Broadstairs Beach, Broadstairs

For a good old-fashioned day out at the seaside, you can’t beat Broadstairs beach. The beach itself is a small curved bay, sheltered by the surrounding cliff and overlooked by the imposing Bleak House, Charles Dickens’ former summer home (now a luxury hotel). It’s Blue-Flag rated and easily accessible by stairs or a purpose-built lift installed in 2000. The sand slopes gently towards the water and there’s plenty to keep the kids occupied besides the usual sandcastle-building, Dad-burying and crab-hunting in the shallows. A mini-playpark on the sand features old-fashioned swing-boats and trampolines. And there’s a café and toilets at beach-level, as well as outdoor showers for cleaning sandy bodies. Back up at street level, round off your day with a stroll along the pretty promenade and a visit to the legendary Morelli ice-cream parlour. There’s a huge range of ice cream concoctions on offer - this reviewer indulged in what may have been the most perfect coke float EVER. Simple pleasures…