Botany Bay
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© Graham Ó Síodhacháin and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© Nigel Chadwick and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© Nick Smith and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© Oast House Archive and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© N Chadwick and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© Nigel Chadwick and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© Henry & Jane Rios and licensed for reuse under this Licence
Botany Bay is the northernmost of seven bays in the popular Kent resort of Broadstairs. This sandy beach is deservedly popular with clean sands and a Blue Flag award for water quality. It was named after Botany Bay in Australia as local smugglers were caught on the beach and deported to Botany Bay, hence the name.
The bay is very attractive with chalk cliffs, golden sands and some rock pools. There’s a small (somewhat inadequate) car park but you can park on the nearby streets off Marine Drive. The approach to the beach has beach huts and flights of shallow steps.
There is an RNLI lifeguard service in high season and dogs are banned in the daytime from May through to September. The beach has a cafe but unfortunately the toilet facilities often have long queues. Despite these minor niggles, the beach remains very popular.
As well as being popular for sandcastles and beach sports, Botany Bay is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, swimming, sunbathing, fossil hunting, body boarding and kite-flying. It also has a deck chair rental service.
Nearby coastal walks offer superb views of Botany Bay from the Viking Coastal Trail and Kent Coastline Walk.
Type of beach
Sandy
Lifeguard service
Yes
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs banned from 1st May to 31st Sept from 10am to 6pm.
Activities
- Kayaking/canoeing
- Surfing
Facilities
- Toilets
- Disabled facilities
- Lost child centre
- Deck chair hire
Nearest town
Postcode
CT10 3LG
OS grid ref.
TR 3915 7117
Parking
Parking including disabled spaces available.
Water quality
Awards
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Botany Bay Reviews
Best beach in south east England
Amanda
Mar 31st 2024I went there with a group of friends and the dog at weekend. It is a very impressive beach and one of the most beautiful beaches in England. We were lucky enough to get a parking space just beside the entrance as we arrived fairly early. Highly recommend this place.
Great beach, pub and even a naturist area
Brian
Mar 07th 2024There’s a huge tidal range at the beach, so at high tide you’ll be on a tiny, crowded strip. To the left as you face the sea is the area that’s used by naturists. At low tide there’s more space, although you’ll be scrambling over rocks on the chalk reef to access the sea. Parking on busy days is easiest and cheapest at nearby Joss Bay. The sea is generally clean. Check out the Southern Water site ‘beachbuoy’ for alerts on sewage discharges, just in case.
Hidden Gem
Mark
Apr 13th 2022Came across the beach by chance and was amazed at the stunning scenery of the chalk stacks. Walked around and stayed most of the afternoon. Quiet, great beach and was delighted to find a small friendly beach kiosk to complete a wonderful beach day out. Will certainly visit again. Have to agree with previous comments about the water being cold but lovely!
Great little quiet beautiful spot
David
May 28th 2021Found this on a whim but was worried it would be busy and crowded being so near to Margate/ Broadstairs ect but it wasn't! Lovely and quiet, lots of free parking then Fish & chips for dinner a must visit!
Best beach in England?
John
Sep 14th 2020Good sand, suitable for sitting on, digging holes and building castles. The sea is excellent and offers wonderful bathing conditions, though temperatures are no higher here than other English locations. Swimmers used to warmer seas may find it cold.
It is a very photogenic location, with spectacular chalk cliffs. At low tide there are rock pools and you can walk round the cliffs to get to more sand. If you don’t return before the tide comes in, you will have to wait 6 hours, so bring some food and drinks.
There isn’t much in the way of facilities. The car park is so small that there is not really any point trying to park there. It means you have to park on the streets nearby, to the annoyance of the local residents. There are no shops or cafés and the toilet can have very long queues. Sometimes there are lifeguards, but don’t count on them.
This is a really good beach, definitely one of the best in England. Bring your stuff, avoid the busiest summer days, and you will love it.