West Bay Beach

Visit West Bay Beach

West Bay Beach is a lovely, peaceful sandy beach located in Westgate-on-Sea, just west of the busier town of Margate. It’s a clean, sheltered spot that feels more relaxed than some of the surrounding seaside resorts, making it a great choice for families, couples, or anyone after a classic coastal escape without the crowds.

Great for a family day out, West Bay, also known as Westgate Beach, is a popular summer destination. When the tide goes out a wide sandy beach appears. The beach is backed by a promenade and row of beach huts with rows of wooden beach chalets.

The beach itself has golden sand with a promenade running along the back, and it’s protected by low chalk cliffs. It’s particularly nice at low tide, when the beach stretches right out and reveals rockpools along the edges – perfect for curious kids or anyone keen to explore the natural shoreline.

West Bay has been awarded Blue Flag status, which means the water is clean and well-maintained. It’s ideal for paddling, swimming and relaxing in the sun. The gently sloping beach makes it safe for younger children too, and during the summer months, lifeguards are on duty, adding extra peace of mind.

Facilities include public toilets, a small café nearby for drinks and snacks, and ice cream vans are often parked along the promenade in summer. There’s on-street parking close to the beach, and a pay-and-display car park within walking distance.

The area has a quiet, traditional charm with Victorian buildings overlooking the coast, and there are benches along the seafront to sit and enjoy the views. It’s also a great beach for a leisurely walk, especially heading along the coastal path toward St Mildred’s Bay, its close neighbour.

You won’t find any arcades or loud amusements here – West Bay is all about taking it easy, building sandcastles, enjoying a swim, or watching the sun set over the water. It’s also popular with locals for sea fishing, especially in the quieter months.

West Bay has two slipways for launching boats. The western slipway is open year-round for fishing boats and sail craft up to 14 feet in length with a maximum of 20HP. During the summer months (June 1 to September 30), hand launching is permitted. The eastern slipway, located near the kiosk and beach huts, allows fishing boats and sail craft to launch, except during the summer season.

Whether you’re visiting for a short beach break, a quiet walk, or a day out with the kids, West Bay Beach is one of Thanet’s more understated but genuinely lovely coastal gems.

There are seasonal dog restrictions in place – from 1 May to 30 September, dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10am and 6pm. Outside of those times, dogs are welcome, and the beach becomes a popular spot for local dog walkers.