Broadstairs, Kent

Broadstairs is a charming coastal town on the Isle of Thanet in east Kent, known as the “jewel in Thanet’s crown.” Its name originates from a flight of steps carved into the chalk cliffs, leading from Viking Bay up to an 11th-century shrine of St Mary. The town stretches from Haine Road to Kingsgate, a hamlet named after King Charles II’s 1683 landing, and includes the historic village of St Peter’s.

The town has a rich maritime history, with lifeboats arriving as early as 1851 and a legacy of smuggling tunnels hidden in the chalk cliffs. Broadstairs developed as a seaside resort in the 19th century, attracting visitors including the young Princess Victoria and her mother. Charles Dickens was a frequent visitor, writing parts of David Copperfield at Bleak House overlooking the harbour.

Broadstairs boasts seven sandy bays, including the popular Viking Bay and Blue Flag beaches at Botany Bay and Joss Bay. The Pavilion on the Sands hosts summer shows and events, while the Dickens House Museum offers insights into the author’s connection to the town. The annual Dickens Festival and Broadstairs Folk Week celebrate the town’s cultural heritage with Victorian dress, music, and dance.

Transport links include a railway station within a 10-minute walk of the beach, with high-speed trains to London St Pancras cutting journey times. The town supports a lively community with independent shops, a small cinema, and a variety of schools. Its economy centres on tourism, health and social care, and education, reflecting its appeal as both a holiday destination and retirement spot.