Advice on best places to stay on Kent coast

[zeebee]

We decided to look at a summer holiday on Kent coast before realising how big it is! As I am now paralysed with indecision could anyone please advise on best places to stay? We will be combining this trip with visits with friends who have recently moved to the Canterbury area.

I think I was originally thinking of Whitstable area but maybe not? And should we be looking to stay in a town or country? Days out are always enjoyed but us parents also like mooching around the holiday property or small trips out eg for ice cream.

We have kids between 9 and almost 2 and would need 3 bedrooms minimum. We have previously enjoyed holidays in small groups of properties with space to run and maybe a shared pool. Thanks.

[CharlotteBronteSaurus]

whistable is lovely but wanky chi-chi, and the beach is shingle

IMO Broadstairs is a better family destination - great sandy beaches, and a lovely ice-cream parlour

[wannabestressfree]

I second Broadstairs :} Its fab and lots to do. There are direct trains to Canterbury. Margate is also quite up and coming

[MegBusset]

Broadstairs is indeed lovely, Deal and Sandwich are nice too though shingly beach.

[zeebee]

Ooh, that's interesting, thanks. Chi-chi nice for a day trip but could get a bit tiresome, especially if prices are similar! I did find some ideal accommodation in Faversham but realise that's a bit far out of the way now.

I'll have a look into Broadstairs. I think there is a lot to do in that neck of the woods, National Trust places, wildlife parks and castles etc, is that right?

[bowyert1]

If you are looking at Broadstairs have a look at the homes PureHoliday Homes have as they have some interesting one pureholidayhomes.co.uk

[Portofino]

i'd 3rd Broadstairs. The main beach is lovely with cafes, mini golf and seafood stall. And then there are all the sandy coves like Joss Bay. Loads to do round there. Castles in Dover and Deal. Wingham Bird Park. Howletts Zoo. Canterbury is great for shopping plus the cathedral, Canterbury Tales and some wonderful old buildings. Sandwich is pretty. Some lovely country pubs for lunches out.....

[Portofino]

Not sure on your budget but this looks lovely!

[franticallyjugglinglife]

Another for broadstairs... Have just booked for Easter... hang on, will find link...

[franticallyjugglinglife]

Here it is. There is quite a nice selection on Holiday Lettings :)

[zeebee]

Portofino, thanks very much for the insider info! Very tempting.That place does look lovely. Am wondering though if I'd regret paying such a premium (and the strain on my nerves as 3 of the DC don't swim yet) if weather was shocking and the pool wasn't used. However, if sunny and warm, what an easy holiday and maybe DS would be confident in the water by the end! Howletts would be great as I think that's where Roar! was filmed.

Frantically, that looks like a great place but sadly too small for us - we have 4 DC.

bowyert1 will have a look at that site too, thanks.

Don't suppose anyone knows of somewhere in that neck of the woods with a shared pool.........?

[Portofino]

www.park-resorts.com/holiday-parks/kent-and-sussex/st-margarets-bay/

[Blu]

Broadstairs within easy walking distance of the centre and beach.
The beach is lovely, sandy, and good for swimming. The beach at Bnotany Bay is lovely - but staying ion the housing by Botany Bay is like a 60s housing area. In Broadstairs you have lovely cafes, lovely shops, a tiny cinema, very atmospheric.

Good day trips, apart from the other bays, and places the others have mentioned such as Howletts Zoo (excellent) are: walk to Ramsgate - along the sea wall path at the bottom of the cliff until Dumpton and then through the park along the cliff top and then along the lon Ramsgate prom / cliff path - your 9 year old could go on a bike or scooter (or walk) and the path is good for a pushchair. Margate - the new Turner Gallery and potter round the Old Town just behind the gallery.

[WineOhWhy]

possibly technically sussex rather than kent but the beach at camber is lovely and there is some beautiful cottages to rent on the beach google something like camber holiday cottages.

[Blu]

yes, Camber Sands are lovely, and Rye is beautiful - and similiar good attractions nearby - Port Lympne Zoo is terrific.

[triplets]

I live in lovely Deal!! Been here all my life and would not want to be anywhere else! Loads of nice s/c but also worth a look at Kingsdown Holiday Park, its A framed lodges, with club house, pool etc. Walking distance to sweet village shops and pubs, and by the beach which is fantastic for rock pooling. You would only be 5 mins from me..................you could come for tea in my shed!!

[zeebee]

Hi all. So sorry, didn't mean to be rude and disappear after all your advice. Too much indecision and other stuff going on!
Having been outvoted at the last minute about staying at the coast, we are now going to be slightly inland, east of Deal. Rye did look gorgeous, maybe we'll explore that area another time. But many thanks for all your tips, they were a great help and we'll be doing trips to most places recommended. Dd1 may get to learn to surf in warmer water after all! I'm looking forward to it already!