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Bars (Drinking establishments)

Broadstairs: A Hidden Gem on the Kent Coast

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

This picturesque coastal town, once a favorite holiday spot of Queen Victoria, is experiencing a revival as thousands of busy Londoners take the 90-minute train journey to relax. Broadstairs, a hidden gem largely unknown outside the southeast, has become one of the top seaside destinations promoted by South Eastern Railway. The contemporary town is bustling with independent bars, cafes, and restaurants, while the pristine blue waters of the Thanet coastline continue to attract visitors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Broadstairs was a quiet fishing village for centuries, linked to the inland church of St Peter's-in-Thanet, but it didn't rank among the five most significant towns in medieval times.
  • The village derived its name from the stairwell carved into the cliff that allowed seafarers to reach their pilgrimage site and pray for safe journeys.
  • Queen Victoria and her mother, Victoire, Duchess of Kent, began spending their summers in Broadstairs in 1826, transforming the village into a fashionable Victorian seaside resort.
  • Charles Dickens was a frequent visitor and it's believed that the town inspired the setting for Betsy Trotwood's home in David Copperfield and the titular Bleak House.
  • The town's population grew from 300 to 10,000 between 1823 and 1910.
  • Viking Bay is the town's crown jewel, a "hidden gem" nestled along the Kentish coast, with golden sand lined with colourful beach huts and rock pools.
  • Joss Bay offers a magical enclave beneath the grandeur of Kingsgate Castle, while Dumpton Gap features imposing chalk cliffs and serves as a perfect setting for dog walks.
  • The Revolution Skatepark and Climbing Centre and the Crampton Tower Museum cater to adventurers seeking dynamic pastimes.
  • Broadstairs is renowned for its unique array of quirky cafes and chilled-out bars, including Michelin-starred Kebbel's Seafood Bar and Restaurant and the historic Tartar Frigate.

Statistics:

  • 300: The modest population of Broadstairs in 1823
  • 10,000: The population of Broadstairs in 1910
  • £34.90: Single fares starting from South Eastern Railway to reach Broadstairs
  • £48.70: Return tickets from London to Broadstairs starting price
  • £1,000: Prices for luxury apartments complete with terraces and stunning views
  • £270: The price for a two-night stay at the "exceptional" Lazy Days Bed and Breakfast
  • £400: The price for a two-night stay at the "fabulous" Ebenezer's Place Hotel

Sources:

  • Kent Live
  • TripAdvisor
  • Booking.com
  • Getty Images

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