Your Guide To Broadstairs: Where to Stay, Eat, Drink & Explore
THE insideGUIDE TO BROADSTAIRS
With a remarkable literary legacy and lofty chalk cliffs guarding the coastline among its many attributes, Broadstairs stands as a bright beacon of quintessential shoreside living.
Situated on the Isle of Thanet, nestled neatly between the towns of Margate and Ramsgate, Broadstairs’ laid-back retro feel and contagious energy for seaside fun and vibrant celebration has long ranked it among Kent’s finest staycation sweet spots.
Affectionately known as the ‘jewel in Thanet’s crown’, it was author Charles Dickens who spent many a seaside summer here from 1837 to 1859, coining the town ‘Our English Watering Place’ in an 1851 article and writing some of his most recognised works against the backdrop of the shore.
With one of the most jam-packed annual events calendars, awash with unwavering Victorian heritage and long-cherished family establishments that have proudly stood the test of time – all framed by seven beautifully unspoilt sandy bays worth travelling for alone – jewel is an apt description indeed.
As brighter days are upon us and the coast emerges as a hive of activity for the warmer months, Broadstairs boasts family-friendly coastal adventures by the bucketload, striking the perfect balance of colourful activity and serene seaside simplicity for a Kent staycation you’ll look forward to repeating. WORDS BY MIA CHAPMAN
“I’m so lucky to have Broadstairs on my doorstep, with its seven beautiful sandy bays and numerous cafés, bars, restaurants and independent shops. Local people passionate about the town organise events such as the Easter and autumn food festivals, Folk Week, Dickens Festival, Water Gala Blues Bash, Jazz Festival and the spectacular summer season of firework displays. It’s a wonderful place to live and to visit.”
Simon Abra, chair of Broadstairs Food Festival
TOP BROADSTAIRS PICKS
Top Eats
Locally loved, family-friendly and boasting unparalleled views of vibrant Viking Bay, this relaxed coastal bistro offers an array of fresh Kentish food and drink ranging from seaside classics to inventive specials.
Top Event
A beloved biannual Kentish celebration of local flavours and brilliant culinary creators against the backdrop of Broadstairs. Catch the Easter outing this 3 – 5 April and save the date for the autumn festival set for 2 – 4 October.
Top Ice Cream
Opened in 1932 and the first parlour of the widely celebrated Morelli’s, this Broadstairs gelato gem beckons both loyal locals and anticipated visitors to taste its freshly prepared scoops and iconic flavours.
SUMPTUOUS STAYS
Keepers Cottages’ Liberty Cottage
Keepers Cottages’ Liberty Cottage
A beautifully appointed holiday home sleeping up to seven guests that welcomes four-legged friends too, this bright and airy cottage comes complete with a delightful garden inspired by Dutch landscape architect, Piet Oudolf.
Centrally located for town exploring and boasting a lovely homely feel and a fully stocked bar, this 19th-century Georgian townhouse has been excellently converted to create a quirky bed and breakfast with four unique ensuite bedrooms.
A charming seafront bolthole regularly frequented by Charles Dickens himself, The Royal Albion is a swish, contemporary base for a Broadstairs getaway, complete with 20 stunning bedrooms, a stylish bar and lounge and sea-view restaurant.
TOP PUBS IN TOWN
The Charles Dickens
A charming seafront gastropub overlooking Viking bay with a fantastic lineup of delicious pub classics, fine wines, ales and cocktails. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday alongside a crowdpleasing breakfast menu.
One of the only 18th-century flint restaurants in the county, the wonderfully historic Tartar Frigate has earned itself a glowing reputation for serving up the finest seafood and alfresco tipples on the harbour front.
A lively local promising a wealth of musical entertainment and an excellent range of lagers, ales, ciders, spirits and wines – all of which can be enjoyed in the sun-trapped patio in the warmer months.
COFFEE BREAK
Forts Cafe
The second Kent outpost for this much-loved coffee hub. Expect flavoursome dishes, freshly prepared treats and top-notch, thoughtfully sourced coffee alongside a friendly setting located only a short walk from the seafront.
A wonderfully welcoming neighbourhood café and bar with a famously good brunch offering and masters at crafting the perfect brew. Dog-friendly, Salt also hosts an array of community events including buzzy wine evenings.
