British Food and Travel

Viking Bay, Broadstairs. © Visit Kent

Decades ago, seaside resorts were bustling in the summer with buckets and spades, donkey rides, and Punch and Judy shows. Those days are long gone. Some towns have faded, never quite regaining the glory of their past. Others have reinvented themselves, enjoying a resurgence in popularity. The towns on the Isle of Thanet in Kent are a perfect example. Boutiques and restaurants have helped to give the community a new lease of life. But there’s another reason to enjoy a trip to Thanet – getting out and about to enjoy the coastline and countryside.

Facts and Figures

Located at the very eastern-most tip of Kent, the Isle of Thanet consists of three main towns — Broadstairs, Margate, and Ramsgate — as well as a number of other villages and parishes, including (but not limited to) Birchington, Monkton, and St. Nicholas-at-Wade. Covering nearly 40 square miles, the area has a population of approximately 129,000.

This piece of coastline is steeped in history. Julius Caesar and the Romans, St. Augustine, Hengist and Horsa – they all landed here. Centuries later, Charles Dickens, Vincent Van Gogh, and Karl Marx would all visit in search of inspiration.

The coast itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The cliffs, shore, and marshland attract a number of rare species, from birds to algae.

Exploring the Isle of Thanet

One excellent way to explore the Isle of Thanet and to follow in these impressive historical footsteps is to cycle the Viking Coastal Trail. This 32-mile loop takes in much of the coastline and circles back through some of the local inland villages. It’s part of the National Cycle Network so there’ll be plenty of signposts and no fear of getting lost. If you prefer two legs to two wheels, you can also walk the trail.

If you start in Ramsgate, you can head down to the Royal Harbour (the only one in the UK) and the Maritime Museum before following the winding road up to the East Cliff. Through King George VI Park with a stop at the beautiful 19th century greenhouse, and then down along the cliff tops at Dumpton Gap. In the distance behind you, you may see the shoreline of Deal, while out at sea in front of you is the Thanet Array, a huge wind farm.

The coast winds around, past Louisa Bay and into Broadstairs. You’ll see Bleak House on the facing cliff top, across Viking Bay, a popular beach destination in the summer.

But we’re not done with the seashore yet. The Viking Coastal Trail, also part of the England Coast Path, continues to make its way past the North Foreland Lighthouse around to Joss Bay, once a smugglers’ hideout and now a popular surfing spot, and eventually through Cliftonville to Margate. The Turner Centre is a good spot to stop for lunch, a little bit of art, and a chance to take in the Main Sands.

Then it’s back into the saddle as you continue along the coast through Minnis Bay to Reculver. From here you leave the shore and turn inland, passing through the villages of St Nicholas at Wade and Minster. You’ll pass several beautiful churches along the way, including Minster Abbey, founded by Princess Ermenburga in the 7th century. Eventually, you’ll arrive at St. Augustine’s Cross in Pegwell Bay. This marks the spot where Christianity came to Britain. A little further and you’ll reach the coast again. Here the replica Viking ship Hugin looks out across the bay, commemorating the invasion of Britain some 1,500 years ago.

The last part of the trail takes you back into Ramsgate and the harbour. Finish your ride or walk with a visit to the Sailor’s Church and a celebratory drink at one of the many cafes, or perhaps some fish and chips.

Getting There

Ramsgate, Broadstairs, and Margate all have mainline railway stations, putting the towns within easy reach of London, Canterbury, and Dover. If driving, signs along the M2 clearly mark the route. The local bus service also offers an easy way to get around, if you want a break from walking or cycling.

For more information about the Viking Coast Trail, including a downloadable guide, click here. For information about events and accommodation, go to Visit Thanet.