Holiday rentals in Broadstairs

Located on the southeastern tip of England between Margate and Ramsgate, Broadstairs is a classic British seaside town, with sandy shoreline, brightly coloured beach huts, and shops filled with antiques and curiosities. Less than an hour and a half from London, the town has long been popular with city dwellers, including world-famous 19th-century novelist Charles Dickens and his queen. Walkers and cyclists are drawn to the Viking Coastal Trail along the cliffs, where white-chalk cliffs tower over golden sands and North Sea waves.

Broadstairs’ seven beaches have powder-soft sand, perfect for building sand castles, while shallow, temperate waters make for pleasant paddling. The seafront is lined with tearooms, cafes, ice cream parlours, and traditional fish and chip shops. By day, you can browse the High Street’s independent shops and art galleries. By night, return to the restaurants and gastropubs, which serve up local skate and dressed crab, and microbreweries putting a new spin on old favourites.

The summer months bring bright sunshine and warm temperatures to Broadstairs, with occasional brisk winds that translate into great surfing conditions. To make the most of the town’s creative and cultural offerings, which include festivals celebrating Charles Dickens, book your holiday let in Broadstairs between June and September. On select evenings in July and August, there are fireworks displays accompanied by funfair rides and live music at the bandstand.

Broadstairs Food Festival is a celebration of all things gastronomical, which usually takes place on the last weekend in September, as temperatures start to cool. While it rarely freezes in Broadstairs, winter weather can become downright chilly, intensified by strong winds, heavy clouds, and frequent rains, so you’ll want to pack warm, waterproof layers.

Dickens House Museum

Once home to the writer’s close friend and the inspiration for a residence in one of his novels, this terraced cottage has been transformed into an homage to the author. The house, just back from Viking Bay, has been carefully preserved to showcase artefacts telling the story of his connection to Broadstairs.

Joss Bay

Less than 10 minutes from the town centre, the central sand bars of Joss Bay can generate the conditions that produce ideal waves for surfing. An on-site surf school offers lessons every day over the summer and at weekends in the cooler months, and there are plenty of boards and kayaks to hire. Hugged by chalk cliffs on both sides, the bay is also a handy starting point for scenic cycling routes and walks.

Viking Coastal Trail

This 51-kilometre, circular route, which runs around Thanet Island, is suitable for beginner cyclists and a visual treat for all abilities. Starting from Ramsgate, the route follows the chalk cliffs to Reculver Country Park, an ideal picnic spot. With bike hire available in Broadstairs and nearby towns on the route, you can choose to do the whole route or just a section.