Broadstairs Travel Guide

Explore the beautiful town of Broadstairs located in Kent, South East England. Discover its rich history, natural attractions, food and drink scene, and more with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Broadstairs

Located in Kent, South East England, Broadstairs is a charming town with a rich history dating back to the Victorian era. The town is renowned for its stunning beaches, beautiful architecture, and vibrant food and drink scene. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure traveler, or a foodie, Broadstairs offers something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit in Broadstairs, the top things to do, and useful tips for your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Broadstairs

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Bleak House: This historic building was once home to famous author Charles Dickens and is now open to the public as a museum. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and learn about Dickens’ life and works.

  • Crampton Tower Museum: This 19th-century tower museum showcases the works of Thomas Crampton, a leading engineer who contributed to the development of railways and telegraphs.

  • The Old Curiosity Shop: This charming 16th-century building was the inspiration for the novel “The Old Curiosity Shop” by Charles Dickens. It now operates as a gift shop and museum.

Natural Attractions of Broadstairs: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Viking Bay: The most popular beach in Broadstairs is also a Blue Flag beach. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and beach activities such as paddleboarding and kayaking.

  • Joss Bay: This secluded beach is a paradise for surfers and swimmers, thanks to its clear waters and consistent waves.

  • Botany Bay: One of the most picturesque beaches in Kent, Botany Bay offers breathtaking views and excellent walking trails along the coastline.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Broadstairs

  • Viking Coastal Trail: This 32-mile trail offers stunning views of the Kent coast and takes hikers and bikers through picturesque towns and villages.

  • The Thanet Loop: This cycle path takes you through a scenic route of the three towns of Thanet, which includes Broadstairs. A great way to see the area at your leisure and get active.

Best Things to Do in Broadstairs: Activities and Tours

  • Broadstairs Food Festival: This annual festival features food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and live music. Sample local delicacies and enjoy a day out with family and friends.

  • Broadstairs Dickens Festival: Celebrate the life and works of Charles Dickens with this annual festival. Enjoy re-enactments, live performances and immerse yourself in the world of Dickens.

Week-Long Itinerary for Broadstairs

Day Activities
1 Visit Bleak House
  Lunch at The Old Curiosity Shop
  Relax on Viking Bay
2 Visit Crampton Tower Museum
  Hike/bike the Viking Coastal Trail
  Sunset at Botany Bay
3 Surf at Joss Bay
  Explore Broadstairs Food Festival
  Dinner at Morelli’s of Broadstairs
4 Visit Shell Grotto
  Explore the charming streets of Broadstairs
  Finish off the day with some cocktails at The Chapel
5 Take a trip to nearby Margate
  Visit Turner Contemporary Art Gallery
  Enjoy a sunset walk around the harbor
6 Join a chartered boat tour around the coastline
  Visit the Hornby Visitor Centre
  Enjoy a night out at Broadstairs Dickens Festival
7 Relax and enjoy the beach
  Try some local beer at the Broadstairs Brewery
  Dinner at The Tartar Frigate

Food and Drink Scene of Broadstairs

Must-Try Dishes

  • Jellied Eels: A traditional snack, Jellied Eels is made from boiled eels served in a thick broth. Try it at the Broadstairs Fish & Chips Shop.

  • Kentish Ale Pie: This hearty pie is made with local beef and ale. A must-try dish of the area, it’s available in many local restaurants.

  • Cherry Pie: A staple dessert in Kent, Cherry Pie is made with fresh ripe cherries encased in a buttery crust.

Local Beverages

  • Broadstairs Brewery Beer: Locally brewed beer and ales, enjoyed in the local pubs throughout the town.

  • Cider: Made from locally grown apples, cider is a must-try local beverage. The traditional cider is perfect with some fish and chips by the beach.

Where to Stay in Broadstairs: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There’s a range of accommodation options in Broadstairs, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some popular choices include:

  • Royal Albion Hotel: A hotel with stunning views of the sea, offering luxurious accommodation and excellent dining options.

  • The Bay Tree Hotel: A charming hotel with beautifully decorated rooms and a tranquil garden.

  • Yarrow Hotel: A contemporary hotel that offers stylish rooms and great amenities, including an outdoor pool.

What to Buy in Broadstairs: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Broadstairs Rock: A traditional candy that you can find in most local candy stores. It comes in different flavors and colors.

  • Kentish Apple Juice: Made from locally grown apples, this refreshing drink is a must-try local product.

  • Handmade Pottery: Made by local artisans, handmade pottery pieces make for an excellent souvenir to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Broadstairs

Broadstairs retains its friendly and welcoming culture to this day, where everyone is helpful to visitors. The local culture values the town’s rich history and heritage, with events such as the Broadstairs Dickens Festival and the Broadstairs Folk Week celebrating the town’s traditions and customs.

Best Time to Visit Broadstairs

The best time to visit Broadstairs is between May and September, when the weather is warm and sunny. The summer months are also the peak season for tourists, which means there are more events and activities to enjoy. Spring and autumn are also great times to visit, with mild weather and fewer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Broadstairs

Do:

  • Do try the local seafood. It’s fresh, delicious, and a must-try part of the local cuisine.

  • Do visit the beaches. Broadstairs is famous for its stunning coastline, and a visit to the beach is an essential part of any trip.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to carry sunscreen and a hat. The sun can be intense during the summer months, and it’s essential to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.

  • Don’t litter on the beach. The town takes pride in its clean beaches, and visitors are expected to dispose of their trash properly.

Safety and Health

Safety in Broadstairs

Broadstairs is a safe town, and tourists are unlikely to face any safety concerns. However, it’s still important to be vigilant and take general safety precautions such as locking hotel room doors and avoiding walking alone at night.

Health in Broadstairs

Broadstairs has good healthcare facilities, including a hospital and medical centers. Visitors should have travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses.

Getting to Broadstairs: Transportation Options and Logistics

Broadstairs is well-connected to other major UK cities by road and rail. The town is just 90 minutes from London by train and can also be reached by ferry from France.

Airports Near Broadstairs

The closest airports to Broadstairs are:

  • London City Airport: Approximately 75 miles away
  • Gatwick Airport: Approximately 93 miles away
  • Heathrow Airport: Approximately 115 miles away

Bus Stations Near Broadstairs

Broadstairs has good bus connections to other towns and cities in Kent, and the surrounding area:

  • Margate Bus Station: Located less than three miles away
  • Canterbury Bus Station: Located 15 miles away

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Broadstairs by car, with good motorway links from London and the South East.

How to Get Around in Broadstairs

Broadstairs is a small town and can easily be explored on foot. Bikes, scooters, and cars are also available for hire.

Where to Go Next from Broadstairs: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Kent is a beautiful county with many nearby attractions and places to explore. Some popular day trip destinations include:

  • Canterbury: Just 30 minutes away by train, Canterbury is a historic city renowned for its striking cathedral.

  • Margate: A seaside town famous for its amusement parks and sandy beaches.

  • Dover: Located 20 miles away from Broadstairs, Dover is a historic town with a castle and impressive white cliffs.

Conclusion

Broadstairs is a charming town with a rich history and vibrant food and drink scene. From scenic walks along the coastline to exploring local museums, there’s something for everyone in this picturesque town. Use this comprehensive travel guide to help plan your trip to Broadstairs and make the most of your time in this beautiful part of South East England.

Boathouse at the harbour Boathouse at the harbour Dickens House Museum Dickens House Museum Crampton Tower Museum Crampton Tower Museum The harbour and pier The harbour and pier