Margate, Whitstable, Herne Bay

moneysavvy35

Hi all

Thinking of taking the kids to the beach for the day. I was originally thinking Margate as its only 1.5hrs away on the train. I haven't been their for a few years now.

Looking on the train route - the train also stops at Whitstable and Herne bay, I have heard these beaches are very nice. Which beach is better out of those 3? Things to consider are proximity fr station to beach front, other things to do maybe fairground. Ice cream and little gift shops etc usual seaside type stuff. Must be sandy beach ( i know margate is). What would be your preferences? The train also stops at birchingham on sea but I've never heard of a beach their.

Thanks

Shelldean

Herne Bay is stoney.
No Idea about others have you tried googling?

Shelldean

Shelldean wrote: »

Herne Bay is stoney.
No Idea about others have you tried googling?

Apprently Whitstable is stones too

See HERE

moneysavvy35

Great link - thanks. Think I'll forget about the stones ones - the link mentions broadstairs which is getting good reviews so will look into train links their. Thanks again.

tinkerleigh

moneysavvy35 wrote: »

Great link - thanks. Think I'll forget about the stones ones - the link mentions broadstairs which is getting good reviews so will look into train links their. Thanks again.

Hi there I live in broadstairs, so may be able to help you a little. Here bay and whitstable are both lovely towns, more so whitstable which has a very bohemian feel. They are both stony beaches though.

Between margate and broadstairs I would choose broadstairs every time, margate is very run down and to be honest, dirty - whereas broadstairs is a really well looked after town, with lots of choice of beaches - all blue flag.

If you need any other info or advice, let me know, more than happy to help!

moneysavvy35

tinkerleigh wrote: »

Hi there I live in broadstairs, so may be able to help you a little. Here bay and whitstable are both lovely towns, more so whitstable which has a very bohemian feel. They are both stony beaches though.

Between margate and broadstairs I would choose broadstairs every time, margate is very run down and to be honest, dirty - whereas broadstairs is a really well looked after town, with lots of choice of beaches - all blue flag.

If you need any other info or advice, let me know, more than happy to help!

Hi thanks - doing abit of research margate seems to have lost its shine. Such a shame as i used to love that place. It was also ideal as i remember the train station being litetrally a few minutes away. Ok broadstairs sounds a better option. Could you tell if u can walk to the beach from the train station? Thanks

snapping_crocodile

Hi,

You can definitely walk from the train station to the beach, although it is further than Margate train station to the beach. From Broadstairs station it is all down hill to the beach, so more of a challenge on the way back....but not too bad!! It is also a nice straight walk down one road so you wont get lost.

There are several beach stops on the train before Margate, that have nice sandy beaches including Birchington on sea and Westgate on sea, but they are both little villages so if you want the whole day out at the beach experience I would definitely go for Broadstairs. Margate was lovely in it's heyday (I grew up down the road from it), however as with many old seaside towns it has become quite run down now, whereas Broadstairs seems to have escaped this. I've got many happy memories from down there! Enjoy :T

Hope that helps

the_frugal_frog

Margate is a dirty run down sh1thole extrordinaire! Avoid it if you are hoping for a nice family day.

Broadstairs is beautiful, lots of little streets and quirky shops.

Herne Bay is a pebble beach but it has amusements and public toilets on the seafront. Its a 10 minute walk to the beach from the station.

I would choose Broadstairs.

creased-leach

Definitely Broadstairs. Margate is an utter hovel. Broadstairs has a pretty town, and several pretty sandy beaches.
Herne Bay lacks any redeeming features.
Whitstable is pretty, but as has been said pebbly.
Birchington is ok, but not a day trip destination.

Taadaa

Broadstairs over Margate for sure. Margate will get better l think, but not for a few years yet.

Don't forget Dickens house and there are some lovely bays if yoi don't mind a walk. Nice old fashioned sweet shop too..!

naki

I live in the area, and am putting my vote in for Broadstairs. Margate is a rundown, horrible place with mostly closed shops and just money grabbing arcades for entertainment.

Also consider Ramsgate. It had a lovely sandy beach and a beautiful harbour.