Broadstairs
Broadstairs has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful seaside towns in Britain and has become increasingly popular in recent years with visitors, second-home owners and those relocating to the coast.
The town’s stunning coastline, particularly the famous Viking Bay with its sandy beach and colourful beach huts, regularly attracts film and television production companies who use the area as a backdrop for commercials and feature productions. Nearby Joss Bay and Botany Bay are among the most photographed beaches in Kent and are firm favourites with both locals and visitors.
Beyond the beaches, Broadstairs offers a unique combination of traditional seaside charm, history, culture and a vibrant year-round community that makes it one of the most desirable places to live on the Kent coast.
The High Street
The High Street remains one of the most characterful shopping streets in Thanet, with a wide range of independent retailers alongside well known names. From traditional sweet shops and bakeries to greengrocers, butchers, gift shops, boutiques and shoe shops, it offers a truly local shopping experience. Tesco Metro and Iceland also provide convenient everyday shopping.
Broadstairs also has an excellent choice of cafés, pubs, restaurants, hotels and guest houses catering for every taste. Whether it is a relaxed traditional pub, a seafood restaurant overlooking the bay or a modern café serving locally sourced produce, the town has something for everyone.
History and Heritage
The history of Broadstairs is rich and fascinating. Viking Bay itself takes its name from the legendary arrival of Hengist and Horsa who are said to have landed here during the early Anglo-Saxon period. In 1949 a replica Viking ship sailed into the bay to celebrate the town’s heritage, helping cement the name Viking Bay.
Eagle House overlooking the bay holds its own place in history as the location where the first news of the Duke of Wellington’s victory at the Battle of Waterloo arrived in England.
Broadstairs is also famously associated with Charles Dickens who holidayed in the town regularly. Many of his works were written while looking out across Viking Bay and the surrounding coastline. Throughout the town you will find plaques marking buildings connected to his visits, including the well known plaque which amusingly reads "Charles Dickens did not live here."
The Dickens House Museum sits directly on the seafront and contains memorabilia relating to Dickens’ time in the town. Bleak House, one of Dickens’ former holiday homes perched above the cliffs, is now a boutique hotel with spectacular sea views.
Broadstairs was also home to Victorian engineer Thomas Crampton, whose legacy can still be seen around the town. Crampton Tower, originally a water tower, is now an interesting museum and local landmark.
Culture, Festivals and Events
Broadstairs is well known for its lively calendar of events that attract visitors throughout the year.
- Broadstairs Folk Week – one of the most famous folk festivals in the world attracting musicians, dancers and performers from across the globe.
- Dickens Festival – the town comes alive with colourful Victorian costumes celebrating the life and works of Charles Dickens.
- Broadstairs Food Festival – showcasing local produce with over 100 stalls of food, drink and artisan products.
- Broadstairs Water Gala – traditional seaside fun with displays, entertainment and fireworks.
- Summer Fireworks and Beach Events – regular seasonal events held around Viking Bay.
The nearby beaches of Joss Bay and Botany Bay also attract surfers, walkers and photographers year round, while the Viking Coastal Trail provides spectacular walking and cycling routes linking Broadstairs with Margate and Ramsgate.
Living in Broadstairs
Broadstairs combines traditional seaside charm with a thriving community and excellent amenities. With good rail connections to London, outstanding coastal scenery and a vibrant local culture, it has become increasingly popular with families, professionals and retirees looking for a high quality coastal lifestyle.
For those considering buying, selling or renting property in Broadstairs, Cooke & Co Estate and Letting Agents offer extensive local knowledge and professional guidance across the whole Thanet area.
Make a move in the right direction and come and live by the sea.
