With its laid-back vibe, picturesque bays and foodie scene, you can’t go wrong when it comes to Broadstairs, whatever the weather.

Fiercely loved by locals and daytippers alike, Broadstairs, with its glorious beaches and quaint seaside charm, has kept its sparkle over the years.

And it’s not hard to see why.

Aside from its natural beauty - the unspoilt sandy bays, picturesque cliff top paths and historic buildings - the town offers more than your typical bucket and spade experience, from a high street lined with restaurants and independent shops, to music festivals and food events.

Visitors can learn to surf at Joss Bay or explore the chalk stacks at Botany Bay or Kingsgate Bay, while families can get involved in the fun at Viking Bay with its rides, trampolines and crabbing pool.

In the summer, children can watch King Neptune emerge from the sea as part of the much-loved Water Gala, when thousands descend on to the main beach for a day packed with family-friendly events.

And no visit to the resort is complete without a trip to 1950s ice cream parlours Morelli’s or Chiappini’s on the cliff top.

The town, a firm favourite of author Charles Dickens who wrote David Copperfield while holidaying there, has become something of a foodie destination in recent years, with its popular food festival in the autumn and plethora of restaurants taking up much of the lower high street.

Stark, run by Ben Crittenden, previously of the Michelin-starred the West House at Biddenden, is just one of a long list of celebrated eateries.

In addition to its food credentials, the town has also earned its place on the festivals map, boasting one of the biggest folk events in the country in the form of Broadstairs Folk Week - which takes place this weekend - and in September the Wheels and Fins Festival, which brings a host of bands, DJs and skateboarding to Joss Bay cliff top.

Grab a taste

If there’s a place guaranteed to be buzzing all year round, even in those typically quieter winter months, it’s Harpers. With live music events on every week, the Harbour Street venue is a favourite with locals, boasting a friendly, laid-back vibe, with cocktails thrown in.

Don’t miss

Wheels and Fins festival will be returning on September 7 and 8 to Joss Bay. The popular music event, set up by surf school owner Dave Melmoth, is in its sixth year and promises an eclectic weekend of music and action sport. This year’s headliners include S.P.Y and Kings of the Rollers.

New for 2019

The aptly named The Pub - a new micropub - has opened its doors in The Broadway. Run by enthusiastic family team John Beerling, Luke Bell and Max Bell, the new watering hole offers real ales, ciders, craft KeyKeg beers, wines and a range of gins. Customers can also bring their own vinyl records to play on a record player.

Fun for free

Tucked just around the corner from Broadstairs’ Viking Bay is peaceful Louisa Bay. You’ll find plenty of rock pools on this beautiful stretch of sandy beach, fantastic for children hoping to discover the bay’s variety of sea life. When the tide comes you can always escape onto the promenade for a cup of tea in the café.

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