19 Things to Do & See in Broadstairs: As Recommended by a Local
Broadstairs is one of my favourite seaside towns to visit in Kent, because it’s packed with fabulous things to see and do! Whether you’re into history, outdoor adventures, or just relaxing by the beach, Broadstairs has something for everyone. From exploring the quirky town streets, visiting local museums, having a coffee in an independent cafe places, enjoying the sandy beach in Viking Bay and of course tasting the local ice-cream!
The town has a lovely motto which reads: “Stella Maris” and means the “Star of the Sea,”, which refers back to the time when Broadstairs was an important maritime town. Princess Victoria stayed in Broadstairs as a young girl before becoming Queen in 1837 and Charles Dickens spent many summer holidays here.
I’ve always loved visiting Broadstairs and often spend my birthday there. My favourite day in Broadstairs usually start with breakfast at the Royal Albion Hotel, following stroll on the Vikings Bay Beach with coffee at the Funicular Cafe, then checking out the latest ice-cream flavours at Morelly’s. If I have the time I also like the coastal walk to Ramsgate, fish & chips on the beach and film at the Palace Cinema.
In this blog post I’ve included all my 19 favourite places to see and thing do do in Broadstairs and I hope you’ll something here to help you to plan your next trip to Broadstairs.
1. Enjoy the sandy beach at Viking Bay
The town’s main beach Viking Bay is right in the centre of Broadstairs and has a lovely cliff top promenade walk. It’s sandy beach, perfect for families, and it also has children’s rides, beach huts, ice-cream stall and cafes.
Viking Bay was originally called the Main Bay, which to me makes more sense as a name. But, the beach was renamed in 1949 to celebrate the 1,500th anniversary of the landing of Hengist and Horsa, who later became the first “king” of Kent.
Broadstairs has in total seven different beaches – the nearby Joss Bay is a surfer’s paradise, while Botany Bay, once a smuggler’s haven, is now great spot for fossil hunting and peaceful relaxation.
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2. Taste Morelli’s Gelato & Traditional Itallian Ice-Cream
Any time I visit Broadstairs I always pop in to Morelli’s Gelato on Victoria Parade. Morelli’s first opened their ice cream parlour in 1932 and is something of a Broadstairs institution. It’s still family-run and the parlour is designed in very retro style with purple and pretty pink colours, jukebox, pink leatherette booths and chairs.
The Ice-cream Sundays, banana floats and banana milkshakes are amazing and I’m always struggling to choose only one flavour, so I don’t! Last time I visited I had the most delicious pistachio, hazelnut and mint ice cream, yum! If you want to sit inside, the menu also includes tea, coffee, soft drinks, panini, and even Prosecco.
Address: 14 Victoria Parade, Broadstairs CT10 1QS
There is also another traditional Italian ice-cream called Chiappini’s just further away on the top promenade. There is very nice seating outside and you can also have coffee or snacks and watch the Broadstairs Harbour and Viking Bay.
Address: 1 The Parade, Broadstairs CT10 1NB.
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3. Join St Peter’s Village Historic tour
St Peter’s Village is now part of Broadstairs, but once it was a separate village and much more important than Broadstairs. It’s about 20 minutes walk back up to the hill inland. The village has a historic Norman Church and super interesting history that you can learn about when you join the St Peter’s Village Tour.
I’ve done the tour recently and it’s been really great fun. It was a two-hour walking tour of the village with series of stops where other members of the tour in period costumes talked about the sights, buildings, history and characters of the village.
The walk only covers about a mile in total, which gives you an idea of the number of engaging group and individual activities along the way. The quality of the acting may have varied at times but the enthusiasm of the volunteers never wavered.
I quickly learnt about Methodism and smuggling, conditions in the workhouse and breakfast concerts for the fashionable elite of Broadstairs.
Humour was never far from the presentations, especially from the trio of reprobates lying locked in the stocks who traded repartee in between telling us how they’d ended up in such an unfortunate and lowly position. There can’t be much more enjoyable ways of learning about Broadstairs’ fascinating history.
4. Enjoy coffee at The Funicular Coffee House
This is an absolute hidden gem, but so glad I found it! You need to walk down the steps from the top promenade and or walk along the Viking Bay Beach and you’ll see the cafe built into the steep rocks.
