Canterbury Beaches

Overview

While Canterbury itself is a historic inland city, it serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the diverse coastline of Kent. Many charming seaside towns and beaches are just a short journey away, typically only 20 to 30 minutes by road, making coastal day trips incredibly easy. This unique position allows you to combine city sightseeing with refreshing seaside escapes.

The nearby coast offers a variety of experiences. You can explore the famous oyster town atmosphere at Whitstable Beach, known for its working harbour and pebbles, or enjoy the traditional seaside fun at Herne Bay Beach with its pier and promenade. For stunning natural beauty, the iconic chalk stacks at Botany Bay Beach are a must-see, while Tankerton Beach offers colourful huts and the unique experience of walking 'The Street' into the sea at low tide. While many nearby beaches are pebbly, sandy shores like Margate Main Sands are also within easy reach for those seeking sandcastles and sunbathing.

Getting to the coast from Canterbury is straightforward, even without a car, with frequent bus services connecting the city to the nearest seaside spots. Beyond relaxing on the shore, the area offers wonderful coastal walks, opportunities for watersports, and charming towns to explore. Many beaches boast excellent water quality, recognised by Blue Flag awards, making swimming enjoyable. The Kent coast holds appeal throughout the year, offering bracing walks and cosy pubs even outside the summer months.

Whether you seek the unique character of Whitstable, classic family entertainment in Herne Bay, or dramatic scenery at Botany Bay, the coast near Canterbury has much to offer. Discover more options and find the perfect beach for your visit in our full guide.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Canterbury a good base for a beach holiday?

Yes, Canterbury can be an excellent base for a holiday that combines city exploration with coastal trips. While Canterbury itself is inland, it's very close to the Kent coast, with popular seaside towns like Whitstable and Herne Bay only about 20-30 minutes away by car or bus. This allows you to enjoy Canterbury's historical sites, shops, and restaurants while easily accessing various beaches for day trips. It offers a mix of city break and coastal retreat potential.

Whitstable Beach

Herne Bay Beach

What kind of beach holiday can I expect near Canterbury - sandy relaxation or traditional seaside fun?

You can find both near Canterbury, depending on which town you visit. Whitstable offers a charming, slightly bohemian vibe with its pebble beach, working harbour, oyster stalls, independent shops, and art galleries. Herne Bay provides a more traditional British seaside experience with a pier, arcades, and a mix of pebble and sand. For wider sandy beaches ideal for sunbathing and sandcastles, towns like Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate are within a reasonable travel distance (approx. 30-60 minutes by car or train).

Whitstable Beach

Herne Bay Beach

How far is the nearest beach from Canterbury city centre?

The nearest popular coastal towns to Canterbury are Whitstable and Herne Bay. Whitstable is approximately 6-7 miles away, and Herne Bay is about 8-9 miles away. Travel time is typically 20-30 minutes by car or around 30-40 minutes by bus.

Whitstable Beach

Herne Bay Beach

What's the easiest way to get to the coast from Canterbury without a car?

Buses are a very convenient option. Frequent services, like the Stagecoach 'Triangle' route, connect Canterbury bus station directly with Whitstable and Herne Bay, typically taking 30-40 minutes. Trains are also available from Canterbury East (changing at Faversham for Herne Bay/Whitstable) or Canterbury West (direct to Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate), though bus routes to Whitstable and Herne Bay are often more direct. Cycling via the Crab and Winkle Way to Whitstable is another popular option.

Whitstable Beach

Herne Bay Beach

Margate Beach

Where's good to stay if I want to be right by the beach near Canterbury?

Whitstable and Herne Bay offer the most options for staying close to the beach. In Whitstable, choices range from hotels like The Marine and Hotel Continental, B&Bs like Driftwood Beach House (Seasalter), unique rentals like the Whitstable Fisherman's Huts, numerous Airbnb/holiday cottages, and holiday parks like Seaview Holiday Park nearby. Herne Bay also has hotels, guesthouses, and rentals along its seafront.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are the beaches near Canterbury sandy or pebbly?

It's a mix, but the closest beaches like Whitstable and Tankerton are primarily shingle or pebble. Herne Bay has both pebbles and some sand. If you prefer predominantly sandy beaches, you'll need to travel slightly further to places like Margate (Main Sands), Broadstairs (Viking Bay, Stone Bay), Ramsgate (Main Sands), Botany Bay, or Folkestone (Sunny Sands). Seasalter, near Whitstable, has shingle giving way to sand/mud at low tide.

Can you swim in the sea at Whitstable and Herne Bay? What's the water like?