Utterly Instagrammable coffee hotspot with an unmissable lineup of brews, pastries and freshly baked goods. Whether you like it strong and balanced or full-bodied and delightfully sweet, Giant has the cup for you.
DIVINE DINING
Aster
A small yet mighty vegan restaurant helmed by the masterful Luke Crittenden, Aster offers just eight covers for a truly intimate dining experience. Crafted from locally sourced wild ingredients and produce, the set menu perfectly captures Luke’s commitment to sustainability and creating dishes that nourish both the body and the planet.
With an emphasis on sublime local seafood, Twenty Seven Harbour Street serves up a fantastic small-plate menu of seasonal, authentic and considered produce cooked over fire. Alongside a hearty Sunday lunch menu, The Txoko (Twenty Seven’s on-site bar and private space) also offers a great selection of tipples and a wonderfully warm setting in which to gather.
Complete with an open kitchen and lovely community feel, Swedish-born chef Tomas Eriksson brings a wealth of experience to Bar Ingo. Praised for his refined small plates, Tomas has created a welcoming hub for all occasions – a glass of wine and a quick bite, or a delightful celebratory dinner.
CULTURAL HOTSPOTS
Dickens House Museum
Celebrating the renowned Victorian author Charles Dickens’ deeply rooted connection to the coastal town, Dickens House Museum – now open for the 2026 season – is housed in the cottage that was Dickens’ inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood in his novel David Copperfield. The museum is home to a prided collection of the author’s items including letters written about Broadstairs, his writing box and mahogany sideboard, as well as a fine collection of prints by H K Browne (Phiz), one of Dickens’ principal illustrators.
A brilliant independent Harbour Street cinema priding itself on its plush, intimate auditorium that shows an eclectic range of thought-provoking independent films from the audience-raved to Critics’ Choice award-winners. The foyer also serves a variety of film favourites such as popcorn, cold drinks, beers, wines and freshly brewed coffee.
Situated at both Joss and Viking Bay, this award-winning surf school caters to budding surfers of all levels, providing expert guidance that builds skill, confidence and precision on the water. Learn to surf, SUP or open water swim or embark on a scenic tour across Thanet waters with an experienced tutor.
MUST-SHOP STORES
Westwood Cross Shopping Centre
Westwood Cross Shopping Centre
The ultimate coastal destination for high street shopping, family outings and evening entertainment, this bustling outdoor shopping centre is home to over 40 fashion and lifestyle stores and restaurants alongside top leisure spots including a cinema and trampoline and activity park.
Since 1988, The Bottleneck has offered a carefully curated selection of wines, beers and spirits. Founded by Chris and Lynn Beckett, and taken over by the wine-loving Smith family in 2020, the shop is known for its friendly setting and seasonal tasting events.
A beautiful independent boutique fully stocked with top-quality fashion and homewares. Located just a short walk away, sister store memento is prided on its beach essentials and thoughtful gifts that nod to Broadstairs’ vibrant heritage and creativity.
OUTDOORSY SPOTS
Viking Bay
Victoria Gardens
Community-loved seafront gardens awash with seasonal florals and manicured greenery. A hub of activity and boasting the finest views out across the bay, the gardens also play host to numerous town events such as the Broadstairs Food Festival and the well known Broadstairs Folk Fest, as well as regular live music showcases from the historic Bandstand.
The Seven Bays of Broadstairs
A stunning stretch of coastline spanning 4.5 miles, the Seven Bays of Broadstairs form part of the King Charles III England Coast Path. Seven equally picturesque bays and beaches, each framed by imposing chalk cliffs and open skies, Viking Bay is the town’s main beach celebrated for its golden sands and lively seafront spots. Just beyond lies Louisa Bay, a smaller and generally quieter cove, followed by the pretty, dog-friendly Dumpton Gap. Heading in the opposite direction are the Blue Flag-awarded Stone Bay, the surfers’ paradise Joss Bay and the striking Kingsgate Bay, overlooked by an 18th-century castle. Completing the lineup is photographer’s favourite Botany Bay, known for its incredible chalk stacks and rock pools.
