In recent years Botany Bay in Kent became a popular tourist destination. This is no surprise as the beach is a lovely place to relax, have fun and pursue different sports activities. The Isle of Thanet has many beautiful beaches, but Botany Bay is special in many ways. The gorgeous chalk cliffs in the background, sandy beach, hidden coves and rock pools make it stand out from the rest. There are no arcades and city noises here. It is a great place to enjoy if you love nature. In 2018 Botany Bay got the Blue Flag Award and more and more people flock to the beach, especially on hot summer days. Despite the occasional crowd, it is still a charming place, which is well worth a visit!
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Guide book suggestions for the area
I love the Wild Guide books and have the whole collection. This one focuses on hidden gems, beaches, unique accommodation and canoe/kayak trips within easy reach from London.
This is another favourite book. If you are into photography then it’s an absolute must. Gives great suggestion about compositions and best time to visit during the day/year.
Where to stay
If you want to avoid the nightmare parking situation, then your best bet is to stay in a nearby town for a few nights. Margate, Kingsgate and Broadstairs are all good options. This way you could either walk to Botany Bay or take the local bus.
What to do at Botany Bay
Surf
Kayak
Fly a kite
Swim
Sunbathe
Build a sandcastle
Explore hidden coves and rock pools
Go fossil hunting
Tides at Botany Bay
When the tide is out, Botany Bay is a great place for fossil hunting and exploring rock pools. You can even walk to Kingsgate Bay. When the tide is in the bay’s ends are cut off. However, there is still plenty of space on the sandy beach to enjoy a day out.
You can see the tide times here.
Facilities at Botany Bay
Seasonal lifeguards
Cafe/restaurant nearby
Pub nearby
Toilets
First aid point
Deckchair hire
Bins
How to get there
By organised tour
You can book an organised tour that provides a transfer from London. This way you don’t need to worry about the parking situation or public transport timetables.
By Bike
The Botany Bay is a great place to stop while you cycle the Viking Coastal Trail. (It is a circular cycle path, the majority is along the seaside. It goes past Minster, Monkton, Reculver, Birchington-on-Sea, Westgate-on-Sea, Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate.
Unfortunately, despite the easy access by bike, we couldn’t find any bike racks, so we had to take them down to the beach with us, which is a bit of an inconvenience.
By foot
The Viking Coastal Trail is also for walking so you can make your way on foot to Botany Bay from the nearby towns.
By public transport
From London, you can take a train to Canterbury or Westgate-on-Sea and then change to the bus called 8A breeze. This bus will take you all the way to Botany Bay.
Another option is to take a train to Ramsgate or Broadstairs and then change to the bus called the Loop. You will have to get off at stop “Friends Corner” and then walk a mile to Botany Bay.
By Car
Google maps can help you plan your journey by car.
Parking at Botany Bay
There is a small place to park for about 5 cars right before the path, which leads down to Botany Bay. As of April 2019 several roads leading to Botany Bay are now permit parking for residents only and fine is £100 otherwise. The best option is to park opposite Palm Bay School and then walk to the beach. It is a 15-minute walk.
Walking the dog at Botany Bay
There is a dog ban in place from 1st May until 30th September, when dogs are not permitted between 10 am to 6 pm.
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Please park responsible and take you rubbish home. Or dispose of it in the bins provided. Local residents have had it hard with having to try to keep the beaches clean and the emergency services being blocked because of some irresponsible parking. Please realise you are visiting people's homes as well as the beach. Enjoy your day and be kind.