Palm Bay

Visit Palm Bay

Palm Bay or Palmers Bay in Cliftonville, on the Kent coast, is a sandy beach with a seafront cafe. It is a popular place for kite flying and Windsurfing.

Palm Bay is a wide, peaceful beach on the eastern edge of Margate, in the Cliftonville area. Unlike the busy sands of Margate Main Beach, Palm Bay offers a quieter stretch of coast that’s popular with locals, dog walkers, and those looking to avoid the crowds. It has a relaxed, open feel with a mix of sand and shingle, and plenty of space to spread out.

At low tide, the beach reveals a large sandy area, with rockpools and chalk cliffs providing a scenic backdrop. It’s great for beachcombing, relaxed strolls, and even a spot of kite flying when the breeze is up. There’s also a large green clifftop park running along the back of the beach, ideal for picnics or simply enjoying the sea view.

The beach has basic facilities, including public toilets and litter bins nearby, though there aren’t any cafés or shops directly on the beachfront. That said, Cliftonville and Margate town centre are both within walking distance and offer plenty of places to eat and explore. You can also follow the coastal path from Palm Bay to nearby beaches like Walpole Bay and Botany Bay, making it a good starting point for a seaside walk.

Palm Bay/Hodge’s Gap, is home to Jet Ski World, a facility that offers launching for PWC (jet skis, jet bikes, wet bikes). This location also provides amenities like a cafe, showers, and toilets.

There are no lifeguards stationed at Palm Bay, so swimmers and paddlers should be cautious, particularly when the tide is coming in. The waters here can be calm on a good day, but conditions can change quickly. It’s best suited to light paddling, beach activities, or simply relaxing by the sea.

Parking is easy and free – there’s a large free car park just behind the beach, and additional roadside parking is usually available along Palm Bay Avenue and nearby residential streets. From the car park, it’s a short walk down to the sand via ramps or steps, so access is relatively straightforward.

Palm Bay is ideal for anyone looking for a less commercialised beach experience – families with dogs, walkers, or beachgoers who prefer a quieter, more natural setting than the busier beaches closer to Margate.

Dogs are allowed all year round, making Palm Bay a favourite for dog owners. Unlike many other Thanet beaches that have seasonal restrictions, Palm Bay remains dog-friendly even during the summer.