I’ve had a delicious iced-coffee with milk, but you can also have a homebaked slice of cake, light snacks and of course other drinks too (including cocktails and beer). There is a small outdoor seating area at the cafe and more wooden tables on the beach.
Address: Viking Bay Beach, CT10 1LZ
5. Old Saint Mary’s Chapel
Old Saint Mary’s Chapel dates back to at least the 1350s, which makes it one of the oldest buildings in the town. It was originally built as a place for sailors to pray before setting out on their voyages, and it became an important place for people living in and visiting Broadstairs.
One of the most interesting facts about Old Saint Mary’s Chapel is that it was once part of a larger complex known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Bradstowe. Pilgrims from all over England used to come here to pray, and it was a very important religious site during medieval times. The chapel’s two towers were especially famous because sailors could see them from far out at sea, helping them navigate safely to shore.
The chapel survived a huge storm in 1520, which caused a massive tidal wave that destroyed much of the surrounding area. Despite this, Old Saint Mary’s Chapel remained standing, and it continued to be used for many years afterward.
Today, the chapel is no longer used for regular worship, but the good news is that it’s been turned into a pub! It’s very layed back and you can get a coffee and sit in the chapel’s library. It’s another fabulous hidden gem, that I like to visit because it’s like stepping back into medieval times.
Address: 4 Albion Street, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 1NE
5. Visit Dickens House Museum
The Dickens House Museum in Broadstairs is a fascinating place that celebrates the connection between the famous author Charles Dickens and the seaside town.
Charles Dickens, the author of classic novels like “Oliver Twist” and “A Christmas Carol,” spent many summers in Broadstairs between 1837 and 1851. During his stays, he found inspiration for some of his works, and his time in the town is fondly remembered and preserved in this museum.
The museum is in a charming cottage that overlooks Viking Bay and is believed to have been the inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood, a character in Dickens’ novel “David Copperfield.”
Inside the museum, you can see few personal items that once belonged to Dickens, including letters he wrote about Broadstairs, his writing box, and a mahogany side table.
- Address: 2 Victoria Parade, Broadstairs Kent CT10 1QS
- Opening Times: seasonal opening from Easter – end of October – Wednesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM, with the last entry at 4 PM
- Tickets: Adults £4.50, children under 16 £2.10, family ticket £10.00, which covers two adults and up to four children
6. See a film at the Palace Cinema
The Palace Cinema was built in 1911 and was originally a puppet show theatre hall. Most of the a hundred or so seats are below street level, which gives the theatre appearance of being smaller than it really is.
One of my favourite days in Broadstairs included deciding on a spur of a moment to buy a tickets for the evening show. It was great to enjoy the late summer evening on the beach without having to rush back home, then have a dinner and see a film. By the time the film finished and we walked up to the car, all the day visitors have gone and the roads were very quiet driving home.
I realised that this was a pretty good party trick, especially in the summer, when the M2 and A2 back to London gets clocked up with everyone returning from their day at the seaside. Now, I always check what’s on and stay to support a local independent cinema.
7. Seaside walk from Broadstairs to Ramsgate
I have done this walk so many times, but I can never get tired of the sea view and calming atmosphere this walk has. This walk is about 5 miles long (there & back) and usually takes me around a couple of hours, but it depends whether I stop for a coffee at Ramsgate or not (and I usually do!)
The starting point is at Viking Bay and you just take the path on the sea level to the right and keep walking!
As you continue your walk, you’ll pass by Dumpton Gap, another small beach that’s great for a quick rest or a picnic. During the main summer season, there is also a little cafe hut with refreshments. The cliffs here are really impressive, and you might even see some interesting birds or marine life.
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Crampton Tower Museum
This is probably the quirkiest museum I’ve ever been to, but because I’m into industrial heritage, I really liked it. The Crampton Tower Museum is dedicated to the life of Thomas Crampton, a Victorian engineer and pioneer in gas, water works, and telegraph cables. Born in Broadstairs in 1816, Crampton was first a plumber and architect before qualifying as an engineer who worked mainly on the railways.
