One of the huge plus-points of renting with Ramsgate Rooms is that you will be living very close to the glorious Isle of Thanet coastline. As summer starts to wind down there is still plenty of time to enjoy the beaches before winter sets in. In these stressful times taking yourself down to the quieter bays is a real tonic. It’s a great way to maintain a good work-life balance and mental wellbeing.
Tucked away around the corner from Broadstairs’ busy main sands is a charming little beach called Louisa Bay. Sheltered nicely by the tall cliffs leading to the Western Esplanade, it offers protection from the North sea winds and a quiet spot away from the crowds. In high summer, the surrounding cliffs begin to cast shadows by mid afternoon and those needing to take refuge from the hot sun often make their way round from Viking Bay to enjoy the cool shade.
Nestled under the towering chalk cliffs, Louisa Bay is a small, sandy beach that is fully covered at high tide. It doesn’t take long for the sea to recede enough to get a good swim and the water is nice and deep just a few steps away from the promenade. As the tide goes out further, seaweed-adorned chalk and flint rocks with dozens of crystal-clear rock pools are revealed. There is a little beach cafe on the walkway too, where it is very easy to sit and watch the world go by.
As the heat rises, what better way to cool off than a dip in the Walpole Bay tidal pool on Cliftonville seafront? Escape the crowds on Margate sands by visiting this Grade II listed sea bathing pool instead. Spanning some 4 acres, the tidal pool is the biggest of its kind in the country. As a result there is plenty of space for everyone and is a wonderful spot for swimming.
Have a look at The Walpole Bay Swimmers to get a feel for this great local gem. Just a 10-minute drive from Broadstairs Apartments and with some free parking it’s easy to get to. Even better, why not set off on a walk or cycle around the coast from Viking Bay and bring a picnic? It takes around an hour and you can enjoy the gorgeous Isle of Thanet coastline as you go.
Secluded, unspoilt Dumpton Gap, a mile westwards along the coast from Viking Bay, is popular amongst locals and holidaymakers in the know. Lined with a few pretty beach huts and graced by a single cafe, it’s a great place to visit and really get away from it all. If you pick your time right, it will only be you and a handful of dogwalkers enjoying the peace.
Dumpton Gap beach is accessible by either walking round from Viking Bay or by approaching along the clifftop, where there really is a gap in the chalk coastline. The high tide comes all the way up to the promenade at the bottom of the path and goes far out at low tide, revealing a multitude of chalk rock pools. You’d find it hard not to notice some of the marine wildlife here. Crabs, barnacles, mussels, barnacles, starfish and anemones are the usual creatures you will come across if you send some time rockpooling.
So next time you start to feel stressed, just nip down to one of Thanet’s quieter beaches to unwind. You’ll also get to know your area better which helps us to feel more connected. If you carry on the habit all year round it will do wonders for your health!
