Viking Bay

Viking Bay is Broadstairs’ main family beach: a broad sandy bay with the town’s cafes, pubs, fish and chip shops, gift shops and a lift down to the beach. It sounds very much like the classic British seaside, and by the reviews it absolutely is. For families, the appeal is obvious. There’s plenty to do within walking distance, the beach is sandy and safe for children, and there’s enough around it to turn a beach trip into a proper day out. Several reviewers mention the history, the walking, and the sheer convenience of having food and drink so close by. The trade-off is that it can get very crowded and noisy, especially at peak times, with groups, teenagers and Bluetooth speakers doing their best to ruin the mood. Seagulls are also a proper menace if you’re eating. It’s not the quiet, wild bay type of beach; it’s urban, busy and a bit over-run with businesses. Handy, yes. Peaceful, not especially.