Beaches and coastline

A celebration of the Kent coast!

Kent has one of the longest and most varied coastlines in England. Almost one third of the people of Kent live in coastal districts.

The coast has some of the finest heritage sites in the country, together with exceptional sites of international importance for wildlife. These include towering cliffs, lonely marshlands, popular holiday towns, international ports and tiny harbours.

Kent Coastal Network

Kent’s Coastal Network is a useful free service for anyone working in the coastal environment, or with an interest in the issues facing the Kent coastline.

The website is regularly updated with news stories and details of coastal initiatives and has contact details for the many member organisations.

Kent Coastal Network also provides opportunities for partnership working and a platform to discuss common issues. For information, visit the Kent Coastal Network website.

Kent's beaches

Kent's long and varied coastline provides a wealth of beaches, from secluded shingle bays to large expanses of golden sands.

Kent's position in the south of the country, and its proximity to continental Europe, means the climate of Kent is ideal for enjoying the coastline.

Blue Flag beaches

Blue Flag status is awarded to beaches with high water quality, a record for safety and service, environmental management and information.

Kent has an excellent record and in 2008, 12 beaches were awarded Blue Flag status, with Thanet having the highest number of Blue Flag beaches, including:

• Botany Bay, Broadstairs
• Joss Bay, Broadstairs
• Minnis Bay, Birchington
• Ramsgate Main Sands
• St Mildred's Bay, Westgate
• Stone Bay, Broadstairs
• West Bay, Westgate
• Westbrook Bay, Westgate 

For more information, visit the Blue Flag website.

Coastal National Nature Reserves in Kent

National Nature Reserves are selected by Natural England as nationally important, because they are among the best examples of a particular type of habitat, which support a diverse range of interesting wildlife.

Kent has four coastal National Nature Reserves, which are situated at Dungeness, Elmley, Sandwich and Pegwell Bay, and the Swale.

All these special areas are there for you to visit. For more information, please visit the Natural England website.