After exploring several seaside towns in England with my son, Broadstairs quickly became one of our favorites. Located along the Kent coast on the Isle of Thanet, this charming beach town combines sandy beaches, coastal walks, literary history and a slower pace that feels ideal for families traveling with kids or teens.
What surprised me most about Broadstairs was how easy and relaxing it felt compared to some of the busier UK beach destinations. The town is walkable, the beaches feel manageable, and there’s a mix of classic seaside charm and quiet cultural experiences that make it appealing for both parents and older kids.
The seasonal fair near Viking Bay added a nostalgic seaside atmosphere that teens and families will love.
If you’re planning a family trip to England and looking for:
- a safe and walkable seaside town
- beaches that work well for families
- easy train access from London
- coastal walks and literary history
- a slower-paced destination for traveling with teens
…Broadstairs deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Is Broadstairs, England Worth Visiting for Families?
Yes — especially if you enjoy slower travel, beach towns with personality and destinations that don’t feel overly commercialized.
Broadstairs offers:
- swimmable beaches
- scenic coastal paths
- Charles Dickens history
- family-friendly restaurants
- easy day trips from London
- a relaxed atmosphere that works well for multigenerational travel
It also feels less overwhelming than some of England’s larger coastal towns, which made a big difference when traveling with my son.
Walk in the Footsteps of Charles Dickens
Dickens House Museum
2 Victoria Parade, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1QS, United Kingdom
This small seaside cottage inspired Betsey Trotwood’s home in David Copperfield. Even if you’re not a huge Dickens fan, the location itself is worth visiting for the views and atmosphere alone.
My son enjoyed exploring the narrow rooms and looking out toward the sea while I loved seeing how the town still preserves its literary history without feeling overly touristy.
Best for:
- homeschool families
- literature lovers
- older kids and teens
- rainy-day activities
Tips:
- Visit earlier in the day during summer
- Purchase tickets ahead during busy weekends
- Pair it with a walk along the promenade
Relax at Viking Bay
Viking Bay
If you picture a traditional English seaside town, Viking Bay is probably what comes to mind. The beach features golden sand, colorful beach huts and calm water that works well for families.
My son especially enjoyed exploring the rock pools during low tide, while I appreciated how easy the beach was to navigate compared to larger UK seaside destinations.
Things to know before visiting:
- Check tide times before swimming
- Arrive earlier in the morning during summer
- Reserve beach huts in advance during school holidays
The promenade is lined with fish and chips shops, cafés and ice cream stands, making it easy to spend several relaxed hours here without needing a strict itinerary.
Explore Stone Bay and Joss Bay
If you’re traveling with teens, it’s worth venturing beyond Viking Bay.
Stone Bay
Stone Bay feels quieter and more peaceful, especially for long walks along the coastline. The pebble areas and cliff views make it feel less crowded and more scenic.
Joss Bay
Joss Bay is popular for surfing and tends to attract older kids and teens looking for something more active. Surf lessons are available during warmer months and should be booked ahead during summer.
One thing I appreciated about Broadstairs overall was the balance between activity and calm. You can spend the morning exploring beaches and the afternoon slowing down with coastal walks or cafés without feeling rushed.
👉If you love beautiful parks near beaches check Best Cornwall Holiday Parks Near the Beach (2026 Guide)
Walk the Viking Coastal Trail
One of my favorite parts of visiting Broadstairs was walking sections of the Viking Coastal Trail. The cliffs, sea views and fresh air make it feel completely different from London and much more relaxing for families needing a quieter pace.
If traveling with teens, these walks also help break up long beach days and add a little adventure to the trip.
Tips:
- Bring layers because coastal winds change quickly
- Wear supportive shoes for uneven cliff paths
- Download maps ahead since signal can vary in some areas
Broadstairs With Teens: What Older Kids May Actually Enjoy
Traveling with teens can be tricky because they often want more independence and variety. Broadstairs worked surprisingly well because the town feels safe, compact and easy to navigate.
Things teens may enjoy:
- surfing at Joss Bay
- beach photography
- arcades and seaside snacks
- fish and chips along the promenade
- train travel from London
- coastal cliff walks
- exploring independently within walkable areas
Where to Eat in Broadstairs
- Promenade fish and chips shops – we ate fish and chips two days in a row.
- Yummy Morelli’s Gelato
- Cozy tea rooms for afternoon cream tea – try Bessies Tea House.
- Sea-view pubs for sunset dinners – we ate at the Charles Dickens Gastro Pub
- Sunday Roast dinner at The Albion
Insider Tip: Make dinner reservations during festival weeks. Tables fill quickly..
Where to Stay in Broadstairs
Broadstairs offers everything from historic seaside hotels to charming family-run bed and breakfasts. We chose a boutique B&B within walking distance of Viking Bay and it ended up being one of our favorite parts of the trip.
Broadstairs House Boutique B&B Review
During our visit to Broadstairs, we stayed at Broadstairs House Boutique B&B and would happily stay there again. Located about a 10-minute walk from Viking Bay, the Victorian guesthouse offered a quieter and more personal experience than staying directly on the seafront.
The beautiful garden, vintage decor, and thoughtful touches throughout the property made it feel welcoming from the moment we arrived. Hosts Jenny and Peter were incredibly friendly and helped make our stay memorable. Peter cooked our breakfast using fresh vegetables from their garden.