Crampton laid the first working telegraph cable under the English Channel in 1851, and back in Broadstairs, he installed a pump in the Bath House (now Chiappinis Ice-Cream Parlour). Not only did he pump water up from the sea, but he also heated it, which ment that his friend Charles Dickens could take warm showers when the sea was too cold!
- Address: The Broadway, Broadstairs Kent CT10 2AB
- Opening Times: March to late December, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM, with the last admission at 4:00 PM
- Tickets: Adults: £4.00, Children (aged 4-16): £2.00, Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 children): £10.00
9. Browse the Art Galleries
Broadstairs is a haven for art lovers and there are several galleries displaying the work of both local and international artists. You can admire original paintings in oil, watercolour, acrylic and pencil. Some galleries also have murals, photographs on canvas, and offers art classes.
Broadstairs Gallery – original artwork and limited edition prints, picture framing service
- Address: 10 Charlotte Street
- Opening Times: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm (closed for lunch 1pm-2pm) and Sunday from 11am to 4pm.
Little Art Gallery – original paintings in oil, watercolour, acrylic and pencil
- Address: 1 Eldon Place off Harbour Street
- Opening Times: Open every weekend all year round, and every day except Tuesdays from Easter to New Year, and weekends only from New Year to Easter.
New Kent Art Gallery & Studio – paintings, sculptures, crafts, ceramics, and gifts, and is a hub for artists and makers
- Address: 49a Albion Street
- Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, closed Mondays.
Kent Coast Gallery – photography gallery with work of Broadstairs based photographer James Davies
- Address: 15 Grosvenor Road
- Opening Times: Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
10. Have a brunch at Royal Albion Hotel
We arrived about 10.00 and our thoughts immediately turned to breakfast. Several places caught our eye but we eventually plumped for the Royal Albion Hotel with a view of Viking Bay.
The interior was dark brown leather sofas and wooden tables set against a light white background with an airy relaxed atmosphere. My Eggs Benedict with salmon was delicious and the Americano coffee left a pleasantly frothy yet bitter taste.
The Royal Albion Hotel was built in 1760 and like many places in Broadstairs has a connection to Charles Dickens. Dickens frequently stayed at the hotel during his visits to Broadstairs in the mid-19th century. The hotel has a room named after him, the “Dickens Room,” where it is said he wrote parts of his novel “Nicholas Nickleby.”
Address: 6-12 Albion Street, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 1AN,
11. The Bleak House
Bleak House was a favourite place for Charles Dickens to stay while in Broadstairs. However, it was only in the early 20th century that the name Bleak House was adopted, before that it was called the Fort House. A guest claimed that it was the setting for Dickens’ novel of the same name, but this has never been proven. Despite this, Bleak House kept it’s name ever since.
The house was built in 1801, it was the residence of the captain of two coastal forts that guarded Broadstairs. The house is a grade II listed building and it’s now a private house with no public access. You can see Bleak House from the beach and if you want to you can also walk up to it as it’s a starting point for the coastal walk to Margate.
I’m glad, I had the opportunity to visit the Bleak House several times, when it was a museum and a hotel with tearooms. I visited the study where Dickens wrote ‘David Copperfield’ on an upright writing board which allowed him to gaze at the sea view for inspiration.
I remember, that each room was literary filled with exhibits, furniture and other things so it was almost impossible to move around. There was also a small Smuggling Museum which had various exhibits and artefacts from local shipwrecks.
On another occasion, when the house become a hotel, I had an afternoon tea in one of the large ornate room. The complimentary bubbly was a nice touch and the staff kept refreshing our tea, which was served in a huge pot. There was a selection of sandwiches, fruit scones, clotted cream, mini patisseries and preserves and we had plenty of time to admire the grandeur of the surroundings while steadily working our way to the top of the tea stand.
Address: Fort Road, Broadstairs Kent CT10 1EY – no public asses, it’s a private house now
12. Revolution Skatepark and Climbing Centre
Revolution Skatepark and Climbing Centre is a huge indoor facility with three big warehouses filled with all kinds of ramps and obstacles for skateboarding, scootering, inline skating, and BMX riding. Plus, there’s a cool climbing area where you can try bouldering, which is like climbing without ropes on shorter walls.
