Botany Bay Beach, Kent Wales © Phillip Halling via Wikipedia Commons
Botany Bay Beach is located on the eastern corner of Kent in south east England. The sandy beach is one of the finest in the UK offering some inspiring views of white cliffs and scenic chalk stacks. The beach has Blue Flag status and is recommended by the Marine Conservation Society making it an ideal place to go for the whole family. Botany Bay is perhaps not as well known or high profile as some other well known beaches in the UK, the hidden gem is one of Thanet's hidden gems. The beach is popular with families and sun bathers and those taking part in water sports and outdoor activities.
Quick Facts
Botany Bay Beach:
Region: South East England
County: Kent
Main Settlements close by: Margate, Dover and Canterbury.
Attractions
Botany Bay is the most northerly of the beaches in Broadstairs in Kent and is arguably one of the most scenic, the blue flag beach includes more than 200 metres of golden sands that is backed by White Cliffs and rock pools giving the area a distinctive look. The beach is a popular one for families offering children the opportunity to explore. At low tide visitors can walk across to nearby Joss Bay known for being one of the best surfing beaches in Kent.
Local attractions include water sports including swimming, sailing, sea kayaking and surfing. There are a number of local cycle tracks and paths for visitors to explore, the paths and tracks go along the coast to link up with other beaches and sandy bays in the area.
The beach has seasonal lifeguards along with a fully stocked kiosk with a cafe, restaurant and pub located close by. The local North Foreland Golf Club is located close by popular with golfing aficionados. The town of Broadstairs includes some historic cobbled streets and a number of visitors attractions. Local attractions include the Crampton Tower Museum, Bleak House and Dickens House Museum both associated with author Charles Dickens.
Location
Location in eastern Kent in south east England; Botany Bay Beach is easily assessable from across southern Wales, the Midlands and southern England. From London and much of southern England it is 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes drive by car. From Newcastle, Durham and much of north east England the area is 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours by car, from Leeds it is 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours by car, from Birmingham and much of the Midlands it is 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes. From Liverpool and Manchester it is approx 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours.
From Cambridge and much of the East of England it is 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours by car. From Cardiff and areas within South Wales it is 4 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes by car.
Tourist Information
The Thanet Visitor Information Centre in Margate is located approx 2.5 miles to the west of Botany Bay Beach. The Broadstairs Information Kiosk is located on Broadstairs seafront approx 3 miles to the south of Botany Bay. The tourist information centre and information kiosk can provide visitors with useful information, help, advice and tips on the local areas.
The tourist information centres includes knowledgeable staff with valuable local knowledge with information on local attractions, places of interest, things to see and do, along with local advice and tips. A visit to the tourist information centres provides a good first port of call for visitors helping to better plan and organise trips in and around the local area. At the centres visitors can find out about local events, public transport options and accommodation facilities.
Local Accommodation
Local Accommodation includes a choice of hotels that include historic and contemporary hotels, local B & B’s, Inns, Guest Houses, Self Catering houses, holiday homes and cottages. Local accommodation is available in Broadstairs, Dover and Margate. Towns located in the area including Dover and the city of Canterbury provide a choice of accommodation along with good access to local facilities from which to the surrounding local areas.
Nearby Cities and Towns
Local Cities and Towns include the towns of Margate, Dover and the city of Canterbury, the local facilities, amenities, transport links and accommodation available mean they are popular places for visitors to base themselves from when visiting Botany Bay Beach and surrounding areas.
The town of Margate is located 2 miles to the west of Botany Bay, famous for being a seaside town, it offers seaside attractions for visitors to explore. Historically the town was an important port giving the town a maritime tradition; the town has been a seaside resort for over 250 years and has been a popular place for Londoners to go for a seaside break.
Margate's Old Town is home to a number of eateries, galleries, cafes, seaside stalls and vintage shops. The Harbour Arm is where visitors can find artists' studios, places to eat and drink and a gallery. The Turn Contemporary is an art gallery that is internationally acclaimed and houses both contemporary and historical works ad is located next to the harbour.