One thing we learned while planning our trip is that the Royal Albion Hotel can be difficult to book during busy periods because it is the only hotel located directly on Viking Bay. While the location is fantastic, I would still choose Broadstairs House if we returned. The atmosphere felt relaxed, the rooms were comfortable, and it provided a peaceful place to unwind after a day exploring the coast.
That said, don’t skip the Royal Albion entirely. We enjoyed an excellent Sunday roast there, along with beautiful views overlooking Viking Bay. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s worth stopping by for lunch or dinner.
The Albion Hotel
Perched above Viking Bay, the Royal Albion Hotel offers some of the best sea views in Broadstairs and is one of the town’s most iconic places to stay.
Booking Strategy: Reserve summer stays at least 3–4 months ahead.
6-12 Albion Street, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1AN, United Kingdom
Why Go: Historic hotel where Dickens once stayed.
How to Get There and When to Visit
Trains run regularly from London Victoria to Broadstairs. The journey takes about 90 minutes, which makes a weekend escape easy without a car.
👉If you’re spending time in London before heading to the coast, like we did, check out The Ultimate Guide to 21 of the Best London Hotels for Sightseeing.
Summer draws the largest crowds thanks to festivals and warm weather. Spring and early fall offer fewer visitors and quieter beaches. Winter visits deliver dramatic cliff walks and peaceful seaside cafés. We went during July and I would go again as the water was warm enough to swim in.
Things I’d Do Next Time in Broadstairs
Even though we packed a lot into our trip, Broadstairs is one of those places that left me with a list of reasons to return.
Next time, I’d love to:
- Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at Bessie’s Tea Parlour.
- Get a closer look at Bleak House at sundown
- Try afternoon tea overlooking Viking Bay at the Royal Albion Hotel.
- Spend more time exploring Stone Bay and the coastal paths beyond Broadstairs.
- Walk a longer section of the Viking Coastal Trail.
- Visit during Broadstairs Folk Week.
- Take a surfing lesson at Joss Bay.
- Explore more of the nearby Kent coast, including Ramsgate and Canterbury.
- Return to Broadstairs House Boutique B&B, where the welcoming atmosphere, beautiful garden, and home-cooked breakfasts were highlights of our stay.
- Enjoy another Sunday roast at the Royal Albion Hotel while taking in the views of Viking Bay.
- I’d also love to spend more time exploring Kent and revisit beautiful destinations like Bath.
Some destinations are enjoyable once, but Broadstairs is the kind of place that makes you start planning your next visit before you’ve even left.
FAQ About Visiting Broadstairs, England
Is Broadstairs worth visiting?
Yes. Broadstairs combines sandy beaches, coastal walks, literary history, and traditional English seaside charm. It feels more relaxed and less commercialized than some of England’s larger beach destinations, making it a great choice for families.
Is Broadstairs good for families?
Absolutely. Families will find safe, walkable streets, family-friendly beaches, arcades, a seasonal funfair, and plenty of places to eat. Viking Bay is especially popular with families thanks to its sandy beach and calm atmosphere.
Is Broadstairs good for teens?
Yes. My son especially enjoyed the arcades, beach walks, rock pools, and funfair near Viking Bay. Older kids and teens may also enjoy surfing at Joss Bay, coastal photography, and exploring the town independently.
Can you visit Broadstairs without a car?
Yes. Broadstairs is easy to reach by train from London Victoria in about 90 minutes. Once you arrive, most attractions, beaches, restaurants, and accommodations are within walking distance.
What is Broadstairs famous for?
Broadstairs is best known for its connection to Charles Dickens, beautiful beaches, Viking Bay, and the scenic Viking Coastal Trail. The town still retains much of its traditional English seaside character.
What is the best beach in Broadstairs?
Viking Bay is the most popular beach for families because of its sandy shoreline, colorful beach huts, and convenient location near restaurants and attractions. Stone Bay offers a quieter experience, while Joss Bay is popular with surfers.
When is the best time to visit Broadstairs?
Summer is the busiest season and offers the warmest weather, beach activities, and local festivals. Spring and early autumn are excellent choices if you prefer fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Where should families stay in Broadstairs?
Families can choose from hotels, self-catering apartments, and boutique bed and breakfasts. We stayed at Broadstairs House Boutique B&B and loved its welcoming atmosphere, beautiful garden, and convenient location near Viking Bay.
How many days do you need in Broadstairs?
A weekend is enough to see the highlights, but three to four days allows time to enjoy the beaches, coastal walks, restaurants, and nearby attractions without feeling rushed.
Why Broadstairs Deserves a Spot on Your UK List
Broadstairs blends storybook charm with family-friendly ease. Between the beaches, coastal walks, literary history and relaxed pace, it ended up being one of our favorite stops in England. Whether you’re traveling with teens, planning a family vacation, or looking for a quieter alternative to some of England’s busier seaside towns, Broadstairs offers the perfect mix of relaxation, culture and coastal beauty.
Our next stop was Basingstoke to visit my parents. Back to reality!
👉Going back to London? Check out some luxury and stay at The Dixon by the Tower of London. If you are going in the winter check out The Ultimate London Packing List.
