'Beautiful' seaside town has seven sandy beaches that tourists '100% recommend'

London might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of seaside escapes, but surprisingly, it's closer than you might imagine.

Just an hour and a half away from the capital's hustle and bustle lies the picturesque coastal town of Broadstairs, boasting not one or two, but seven stunning sandy beaches and bays.

Whether you're drawn to the secluded charm of Botany Bay, the family-friendly vibes at Viking Bay, or the surfer's haven of Joss Bay, there's a beach for every taste.

It's not just contemporary city dwellers who've been lured to this idyllic Kentish coast during warmer days; famed author Charles Dickens was quite taken with the area too.

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He often stayed at a property known as Bleak House and is said to have penned several of his literary works in Broadstairs. Nestled beside the popular Margate, Broadstairs offers a similar allure but with fewer crowds to contend with.

A recent visitor shared their experience at Botany Bay on TripAdvisor, enthusing: "What an amazing beach. Beautiful sand. Lovely cliff side walks along the beach, also a cave the kids enjoyed. The perfect place for a family picture or two," reports the Express.

They added: "Well worth a visit. The signal is not good so I'd advise taking some cash if you want to use the cafe for a coffee or ice cream as the card reader kept losing signal. 100% recommended."

For those who fancy a change from the seaside, Broadstairs boasts attractions like the Dickens House Museum, The Little Art Gallery, as well as adventurous offerings such as Revolution Skatepark and Lillyputt Mini Golf.

The Dickens House Museum, a must-visit for book lovers, has a fantastic view of Viking Bay and delves into the life of the famed novelist. Would-be visitors are reminded that it's only open for half the year, so make sure to check the opening times to avoid being turned away.

One enthusiast shared their experience of the museum: "Sweet little house in Broadstairs. Strongly recommend listening to one of the (free) guides offering insight.

"There's not LOADS to see - but for a very small sum (£4) you get a real feel for Dickens in Kent. A nice additional view - similar feel to the Dickens museum in London, but so lucky to hear our informative guide. Lovely little shop too!".

Art enthusiasts won't want to miss out on The Little Art Gallery, which despite its intimate size, showcases over 300 original artworks, including paintings, prints, and handcrafted pieces by local talent.

A Broadstairs local recommended the gallery, commenting: "This is a really interesting small art gallery where we have bought a few pictures for our new home in Broadstairs. The prices are acceptable, and the standard good. Would recommend."