JUST BEACHY!

SUNNY SANDS, FOLKESTONE

Said to be the closest sandy beach to central London, it has a backdrop of unusual arches. They act as sea defences but also provide some shade for those who don’t like too much sun.

The stretch of beach is very close to the town centre so is excellent as a promised treat for the younger members of your group after you’ve enjoyed a spot of shopping!

Nearby parking means there is no lugging bags, parasols and inflatables for miles and there are cafes, pubs, food kiosks and the essential fish and chips and ice cream all close at hand.

The beach is covered by the sea at high tide so do check out tide times. Folkestone Rescue also operates its volunteer lifeguard service from the beach between 10am and 4pm during the summer months.

Parking: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-in-district
Toilets: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parks-beaches-open-spaces/publictoilet-facilities
Dogs: Allowed on the beach from 1 October to 30 April.

MERMAID BEACH, FOLKESTONE

Within easy walking distance from the town, the gently sloping shingle beach can offer a peaceful day out.

Don’t be disappointed, however, if you don’t spot one of the mythical mermaids. The beach gets its name from the fish tail formation of rocks which as well as being a sea defence also offer a small climbing adventure for the young at heart.

The water is great for swimming and is a favourite for the town’s open water swimmers. The beach is not covered at high tide and there is no lifeguard on duty.

Coffee, snacks, sandwiches and ice creams are all available nearby and barbecues are allowed on the beach.

Parking: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-in-district
Toilets: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parks-beaches-open-spaces/publictoilet-facilities
Dogs: Allowed on the beach from 1 October to 30 April.

THE WARREN, FOLKESTONE

The Warren is a place for adventurous types, a combination of sand and rocks, with excellent rockpooling at one end.
Fossil hunting is another popular occupation here, with some interesting specimens found over the years.

Nestling in at the bottom of the Warren Country Park, you can drive or hike down. It’s a good idea to bring a picnic because the Warren is totally unspoilt and not developed – if you don’t need it after the hike down you certainly will after the climb back up!

Back at the top, there are spectacular views out to sea towards France, and parking, public toilets, a children’s playground and refreshments.

Parking: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-in-district
Toilets: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parks-beaches-open-spaces/publictoilet-facilities
Dogs: No restrictions

SANDGATE

We like to think of Sandgate as one of the little jewels in our crown… simply because it combines sun, sea and sand with a pretty High Street chock-a-block with a gorgeous selection of pub and cafes, antiques and collectables, and independent shops just a few steps from the beach.

Soak up the rays, and enjoy watching groups of enthusiasts kayaking, rowing and sailing just off the coast, see if you can see France, before a snack at one of the beachfront cafes or on the High Street.

Facilities include showers, drinking water and public toilets.

Parking: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-in-district
Toilets: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parks-beaches-open-spaces/publictoilet-facilities
Dogs: Allowed on the beach from 1 October to 30 April.

MAIN BEACH, HYTHE

This pebbly beach with its two miles of wide promenade runs all the way to Sandgate. The beach is quite sloping, making it a great location for swimmers and watersports enthusiasts.

The promenade is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists, and with plenty of seating, food and drink outlets it’s a good spot for people-watching in the sun. The smooth promenade is highly suitable for wheelchair and pushchair users.

Parking: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-in-district
Toilets: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parks-beaches-open-spaces/publictoilet-facilities
Dogs: Allowed on the beach from 1 October to 30 April.

FISHERMAN’S BEACH, HYTHE

Carry on down from the Main Beach, and you reach Fisherman’s Beach – a working beach since the 15th century and still thriving today.

The fishing boats are kept on the beach, and the catch of the day is available, either to eat there and then or to take home for your tea.

You can eat indoors or out at the Lazy Shack and Griggs of Hythe.

Parking: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-in-district
Toilets: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parks-beaches-open-spaces/publictoilet-facilities
Dogs: Allowed on the beach from 1 October to 30 April.

DYMCHURCH

Three miles of sand make this perfect for the bucket and spade brigade. There’s a vast expanse when the tide is out, and the very gentle slope to the beach makes it ideal for little ones to paddle.

Up by the village you can find coffee shops, takeaways – try the fish and chips of course – pubs, amusement arcades and a traditional style funfair.

Don’t forget to pick up your bucket and spade, windbreak, and beach mats etc from one of the village shops – there’s a great choice.

There are promenades on two levels all the way from Hythe ranges to St Mary’s Bay, ideal for cycling or just a gentle stroll, and disabled access is provided via ramps at various points. A beach warden is present during the summer months.

Parking: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-in-district
Toilets: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parks-beaches-open-spaces/publictoilet-facilities
Dogs: Allowed on the beach from 1 October to 30 April (and all year round in non-marked areas, check local signage)

ST. MARY’S BAY

This lovely expanse of sand is a popular family beach, with a wide promenade behind it and a kiosk for drinks and snacks open in the summer.

From here you can see as far as Dungeness on your right and Folkestone on your left, and you can also spot the remains of a section of a World War II Mulberry Harbour, built in 1944 for the Dunkirk landings, visible just out to sea.

Parking: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-in-district
Toilets: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parks-beaches-open-spaces/publictoilet-facilities
Dogs: Allowed on the beach from 1 October to 30 April.

LITTLESTONE

Littlestone is a beach in two parts – above the shoreline it’s mostly shingle, with wooden groynes reaching out into the sea, but as the tide goes out a huge swathe of rippled sand appears, ideal for sunbathing and sandcastle making.

Behind the beach is The Green, which has picnic sites, toilets, a children’s playground and an outdoor gym, backed by pretty coloured beach huts. You can stock up on picnic bits from the local shop over the road.

Parking: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-in-district
Toilets: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parks-beaches-open-spaces/publictoilet-facilities
Dogs: Allowed on the beach from 1 October to 30 April.

GREATSTONE

After you meander your way through the sand dunes which separate the beach from the sea and land – while enjoying the chance to spot the wildflowers in this Site of Special Scientific Interest – Greatstone is revealed in all its glory.

The beach is ideal for swimming when the tide is in, and when it goes out to reveal more sand it’s a popular spot for watersports and windsports like sand-yachting and kitesurfing.

Back on land, there is parking, a picnic area, public toilets, and food and drink just over the road.

And, when the tide is right, there’s an added bonus for history buffs – the remains of a section of a World War II Mulberry Harbour, built in 1944 for the Dunkirk landings, are visible just off the coast.

Parking: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-in-district
Toilets: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parks-beaches-open-spaces/publictoilet-facilities
Dogs: Allowed on the beach from 1 October to 30 April.

DUNGENESS

This spit of land sticking out into the sea is a strange combination of eerie, other worldly, landscape, fishermen’s boats and shacks, unique wildlife and flora and fauna, lighthouses, and old train tracks.

Add in Prospect Cottage, the former home of avant-garde artist and film-maker Derek Jarman, an RSPB nature reserve, a nuclear power station, the final stop on the line for the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch miniature railway and a couple of good pubs and some of the best fish and chips in Kent and you’re onto a winner!

Wooden paths crisscross the shingle beach, there’s plenty of parking and it’s dog-friendly.
Oh, and Dungeness is Britain’s only desert!

Parking: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-in-district
Toilets: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parks-beaches-open-spaces/publictoilet-facilities
Dogs: Allowed on the beach from 1 October to 30 April. Dogs must be on leads in the RSPB reserve.