Yes, swimming is popular at both Whitstable and Herne Bay, especially during warmer months. Whitstable and Tankerton beaches generally offer safe, easy swimming and have received Blue Flag awards, indicating good water quality. The water can be quite shallow, especially as the tide goes out. Be mindful of currents near 'The Street' at Tankerton during low tide. Herne Bay also has designated bathing areas. Water temperature is typical for the English Channel – refreshing!

Whitstable Beach

Herne Bay Beach

Tankerton Beach

Which beaches near Canterbury are best for families?

Tankerton Beach near Whitstable is often recommended for families due to its gentle slopes, facilities, summer lifeguards, and the nearby grassy Tankerton Slopes for picnics and playing. Herne Bay offers traditional family fun with its pier, arcades, and relatively calm waters. For sandy beaches great for sandcastles, Margate Main Sands, Viking Bay in Broadstairs, or West Bay in Westgate-on-Sea are popular choices, though slightly further from Canterbury. Minnis Bay is also noted for family-friendly amenities.

People Also Ask

Are dogs allowed on beaches like Whitstable and Herne Bay?

Dog restrictions vary by beach and time of year. Many beaches in the Canterbury district, including parts of Herne Bay and Tankerton (near Whitstable), have restrictions from May 1st to September 30th, where dogs may be banned entirely or required to be on a lead, sometimes only during specific hours (e.g., 10 am-6 pm or 9 am-8 pm). However, some areas remain dog-friendly year-round, such as Whitstable's West Beach and parts of Herne Bay East beach. Always check local signage upon arrival as specific zones and rules can change.

Whitstable Beach

Herne Bay Beach

Tankerton Beach

Whitstable vs Herne Bay - which is better for a day trip?

It depends on what you're looking for. Whitstable is famed for its oysters, working harbour, independent boutiques, art scene, and slightly more 'foodie' atmosphere. Herne Bay offers a more traditional seaside resort feel with a long pier (featuring rides and huts), arcades, and a longer promenade. Both are easily accessible from Canterbury. Whitstable might appeal more for its unique character and food, while Herne Bay offers classic family seaside entertainment.

Whitstable Beach

Herne Bay Beach

What are Tankerton Slopes and 'The Street' near Whitstable?

'Tankerton Slopes' refers to the grassy banks overlooking Tankerton Beach, known for their colourful beach huts and providing great views [16, 17, 29]. 'The Street' is a natural shingle spit that extends about half a mile into the sea from Tankerton Beach at low tide, allowing you to walk out surrounded by water [7, 17, 29]. It's a unique local feature, but be mindful of the incoming tide when walking on it [17].

Tankerton Beach

Can you rent those colourful beach huts at Tankerton/Whitstable?

Yes, many of the privately owned beach huts, especially along Tankerton Slopes, are available for daily or weekly hire. Websites and local agencies list huts for rent, often equipped with chairs, tables, and basic cooking facilities. There are also converted Fisherman's Huts in Whitstable offering unique overnight accommodation right on the seafront.

Tankerton Beach

Whitstable Beach

Are there quieter, less crowded beaches near Canterbury for escaping the summer rush?

Yes, if you venture slightly away from the main hubs. Seasalter, just west of Whitstable, is known for being quieter and more peaceful, offering long walks along its sand and shingle beach. Tankerton can be less busy than central Whitstable beach. Further afield, beaches like Sandwich Bay (though access can involve a toll road), Samphire Hoe (near Dover), or Kingsgate Bay (near Broadstairs) are often considered more secluded.

Tankerton Beach

Sandwich Bay

Samphire Hoe

What is there to do at the beaches besides sunbathing? Any watersports?

Plenty! Watersports are popular, especially at Whitstable and Tankerton, including paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, and kitesurfing (particularly towards Swalecliffe/Long Rock). Crabbing from the harbour walls or groynes is a classic family activity. Rockpooling is possible at low tide in places like Tankerton. Coastal walking and cycling are excellent, with promenades and dedicated paths like the Crab and Winkle Way and Oyster Bay Trail. Exploring the towns' shops, galleries, harbours, and enjoying seafood are also key activities.

Whitstable Beach

Tankerton Beach

Swalecliffe Beach

Is it worth visiting the beaches near Canterbury outside of summer?

Absolutely. The beaches near Canterbury offer beautiful scenery and bracing walks year-round. Whitstable retains its charm with cosy pubs, seafood restaurants, and shops open throughout the year. The atmosphere can be wonderfully atmospheric on a crisp autumn or winter day. Coastal walks are enjoyable in cooler weather, and you'll avoid the summer crowds. Plus, dog restrictions are lifted on many beaches outside the May-September period.

Whitstable Beach