Walking From Broadstairs To Margate Via Botany Bay

At the very edge of the Garden of England, the 10 km walk from Broadstairs to Margate via Botany Bay is one of the most beautiful in the country. Part of the 50 km long circular Viking Coastal Trail around the Isle of Thanet, a peninsula at the most eastern point of Kent, Margate and Broadstairs are some of England’s most underrated coastal towns – often over shadowed by the likes of Brighton and Bournemouth.

Such is not surprising because no one really thinks of England and equates the country to a “beach holiday” destination, so why would you spend time thinking about the many beach-front towns scattered across its southern coast? l am personally not a fan of visiting English beaches in the summer because of the crowds, however in the past year, I have grown to appreciate the English seaside for being a space that is about more than sun and sand.

The idea of standing on white sand or pebbles and being hypnotized by the roll of the waves in a sweater or winter coat may not sound appealing but as we left summer behind, I made my way to Kent, and the quiet atmosphere and serenity of deserted beaches were suddenly welcoming. Sure it wasn’t as cold as expected, but the brisk wind and freezing water were an insight into the world of winter beach walks and breaks in England. It was surreal and serene and the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of London, with a stirring beauty that paired well with a warm drink in a cosy pub. 

I am not entirely convinced anyone desperately needs to experience a beach break in England, but I do believe that the walk from Margate to Broadstairs via Botany Bay is worth your time and energy. You will love it if you are searching for nature in its most tranquil form, a setting that exude a retro feel, and excited by the idea of throwing a Frisbee around without the fear of taking someone’s eyes out.

So, when the summer and early autumn crowds have dispersed, there’s an opportunity to have the wild and wind-beaten English coast all to yourself – and if you are lucky enough to catch blue skies like I was, it makes the trip all the more worth it.

Quick Summary Of The Hiking Route For Broadstairs To Margate

Broadstairs Station to Joss Bay: 30 minutes
Joss Bay to Kingsgate Beach: 10 minutes
Kingsgate Beach to Botany Bay: 15 minutes
Botany Bay to Margate Beach (via Princes Walk): 1 hour
Margate Beach to Margate Station: 10 minutes

Travel and Accommodation 

Margate and Broadstairs are only four miles apart, and less than a 2-hour train ride from London, which makes them wonderful places for a day trip with low travel cost. I managed to buy my return ticket for only £18 (due to the railcard discount)! I personally recommend arriving in Broadstairs and leaving from Margate station because there’s a fair bit more to enjoy in this quaint, coastal town – however it all depends on where you would prefer to start your walk.

Typically, people come here for a day trip, but you have time to spare, must spend a night at Botany Bay Hotel to enjoy picturesque views overlooking the North Sea from the chalk clifftops. In fact, with 26 miles of the beautiful coastline, Broadstairs hosts the longest stretch of coastal chalk in the UK, which as a result, serves great importance to marine and bird life in the region.

Figuring Out Your Itinerary For Hiking From Broadstairs To Margate 

The Viking Coast Trail 

The Viking Coastal Trail between Broadstairs and Margate in its entirety is a circular, 32-mile walking or cycling path that runs along the coast and offers breathtaking views and interesting sights such as the historic ruins of Neptune’s Tower. It offers a nice change of pace from relaxing on the beach and gets you exercising in a scenic environment. Most people hike coastal trail from the cliffs, but if the tide is out, you may be able to walk the route from the beach.

If hiking/cycling the entire route isn’t for you, and you wish to remain in Broadstairs, don’t worry! Your walk from Kingsgate Beach to Botany Bay is part of the Viking Trail, so you will be able to experience a portion of its beauty.

Joss Bay

Broadstairs remains a destination of desire because its natural beauty is some of the best in the south of England. Begin your adventure by walking from Broadstairs Station to Joss Bay, a stunning 200-meter sandy cove featuring a surf school. This is where you want to be if you hope to catch a few waves along your hike – if not, its still a nice spot for a short stop.

Kingsgate Castle and Beach 

Kingsgate Castle and Beach is about a 10 minute walk from Joss Bay and can be your first place of relaxation as you walk the viking tail. It is a small but spectacular cove where you can spend an hour with a colony of notorious seagulls admiring the grand castle above and watching the waves crash into the castle walls. 

Botany Bay Beach

As you continue your walk along the viking trail, you will soon arrive at this beautiful paradise that offers one of the country’s finest sand beaches complimented by stunning views of towering white cliffs. Botany Bay is a hidden gem on the south coast that is growing in popularity but still feels like a place disconnected from the rest of the world, and when the tide is out, it makes it a great place for fossil hunting and exploring rock pools. 

You will be quick to realise that while the flight of stairs which gave the town its name are long gone, Broadstairs remains a destination of desire for its natural beauty is some of the best in the south of England. Not only did Queen Victoria once holiday here, but it is another of Charles Dickens’ favourite towns in England.

Most visitors of Margate and Broadstairs only care for spending time at Botany Bay, which is accessible from either station via a short bus drive. The bus from Margate to Botany Bay costs £3.50 for a return.

Margate Beach and The Arcades  

One hour from Botany Bay but only a 10-minute walk from Margate station, Margate Beach serves as the perfect place to end your walk and your trip if you are hoping to catch a striking sunset. Sit along the stairs and watch the sun become at one with the sea while enjoying a warm drink.

Moreover, no coastal town in England that is brim-full of nostalgic charm, is complete without its array of lively vintage arcades, so stop by the ones opposite Margate Beach and allow the sounds and blinking lights make you reminisce about your childhood. Who knows, you might collect enough tickets to win a lovely prize!

Top Attractions In Margate and Broadstairs

Beyond the hiking trails and amazing beaches and bays, here are two unmissable attractions to enjoy while exploring Margate and Broadstairs:

Shell Grotto (Margate)

After completing your walk from Broadstairs to Margate via Botany Bay, don’t forget to visit this beautiful attraction. The Shell Grottoin Margate is a mysterious cavern intricately decorated with over 4 million seashells that was discovered in 1835 and has served curious ever since. No one knows what it was used for or why it was created, but the mosaic patterns and overall look of the grotto is something to be admired. 

Morelli’s Gelato (Broadstairs)

If you happen to start your viking trail hike from Margate and end it in Broadstairs, don’t forget to pass by this landmark establishment that has been making ice cream since 1907. Its iconic ice cream parlour opened on Victoria Parade in the 1930s and the vintage interiors and signage are reminiscent of a bygone era, while serving delicious scoops.

Average Cost For A Day Trip To Margate and Broadstairs Per Person

Transport (train from London + local travel): £25

Accommodation: £0

Attractions: £5

Food and amenities: £30

Practical Information About Margate and Broadstairs

Location: England, United Kingdom

National Languages: English 

Currency: Sterling Pound

Neighbouring Countries: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland