Trains to Broadstairs

Broadstairs is a charming seaside town on the stunning Kent coastline, boasting seven sandy beaches and bays.

Once a favourite of Charles Dickens, the town has plenty of links to the famous writer. Admire colourful beach huts, venture out on cliff-top walks, indulge in delicious ice cream and explore an array of independent shops and eateries.

Getting here: highspeed trains to Broadstairs from St Pancras International take 1 hour 21 minutes.

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Seven beach and bays

Beautiful Broadstairs has not just one, but seven stunning beaches and bays – one for each day of the week if you wanted to stay – three have Blue Flags and one has a Seaside Award. Crescent-shaped Viking Bay is the town’s main bay, with a pretty harbour. Joss Bay is known as a surfer’s paradise, whilst the chalk stacks at Botany Bay and the arch at Kingsgate Bay are always in demand with keen photographers. They’re worth the walk if you’re feeling energetic.

Kent Surf School

Just under a 10 minute walk from the station, Kent Surf School offers lessons and hire of equipment for surfing, stand up paddle boarding, body boarding and kayaking. Open April to October, the school has won many tourism awards.

What the Dickens

The Victorian writer Charles Dickens was extremely fond of Broadstairs and there are many spots around town with links to the Victorian writer, including Bleak House where he stayed regularly. Literary fans will also enjoy the Dickens House Museum and meeting costumed characters at the annual Broadstairs Dickens Festival.

Do you want a flake with that?

No visit to Broadstairs would be complete without an ice cream! Stroll along the promenade with delicious gelato or an amazing sundae from one of the two 1950s ice cream parlours; Chiappini’s or the famous Morelli’s.