This leisurely walk from Margate to Broadstairs of the England coast path with dramatic views of the hanging chalk cliffs. With spring just around the corner, this picturesque stroll is the perfect day trip to enjoy the great outdoors. The walk is around 6 miles (just under 10 km) and is part of the Viking Coastal Trail along the Isle of Thanet, in Kent. It was our first coastal walk in England and the landscape is nothing short of spectacular!
Strolling along the sandy beach with the phenomenal white chalk cliffs and the never-ending view of the beautiful English coastline, plus melancholy British weather, was a truly unforgettable experience. You can either walk from Margate to Broadstairs or the other way round. Further, you can do the whole walk at sea level or on the clifftop. However, if you want to do the walk at sea lever, then make sure to check the tide. Because some parts of the walk will be covered by sea water during high tide.
So the whole walk can be done within 2 hours. But I think it took us around 4 hours in the end! It wasn’t a difficult walk. We just strolled along leisurely. Took our time to soak in the views and of course had plenty of photo stops. So I would definitely factor that into your overall time. Because it’s too beautiful not to snap any!
Getting from London
Getting to Margate from London is pretty easy. It’s just an hour and half train ride from King’s Cross St Pancras station. You can stay on to Broadstairs and walk back or get off at Margate and walk to Broadstairs. It’s the same train. We decided to walk from Margate to Broadstairs, and train back London from Broadstairs. We were planning to walk all the way to Ramsgate, but by the time we reached Broadstairs, grab a bite to eat, the sun started to set and it got really COLD. So we made our way to Broadstairs train station and made our way back to London.
Margate beach
Margate is a historical town by the seaside and is one of the few sandy beaches in England. It feels like a step back in time. The Main Beach is like a carnival with kids play ground and jumping castles etc. Margate Dreamland is an amusement park with vintage rides. The beach is a very popular summer destination. I remember going there for a warm summer day, and the beach was full of people, I struggled to see where the sand is… haha!
Once you arrived at the Margate train station, make your way to the seaside. You will hit the Main Beach and we want to turn right to commence our walk (i.e. beach on our left). Soon after, you will see these colourful Kids Corner, which reminds me of a school carnival back in the days!
Walk from Margate to Broadstairs
As we went around the bend, we arrived at Walpole Bay. We started walking on the footpath along the promenade. But just note, the footpath will disappear and you’ll be walking on the sand, seaweed or rocky terrains. Some parts are only accessible on low tide. So it is important to check the tide before you embark this walk. Alternatively, just stick to the top of the cliff, like what we did.
By this point we decided to go up and carried on along the cliff. Because the view from the top was even more spectacular!
We did the walk late May. The temperature was in the high teens but without the sun plus the win, the real feel was more like low 10s. I felt a little under layered at times. So I recommend keeping that in mind when planning your walk.
Botany Bay, Kingsgate Castle and Joss Bay
As we walked forward, I always like to look back and check out the view behind me. It did not disappoint!
The next highlight is Botany Bay. During low tide, you can actually walk on the beach.
I could not believe people were beaching and swimming in the sea! I mean, we’ve been walking nonstop for about 2 hours by now, and I was definitely not warm in my Polo jumper and denim jacket!
Once you can see Kingsgate Castle, then you are getting close to Broadstairs!
Follow the path around to the back of the castle…
After Kingsgate Bay, you will be greeted with another set of white chalk cliffs… Joss Bay
Our walk from Margate finally got us to Broadstairs
Once you see these colourful beach huts all lined up on the promenade? That’s Broadstairs. We have arrived!
Hello colourful beach huts!! I’ve waited long too long to meet you!!
Now if you would excuse me… I have a beach hut photoshoot to get to…
Eventually we carried on the promenade to Broadstairs town. By this point, I just wanted to park myself somewhere warm and stuff my face. I was starving! and freezing!
Broadstairs was busy! It took us a while to find a restaurant. So make sure you book in advance. This was around 4pm by the way, on a cold-ish Sunday in May. I can only imagine what the town would be like in summer!
This is a wrap of our leisurely walk from Margate to Broadstairs. I hope you enjoy the photos and all these photos. Now you know why it took us 4 hours for a 2 hour walk?
With spring just around the corner, definitely worth considering this walk as a day out. You will not regret it!
Forgot how nice of a walk that was…..
Yeah same. I am definitely happy to go back… when it is warmer!! 🙂🙂