The prices are pretty reasonable too. For skatepark sessions, you can pay around £9 for a single session, and if you want to try climbing, it’s about £9 per person as well. You can even get discounts if you book multiple sessions in advance. It’s a great place to hang out with friends, learn new skills, and have a blast!
Address: Oakwood Industrial Estate, Dane Valley Road, St Peters, Broadstairs Kent CT10 3JJ
13. Promenade Walk from Broadstairs to Margate
The Promenade Walk from Broadstairs to Margate is a super fun and scenic route that’s about 4 miles long and usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Starting from the beautiful Viking Bay in Broadstairs, you get to see some amazing coastal views as you walk along the clifftops.
Along the way, you’ll pass by several stunning bays like Stone Bay, Joss Bay and Botany Bay, each is a bit different and there are perfect spots for taking breaks or snapping photos.
Another interesting building you’ll see on your walk is the North Foreland Lighthouse, which which was until 1998 the last manned lighthouse in the country. John Buchan’s book “The Thirty Nine Steps” was also inspired by lighthouse and you can even stay here as the lighthouse can be rented as a holiday cottage.
When you get to the Kingsgate Bay Beach, you’ll also see the historic Kingsgate Castle perched on the cliffs, which looks really cool. As you get closer to Margate, you can spot the iconic Turner Contemporary art gallery and the retro Dreamland amusement park.
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14. Lillyputt Minigolf
The Lillyputt Minigolf a super fun place where you can play mini golf with your family and friends! It’s a cool mini golf course with 12 holes and a special 13th hole for an extra challenge.
The prices are pretty good too—adults can play for £4.50, and kids can play for £3.50. It’s a great way to spend some time outdoors and enjoy a bit of friendly competition!
Address: Victoria Parade, Thanet, Broadstairs Kent CT10 1QL
15. Listen to the music at the bandstand
The bandstand is just opposite the Morello’s Ice-cream Parlour, so you can get your ice-cream and then sit down at the bandstand to listen to the music. Musical events are hosted at the Bandstand in Victoria Gardens throughout the year, but mainly in the summer months.
The bandstand is also being used as one music venue during the Broadstairs Folk Week in August, when you have the opportunity to enjoy traditional folk music in a beautiful setting.
16. Relax at Victoria Gardens
Victoria Gardens were opened in 1892 by Princess Louise, Queen Victoria’s daughter. It’s a lovely place to sit and enjoy ice-cream or listen to the music band playing at the bandstand.
There is also an interesting Jubilee Clock Tower, which was built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Unfortunately, the original tower was destroyed by fire in 1970, so the tower was replaced with a new one to celebrate the Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee.
17. Follow the Broadstairs Town Trail
I usually walk around Broadstairs without map happily exploring the town and finding new hidden corners. But if you wanted to be a bit more organised, you can follow the Broadstairs town trail.
The Broadstairs Information Kiosk, which is near the Bandstand, is a great starting point for trail. It is open from April to the end of October and run by volunteers, but you can also download the trail map from their website. The trail includes most of the attractions in Broadstairs and also has an option to do the cliff top walk to Ramsgate with fabulous coastal views.
18. Broadstairs Dickens Festival
Broadstairs Dickens Festival is an annual event that was started in 1937 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Charles Dickens’ first visit to Broadstairs.
The festival is held every year during the third week of June, except for the years during the Second World War. Charles Dickens was so fond of Broadstairs that he referred to it as “Our English Watering Place.”
19. Listen to the music at the Broadstairs Folk Festival
The Broadstairs Folk Week is annual festival, which started in 1965 and has grown over the years and now attracts thousands of visitors each summer. The festival celebrates folk music and dance, bringing together performers and enthusiasts from all over the country.
The next festival is usually held at the beginning of august, when the town is transformed into a lively hub of activity with music, dancing, and various cultural events happening throughout the day and night. The High Street comes alive with street performers, craft stalls, and food stalls offering delicious local and international cuisine.
Some concerts are free or very low cost and some (usually the evening concerts) are payable, but the tickets are still amazing value. Unlike other festivals you might know, here you can buy tickets only for the bands you want to see. Since the festival is happening in the town, you can also just come in for the atmosphere.
This blog post was originally published on 16 October 2015 and last updated on 7 November 2024
