Hayne Barn Estate is the perfect location for families and couples looking for a beach day in Kent. Whether it’s strolling along the promenade at Hythe Beach, taking a dip in the sea at Folkestone’s East Cliff and Warren Country Park, or sunbathing on Camber Sands, there are five beautiful beaches within a 30-minute drive of our Yurts and Eco Lodges. So come and enjoy all that Kent’s stunning coastline has to offer!
Ten of Kent’s beaches have just been awarded Blue Flag titles, along with four scooping the coveted 2022 Seaside Award. Keep Britain Tidy has announced these well-deserved achievements, commending them for their high standards of cleanliness and top-notch visitor facilities.
Hythe Beach
Hythe Beach is nestled between Folkestone and Dymchurch – a much-needed haven from the excitement of bigger seaside towns. With its unspoiled pebble shoreline sloping down to the sea, you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised by how deep it gets when the tide rolls in.
The two-mile promenade provides plenty of opportunities for cyclists and pedestrians alike to take in views of France across The Channel on clear days; or alternatively find benches to rest on while taking advantage of the many ice-cream stands, food vendors, and drink outlets scattered along it. Fishing’s also a popular pastime here, with no lack of parking spots available near the beach.
It seems this quaint little town hasn’t succumbed to overdevelopment like others have – so if you’re after somewhere peaceful yet still close enough to some great tourist attractions then Hythe Beach should be on your list of places to visit!
Folkestone’s East Cliff and Warren Country Park
Explore a world of wild nature and stunning views at Folkestone’s Warren Country Park. The area is nationally recognized for its significance to both wildlife and geology, plus it has been designated as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Nature Reserve.
If you’re looking for leisurely activities, the park’s side facing the town centre offers large lawns with plenty of space for playing games, having a picnic, or playing at the bowls club or Pitch & Putt golf course – all while admiring views of the three Napoleonic-era Martello Towers.
For those seeking an adventure, 200 years’ worth of landslides have created The Warren – a steep landscape covered in thick vegetation that leads all the way down to the sea beneath the cliffs. Take one of White Cliffs Countryside Project’s maintained walks along this section; why not try the Four Seasons Walk? Along it are interpretation panels demonstrating how nature changes with each season.
It’s easy to be amazed here – from chalk grassland wildflowers joining woodland plants to sea air promoting rock sea lavender, wild cabbage, and rock samphire growth – not forgetting over 150 different birds which call The Warren their home! Plus there’s also great sites for fossil hunting when low tide allows you to explore pools by Rockpooling!
Sandgate Beach
Take a break from your daily routine and head to Sandgate, a quaint coastal town located just two miles down the coast from Folkestone. Pack a picnic basket or some snacks to go along with your skimming stones, as you relax on the pebble beach and watch boats and ferries pass by in the distance.
The promenade that runs all the way between Hythe to the west and Folkestone to the east makes it easy for pedestrians, cyclists, joggers, or anyone looking for a bracing stroll along the seafront. And don’t forget to take advantage of all those cozy benches lining up along it! Plus, you can find an array of cafés and kiosks selling ice cream and other delightful treats.
Back into town, there are plenty of pubs, restaurants, and independent shops offering unique products plus some parking spots if needed – although at peak times these can get quite busy so plan ahead!
Dymchurch Beach
The vast stretch of beach at Dymchurch is sure to make you laugh in delight! The sandy shore runs 3 miles along the Kent coast and is backed by a sea wall that was built in 2011 at an exorbitant cost of £60 million. It’s wide enough for pedestrians to walk all the way from Hythe Military Rifle Range to St Mary’s Bay; however, take caution as it can get quite slippery when wet.
When the tide goes out, adventure awaits! This expanse of beach near Dymchurch village is perfect for playing in the sand with your bucket and spade, lounging around in the sun, or splashing about in the waves. The beach gets crowded during summertime due to its flatness – so be mindful of how quickly tides can rise!
Just off Dymchurch High Street stands Martello Tower number 23 which will take you back to early 19th century Napoleonic Wars times – a reminder of coastal defenses against possible French invasion. The tower is now owned by English Heritage and visits are available by appointment.
If you’re travelling with young ones there’s plenty for them to do; what better than donkey rides on Dymchurch Beach during the holiday season? Not only that but it also has amusement parks and resort facilities without being too commercialised. Kids will love taking a ride on Romney, Hythe, and Dymchurch narrow gauge railway which connects between Hythe and Dungeness — now that’s what we call fun-filled family entertainment!
Camber Sands
Just a hop, skip and jump across the Kent border lies East Sussex’s very own paradise – Camber Sands!
Unlike its typical shingle-covered peers along the coast, Camber Sands is blanketed in an abundance of golden sand that’ll delight both adults and children alike. It’s also home to East Sussex’s only set of sand dunes – so don’t forget your bucket and spade!
For the beachcombers out there looking for something special, head on over to where the River Rother meets its watery fate at sea. Here you’ll be treated to a wonderland of shoreline full of smooth sands perfect for castle building or even kite-surfing if you’re feeling brave. And with nearly 5 miles of coastline to explore at low tide, it really would be a crime not to go beachcomb hunting here!
Don’t let this hidden gem be overlooked though; despite its popularity as a windsurfing destination and prime seaside spot for Londoners, Camber Sands remains largely unspoilt throughout most parts of the year. So why not take advantage of this little slice of coastal heaven?
So which Great Beach will you visit?
When staying with us, you can’t help but explore all the amazing beaches that are just a few steps away. And if we had to pick one of our absolute favourite activities? Nothing beats grabbing some fish and chips from the local shop and then strolling along Hythe Beach’s Promenade for a spot of people-watching before giving skimming stones into the sea!
Ready to book your great beach day holiday at our Yurts and Lodges, then click here