Local attractions include the Margate Jazz Festival that takes place annually in June in the Old Town; the festival attracts a number of top bands. In August the Margate Annual Carnival procession takes place bringing, fun, colour and sound through the town. Margate Museum is located in market place; it showcases the seaside heritage and history of the town over the years with a number of displays and exhibitions.
The city of Canterbury is located 10 miles to the west of Botany Bay. The city is home to Canterbury Cathedral, one of the oldest and best known in the UK which along with St Martin's Church and St Augustine's Abbey from the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Canterbury. The city offers an interesting mix of traditional and contemporary; visitors can see the historic cobbled streets in the city centre along with the historic attractions and also experience modern dining with restaurants from around the world.
The city includes a range of accommodation catering for all budgets, there are a range of interesting boutiques, small independent stores along with well known high street names. Areas of the city including West Gate Towers and Northgate are home to a number of individual and specialist shops.
The compact nature of the city means walking it a great way o explore the city and its wealth of attractions. Local attractions include the historic sites in the World Heritage Site and Canterbury Roman Museum, the ruins of Canterbury Castle and Canterbury Heritage Museum that showcases the history of he city dating back to Roman times that includes a number of displays, exhibitions and artefacts.
Canterbury is home to a number of universities including the University of Kent and has a large student population, the city includes a number of entertainment venues, pubs and nightclubs.
The town of Dover is located 6 miles to the north of Botany Bay. The town is a major ferry port and its location has meant it has always been of strategic importance. The local economy is based around shipping with passenger ferries and cruise liners using the port. Visitors an find a number of local bays, beaches and marinas with plenty of coastal walks and natural scenery to enjoy. The town includes a number of accommodation facilities, cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants making it a popular place with visitors.
Local attractions include the famous White Cliffs of Dover, the chalk cliffs are among the most famous attractions in Kent, there is a visitor centre there where visitors can find information, light lunches and refreshments. Visitors can wonderful cliff top walks in the area offering extensive views over the English Channel. Dover Castle has over 2,000years of history and offers a great historical day out for the whole family.
Goodnestone Park Gardens are gardens with connections to author Jane Austen; the gardens provide place of great tranquillity offering a great place for visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll in a scenic setting. For those after adventure the Dover Sea Sports Centre offering a range of water based activities including sailing, power boating and windsurfing.
How to Get There
Botany Bay Beach is accessible by both car and public transport.
By Car:
Botany Bay Beach is located approx 80 miles from central London via the A201, A2 and M2. The approx journey time is 1 hours to 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes depending on traffic, route and time of day.
By Train:
From London St Pancreas station and London Victoria station there are regular services to Broadstairs train station. The journey time is approx 1 hours 25 minutes to 2 hours depending on service, connections and time of day. From Broadstairs the Stagecoach East Kent bus service number 33 goes to Botany Bay, the journey time is approx 20 minutes.
By Bus/Coach:
There are regular coaches available from London Victoria Coach station to Broadstairs. The approx journey time is 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes depending on connections, time of day and traffic. Coach services to Broadstairs are provided by National Express
Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Botany Bay Beach Map
Tips & Other Considerations
The weather and climate can be unpredictable across the UK, there can be elements of all four seasons in one day. Ensure you check the weather forecast before you travel and have the correct clothing and footwear including appropriate footwear, raincoat and umbrella.
Follow travel advice and remain alert, vigilant and aware of your belongings at all times especially your wallet/purse and valuables and ensure they are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to Botany Bay in Kent ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Use the journey planner for door to door directions. Check traffic updates before you travel.
If you are looking for car parking in and around the beach and surrounding areas, ensure you fully understand the rules, regulations & charges for car parks and street parking. The rules & regulations can be complex & confusing if you are unclear, it is wise not to park there.
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, trams, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops well in time to avoid missing the service.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
