour while in
town, and The Royal Harbour Brasserie can’t be
beaten for food with a view.
Then head on to Charles Dickens’ old
stomping ground, Broadstairs, its sandy beach
and winding streets. Ignore the chill in the air,
and indulge in an ice cream from the world famous
Morelli’s parlour, or quaff a warming pint in The
Royal Albion pub garden.
Then you are all set for possibly the best
part of the trip – the almost traffic-free route from
Broadstairs to Margate, which takes in Botany
Bay with its chalk stacks and the surfers of Joss
Bay. You’ll arrive in Margate in the shadow of the
Turner Contemporary art gallery, overlooking the
harbour, and won’t want to miss the chance to
stroll along the shoreline before grabbing a bite
to eat in Old Town or treating yourself to afternoon
tea in The Sands Hotel as the sun sets over the
beach below.

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From Margate, you can pick up the route
again and follow the sea wall to Reculver via
Westgate-on-Sea and Birchington. The sea wall
offers plenty of diversions, with slopes and steps
to the cliff tops and popular beaches and rock
pools.
Whether you take on the entire route, or
conquer it in bite-sized chunks, cycling is the
perfect way to drink in the splendour of Thanet’s
spectacular coastline.
For more information, go to
www.vikingcoastaltrail.co.uk

Ride the waves
Forget Newquay! People have been surfing on
the shores of Thanet for decades, as the
picturesque beaches offer incredible waves for
surfing and stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP) –
with great views to boot.
Joss Bay is known as the most popular surf
spot in South East England, and is home to the
Joss Bay Surf School, who have been giving
lesson to young, old, able bodied and disabled
pupils since 1998.