Kent is surrounded by glorious beaches, but here's the ones with Blue Flags to head to for a day out in the glorious sunshine.

BOTANY BAY, BROADSTAIRS

Picturesque Botany Bay at Broadstairs has white cliffs, chalk stacks and a secluded sandy beach. It is said Botany Bay got its name from the fate of those caught smuggling – deportation to Botany Bay, Australia. With its sandy bay it is considered a gem in Thanet’s chalky crown. Explore the rock pools, sit back and relax, or, if you're feeling active, the 32-mile Viking Coastal Trail stretches around the entire Thanet peninsular. There are toilets and parking, but dogs are banned in peak season.

WEST BAY

Do you want to include sandcastle building in your trip to the beach? If so West Bay at Westgate-on-Sea couldn’t be better. With a long stretch of sandy beach, rock pools and a café on the promenade, it makes for a perfect family day out. High tide will see the beach submerged - along with those carefully crafted sandcastles - but when that happens, there are pubs and cafés nearby to watch the sunset.

ST MILDRED'S BAY

Another of Thanet’s sandy bays, St Mildred’s is a cliff-lined beach with promenade and tidal pool. The beach, also at Westgate, is edged with tennis courts, a putting green and a restaurant.

JOSS BAY

Known as the best surfing beach in Thanet, and home to the Wheels and Fins festival each year, beautiful Joss Bay near Broadstairs even has its own surf school where you can hire boards and wet suits. Soak up the views and enjoy refreshments from the café on the sands. There is parking and also toilets, but dogs are not allowed.

RAMSGATE MAIN SANDS

Ramsgate’s popular sandy bay offers all the traditional fun by the seaside plus children’s amusements, arcades and eateries. Nearby is also the vibrant Royal Harbour and the Marina.

There are charges for parking.

SHEERNESS BEACH

This shingle beach is an ideal spot for families looking for an afternoon by the sea. There are views from the gently sloping beach. After taking a dip in the sea, head ashore on the 6.3 mile mainly traffic-free Sheerness Way from Barton’s Point Coastal Park.

TANKERTON BEACH

Tankerton Beach is a haven of safe bathing, beach huts and sloping grassy banks. At low tide you can walk right out to sea, and there's a chance to explore rock pools, paddle and discover some local sea-life. You can also enjoy a picnic on the grassy area or just sit and enjoy the view down and out to sea. Dogs are allowed.

STONE BAY

A pebble's throw from Broadstairs’ main sands, Stone Bay is a spot to escape from the hustle and bustle of the town.

Take a dip in the sea or explore the rock pools while on this sandy beach and when the sun finally ducks behind the cliffs, head back into Broadstairs to its bars and eateries.

MINNIS BAY

This long stretch of beach is perfect sandcastle-building territory, with an outdoor play area, paddling pool and seasonal lifeguards. There's also water sports, and nearby is a 3.75 mile section of the Viking Coastal Trail to Margate main sands which is perfect for a bike ride.

MINSTER LEAS

Tranquil Minster Leas Beach has a grassy area and park benches sloping down to a long, shingle beach. When the tide is out, a good expanse of sand is revealed. A promenade runs alongside the beach which is popular with dog walkers and there is an outdoor gym.

There is parking nearby.

LEYSDOWN

The traditional seaside resort on the Isle of Sheppey, the beach is a long stretch of coarse sand backed by a wide promenade and sea defences. You can reach the beach via steps and ramps.

There is a dog ban in force. A nudist beach is half a mile along the coast at Shellness.

A Blue Flag guarantees the quality of bathing water, but many beaches without the flag promise a top day out without the award. For more details go to thebeachguide.co.uk