With prices soaring and airports cancelling flights, it looks like a UK holiday may be on the cards for yet another summer.
However, as the last couple of years have proved, we have plenty of brilliant destinations on our doorstep.
Whether you’re a family of happy campers or are looking for luxury seafront accommodation, we’ve got the best spots for all sorts of beach holidays on the Kent coast this summer…
CAMPING
Fallow Fields Camping at Lathe Barn, Dymchurch
If you want a great mix of Kentish countryside and beautiful beaches, this camping site near Dymchurch could be the perfect place for your summer staycation.
The site offers a range of pitches and camping styles, from bring-your-own-tent grass pitches to ready-made bell tents. Once you’re all set up, your family can get stuck into the on-site activities, such as cinema screenings, archery, table tennis and pizza nights.
The facilities at Lathe Barn include hot showers, a well-stocked shop and pot washing station. It’s also a dog-friendly campsite, so your furry friends can join you on your trip.
Lathe Barn is just two miles from the stunning Dymchurch seafront and is on the edge of Romney Marsh’s breathtaking landscape. Wake up to fantastic views over Lympne Castle and hop in the car to be at the beach in less than five minutes.
A grass pitch, with enough space for two large tents and up to six people, from Friday, August 12 to Sunday, August 14, currently costs £100. Book online here.
GLAMPING
Plough and Harrow, St Margaret’s Bay
It doesn’t get much more British than spending your summer holidays in a pub garden. The Plough and Harrow, which is tucked just inland of the coast near Deal, is ideal for a peaceful break.
The wooden camping pods are just behind the 19th century pub and include heating, gas and electric and power sockets, as well as a shower room, kettle, fridge and toaster. There is also a pretty patio outside to relax on warm summer evenings.
The pub itself is believed to date back to the 1850s and serves up delicious food and refreshing drinks just a stone’s throw from your accommodation.
During your glamping break at the Plough and Harrow, you will find yourself a 15 minute drive from St Margaret’s Bay, with great views of the White Cliffs of Dover, and Deal, with its sweeping beach and historic castle.
A camping pod, which sleeps up to four people with one double bed and two single beds, from Friday, August 12 to Sunday, August 14, currently costs £258. Book online here.
CARAVAN
Warden Springs Caravan Park, Leysdown
Take in some of the best coastal views in the county from this family-friendly caravan park. Warden Springs, near Leysdown beach, is surrounded by enchanting woodlands and quiet countryside, all while overlooking the ocean.
The park has a number of caravans with either or two or three bedrooms, as well as pitches to park up your own mobile home. Your kids will be kept busy during your stay with the outdoor swimming pool, children’s play area and clubhouse with entertainment.
The park is dog-friendly and has also recently installed a barrier system for added security, so you know you and your family are in safe hands.
When you’re ready to explore the area, you can take an adventurous stroll through the nearby countryside or pack your bucket and spade and head to any of the island’s beaches. The nearest is Leysdown, just 15 minutes away with seaside amusements and arcades.
A standard two-bedroom caravan, which sleeps up to six people, from Friday, August 12 to Sunday, August 14 currently costs £350. Book online here or call 01795 880 888.
BED AND BREAKFAST
Waterfront Hotel, Deal
You can’t get much closer to the action than this beachfront bed and breakfast. The Waterfront Hotel in Deal is a must-visit destination for those visiting the charming coastal town this summer.
The hotel, built in 1700, looks directly out onto Deal Pier and offers panoramic views out to the Goodwin Sands. The rooms range from family rooms with bunk beds to ‘budget’ rooms with shared showers if you’re looking to keep costs down.
During your time at the hotel, you can tuck into a delicious family breakfast included each morning and, if the kids fancy a quiet night in the room watching TV, adults can always enjoy a drink in the lounge bar with its beautiful sea views.
You can easily venture outside the hotel, however, with Deal beach less than a one minute walk away from your doorstep. Wander along the seaside pier, share an ice cream on the beach or head into town and visit its many shops, bars and restaurants.
There is limited availability for weekends this summer, but a two-night midweek stay in a quadruple room, which sleeps up to four people, from Tuesday, August 9 to Thursday, August 11 currently costs £298. Book online here.
CHAIN HOTEL
Travelodge, Ramsgate
While there are many spots to stay in Thanet, sometimes you just want somewhere familiar to lay your head. If that sounds like the right choice for your family, the Travelodge in Ramsgate could be perfect.
This particular location of the well-known hotel chain is particularly good for children, as it has a budget-friendly family restaurant attached for quick and easy meals. Not to mention, the breakfast is unlimited so you can fill up in the morning ahead of your day out.
The hotel is also pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your dog and, if screens are essential to keeping your children happy, there is also wifi available.
Ramsgate and its neighbouring towns are hubs for beach lovers in the summer, with golden sands and traditional arcades and amusements dotted along the coast. This hotel overlooks the marina and is just minutes away from the beach, not to mention the beloved shores of Margate and Broadstairs are just a short drive away.
A family room, which sleeps two adults and two children, including breakfast and wifi from Friday, August 12 to Sunday, August 14 currently costs £257. Book online here.
HIGH END HOTEL
The Relish, Folkestone
Bring a touch of luxury into your life this summer with a stay at The Relish. This four-star hotel in Folkestone gives guests a night, or two, to remember with its contemporary feel and superb location.
While it’s probably somewhere to consider only if you have older children, it’s still a great option for families. The hotel features a private four-acre park in the tranquil Augusta Gardens, free wifi and a lounge offering complimentary hot drinks and homemade cake.
This exclusive hotel, inside one of Folkestone’s Georgian townhouses, has only 10 rooms, so you know you will be getting top quality service.
Folkestone has, in recent years, become a culinary destination, and The Relish is just 500 yards from some of the town’s top restaurants. The Leas, with its beaches, cliff-top walks, picnic areas and Lower Leas Coastal Park, are a similar distance and entertainment venue Leas Cliff Hall is practically next door.
There is limited availability for weekends this summer, but a two-night midweek stay in a twin or double room from Tuesday, August 9 to Thursday, August 11 currently costs £220. Book online here or call 01303 850 952.
SELF-CONTAINED
Fisherman’s Huts, Whitstable
Hotels aren’t for everyone, and for those who like to stay in more private accommodation. If that sounds like your cup of tea, you might consider staying in one of the quirky Fisherman’s Huts in Whitstable.
These 150 year old converted huts vary from room to room, meaning each stay will be unique to you. The huts range from sea view rooms for adult couples to family huts that can sleep up to two adults, three children and even a dog.
It’s not a hotel so there aren’t any on-site facilities or activities but, being in the heart of Whitstable, these huts sit right on the seafront. Take a dip in the sea, play on the pebble beach or take a walk through the bustling oyster harbour, all within touching distance.
Head further into the town to find a number of independent shops and local pubs, as well as a swimming pool and bowling alley. Don’t forget, you can also easily reach the city of Canterbury or other beach towns such as Herne Bay and Tankerton, in the car.
There are limited huts left for this summer, but some dates later in August are still available. For example, a hut that sleeps up to four guests from Friday, August 19 currently costs £275 per night. Book online here.
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