Ramsgate to Margate Coastal Walk

Ramsgate beach. Ramsgate began as a small fishing and farming settlement. It has a significant historical connection to St Augustine, the Christian missionary sent by Pope Gregory the Great, who landed near Ramsgate in AD 597. This event led to the town being home to the Shrine of St Augustine, an important religious site.
The first recorded mention of Ramsgate appears in the Kent Hundred Rolls of 1274–5 as Remmesgate and Remisgat. These early names derive from the Old English terms 'Hræfnes' (meaning "raven") and 'geat' (meaning "gate"), thought to refer to a gap in the cliffs in the area. By 1357, the town had become known as Ramesgate.
Ramsgate was part of the Cinque Ports Confederation, aligned under the "Limb" of Sandwich. The town's harbour, construction of which began in 1749 and finished around 1850, is notable for being the only Royal Harbour in the UK, a title granted in recognition of its role in military and trading operations. Ramsgate's strategic location made it a key embarkation point during the Napoleonic Wars and the Dunkirk evacuation during World War II.
It's also known for its lively shopping area, regular traditional markets, and a wide variety of dining options, from cosy cafés and friendly pubs to sophisticated restaurants. The harbour-side area boasts a relaxed café culture, making it an ideal spot to unwind while enjoying views of the sea.
Ramsgate's cultural core is another of its appealing features, home to a growing arts scene, with galleries and studios housed in the historic Victorian arches by the harbour. Artists, ship chandlers, and local shops make this part of town an intriguing mix of creativity and commerce.
Natural beauty is another draw, with low chalk cliffs framing the beaches of the Thanet peninsula. These cliffs are rich in chalk rockpools and rare reefs, providing a haven for wildlife and a favourite spot for surfers, especially due to Ramsgate’s proximity to London. Historically, the Isle of Thanet holds great significance, being the landing point for the first Saxon settlers, Hengist and Horsa, and later St Augustine, on his way to Canterbury. In addition to its natural and historical charm, Ramsgate boasts impressive 18th and 19th-century architecture, making it a classic seaside destination. The town has been a retreat for many notable figures, including architect AWN Pugin, social reformer Elizabeth Fry, artist Vincent Van Gogh, and poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Bayside promenade Royal Albion Hotel patio at Broadstairs. The patio and beer garden of the Royal Albion Hotel on the upper promenade overlooking Viking Bay and jetty during the 2016 Broadstairs Folk Week.
Broadstairs is a charming seaside town known for its sandy beaches, picturesque harbour, and rich history. Nestled between Margate and Ramsgate on the Isle of Thanet, Broadstairs boasts a series of beautiful bays, including Viking Bay, which is the town’s most iconic beach, popular with both locals and visitors for its golden sand and traditional seafront charm.
The town has a long association with the celebrated author Charles Dickens, who spent many summers here. Dickens’ former residence, Bleak House, overlooks Viking Bay and is thought to have inspired the setting for his novel David Copperfield. Every year, Broadstairs hosts the Broadstairs Dickens Festival, celebrating the author's life and works through costumed parades, theatre performances, and readings.
Broadstairs also has a strong connection to maritime history, with its name deriving from a set of steps that once led from the beach to a historic shrine of St Mary. Its quaint streets and Victorian architecture reflect its heritage as a popular retreat for holidaymakers during the 19th century. The town’s Charles Dickens Museum, located on Victoria Parade, offers insights into Dickens' time in Broadstairs and the local history. The town retains a traditional British seaside atmosphere, with independent shops, cafes, and classic ice cream parlours lining the streets. Alongside Viking Bay, Botany Bay is another popular spot, famous for its towering chalk cliffs and stunning views of the English Channel.

Foreness Point, Cliftonville. Foreness Point is a headland on the northern coast of the Isle of Thanet in Kent, England, extending into the Thames Estuary. This headland is known for its tidal reef, Long Nose Spit, which becomes exposed during low tide and is a popular spot for collecting common periwinkles, a local delicacy. The area is home to a water treatment plant, marking its modern utility, but it has a rich maritime history due to the numerous shipwrecks that have occurred nearby.
In 1857, the Northern Belle, a transatlantic passenger ship, was wrecked off Foreness Point. This was followed by other shipwrecks, such as the Norwegian vessel Coronel in 1907 and the British ship Orchis in 1934. Both the Coronel and Orchis were later refloated and returned to service. These incidents highlight the hazardous waters off the headland. During World War II, Foreness Point played a significant role in national defence with the establishment of a Chain Home Low radar station, part of Britain’s coastal radar network designed to detect low-flying enemy aircraft. This strategic installation contributed to the overall air defence efforts during the war.

