Viking Bay

Visit Viking Bay

Viking Bay is the crown jewel of Broadstairs – a wide, sweeping sandy beach set in a beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay with cliffs, a harbour wall, and a charming seafront promenade. It’s one of the most popular beaches on the Isle of Thanet and a classic seaside destination, brimming with old-school charm and family-friendly fun.

Award winning Viking Bay beach is a horse shoe shaped sandy beach in Broadstairs, about 200 meters long, running from the Jetty to the Clocktower. There is a cliff top promenade, harbour pier and boardwalk to enjoy.

The beach has soft golden sand, perfect for paddling, sandcastle-building and relaxing in the sun. At low tide, the beach stretches out to reveal rockpools and shallow waters – a real hit with children and anyone who enjoys exploring the shoreline. In the summer, the bay is a lively hub of activity, but it rarely feels overcrowded thanks to its generous size.

One of the beach’s biggest draws is its safe swimming conditions. The waters are usually calm, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, making it ideal for families. A designated swimming zone is clearly marked, and there’s often space for paddleboarding too when the sea is flat.

Did you Know? On the cliffs above the bay is ‘Bleak House’, the seaside home of the novelist, Charles Dickens, and the house that inspired one of his well known books.

Viking Bay also has a strong connection to Charles Dickens, who spent many summers in Broadstairs. You’ll see signs of this literary heritage around town, including the Dickens House Museum just up from the beach.

Facilities are excellent. There are public toilets, beach huts for hire, a lift for step-free access, and plenty of cafés, ice cream parlours, fish and chip shops, and quaint tearooms lining the promenade and nearby streets. There’s even a children’s tidal pool on the beach itself – a safe, shallow pool that fills with seawater at high tide.

There’s paid parking available at the top of the cliffs and in nearby town car parks. From there, it’s a short walk down via the steps or the lift. Broadstairs railway station is just a 10-minute walk away, making it a very accessible beach for day trippers from London and other nearby towns.

The crescent-shaped bay is sheltered by cliffs and overlooked by grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings, giving it a postcard-perfect look. On summer evenings, the sunsets over the harbour wall are breathtaking.

Viking Bay is everything you’d hope for in a traditional seaside day out: beautiful views, a great beach, good food nearby, and a friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re here to swim, sunbathe, explore, or simply soak up the history and charm of Broadstairs, it’s one of Kent’s best-loved spots on the coast.

A great destination for families Viking Bay has lots of facilities available including children’s rides, chalets, deck chairs and sunloungers for hire. During the Summer season there are RNLI Lifeguards on duty.

Viking Bay, is a popular destination for sail craft and fishing boats. Moorings are available for a fee, and you can contact the Harbour Office for more details.

For dog lovers, it’s important to note that dogs are not allowed on Viking Bay from 1 May to 30 September, between 10am and 6pm. Outside of those hours, and during the off-season, dogs are welcome to enjoy the sand and sea.