Kingsgate Castle and Kingsgate Bay viewed from near the Captain Digby. Kingsgate is a picturesque coastal area known for its striking white chalk cliffs and secluded beaches. The name "Kingsgate" derives from an incident in 1683 when King Charles II is said to have landed here after being caught in a storm while returning from an excursion in Margate. The area boasts a dramatic landscape, with natural arches and caves carved into the cliffs by centuries of tidal erosion, making it a popular spot for visitors and locals alike to enjoy walks and scenic views.
A notable feature of Kingsgate is Kingsgate Castle, a grand Gothic structure perched atop the cliffs overlooking Kingsgate Bay. The castle was built in the 1760s by Henry Fox, 1st Baron Holland, originally intended as a summer residence. Though it has undergone many changes over the years, including being divided into apartments, Kingsgate Castle remains an iconic landmark in the area. Its romantic architecture and commanding views of the coastline make it a unique part of Kent's heritage.
Kingsgate is also close to the North Foreland Lighthouse, which has helped guide ships along the busy English Channel for centuries. The combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes Kingsgate a fascinating spot to explore.

North Foreland Lighthouse. The lighthouse marks the northernmost point of the chalk cliffs at Broadstairs and has been a vital beacon for mariners navigating the treacherous waters of the Thames Estuary and the Straits of Dover for centuries. The first lighthouse on the site was a wooden structure built in 1636, but after a fire destroyed it, the current brick structure was erected in 1691.
The lighthouse played a critical role during both World Wars, particularly as a navigational aid for convoys and military vessels. It was one of the last in the UK to be automated, with its final keeper leaving in 1998. The 26-metre tall lighthouse, with its distinctive white tower, continues to function today, guiding vessels along the busy shipping lanes off the Kent coast, although it is now fully automated and monitored remotely. In addition to its maritime significance, North Foreland has a notable literary connection. It is said that Charles Dickens, who had a strong affection for the Thanet coastline, found inspiration in the area, particularly during his stays in nearby Broadstairs. The lighthouse and surrounding landscape are believed to have influenced the settings in some of his works.
Today, visitors can stay in the old lighthouse keeper's cottages, which have been converted into holiday homes, offering a unique experience of living alongside one of Britain's most iconic maritime landmarks.

The Viking Coastal Path near Botany Bay. Botany Bay is one of the most picturesque beaches on the Kent coast. Known for its striking white chalk cliffs and golden sands, it is one of the hidden gems of the Isle of Thanet. The bay is famous for its distinctive chalk stacks and rock formations, which are particularly striking at low tide when much of the beach is exposed, allowing visitors to explore rock pools and the fossil-rich cliffs.
Historically, Botany Bay earned its name from smugglers who would often use the isolated beach to land contraband. The story goes that caught smugglers were subsequently shipped to Botany Bay in Australia as punishment. Although its smuggling days are long gone, the bay retains an air of intrigue with its hidden coves and caves carved into the chalk cliffs, which adventurers can explore when the tide is out.
Aside from its natural beauty, Botany Bay is a popular spot for families, with safe bathing waters and seasonal lifeguard services. It's also a haven for watersports enthusiasts, offering opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. The bay is part of a broader stretch of coastline that includes several other bays, all linked by the Viking Coastal Trail, making it an excellent destination for walkers and cyclists. The area's chalk reefs are teeming with marine life, and the cliffs provide a perfect backdrop for photographers.

Cliff Promenade, Hope Point

Boats at low tide in the harbour of Margate. With its sandy beaches, vibrant arts scene, and historic charm, Margate has become a popular destination for both tourists and locals seeking a seaside escape. The town's history dates back to the medieval period, and it has long been known for its maritime heritage.
One of Margate's most notable attractions is the Turner Contemporary Gallery, which showcases a diverse range of contemporary art and honours the legacy of the renowned painter J.M.W. Turner, who was inspired by the town’s dramatic light and seascapes. The gallery has become a focal point for the town’s cultural revitalisation, attracting art enthusiasts and contributing to Margate's growing reputation as a creative hub. In addition to its cultural offerings, Margate boasts a charming Old Town area with narrow streets lined with independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. The town’s historic architecture, including the iconic Dreamland amusement park with its vintage rides, adds to its unique character. Margate’s beaches, with their golden sands and family-friendly atmosphere, make it a delightful spot for relaxation and seaside fun. Margate is also known for its community spirit and annual events, such as the Margate Film Festival and various local markets.