A traditional seaside town for commuters, families, and retirees alike

Broadstairs has something for everyone. Often described as the jewel in Thanet’s crown, it’s a seaside spot that caters to all tastes.

Located in one of the easternmost parts of Thanet in Kent, Broadstairs is roughly 1 hour 20 minutes by train to London’s St Pancras International and just shy of 80 miles in 1 hour 50 by car. The A255 runs through Broadstairs and easily connects to the A299 taking you around the rest of Thanet and beyond to London.

Transport links coupled with its wide selection of highly-rated private and state schools makes Broadstairs a popular town for families in Thanet.

As the town is such a coveted location by investors and locals alike, property prices in Broadstairs are among the highest in the region. So expect the market to be competitive whether you’re looking for a holiday investment or your forever home.

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What to do in Broadstairs

Broadstairs was the holiday-destination of choice by Charles Dickens. As such, you can expect a lot of Dickensian activities in the town.

The Dickens House Museum overlooks Viking Bay and is filled with artefacts highlighting Dickens’ connection to Broadstairs. There’s also an annual Dickens festival which stages a play of one of his works and has been running since 1937. If you find yourself in the town around June, expect to see people dressed up in Victorian clothing promoting the festival.

Broadstairs’ beach, Viking Bay, is a sandy beach at the end of the A255 popular with swimmers and families. The beach also has a surf school and welcomes complete beginners. There’s plenty of parking, cafés and ice cream parlours, ideal for a day outside.

Broadstairs also has a busy social calendar with food festivals in summer, folk week in August, the Broadstairs Blues Bash in February and many more throughout the year.

There’s also a thriving restaurant scene and Broadstairs has the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Thanet. Whether your taste is refined fine dining, takeaway fish and chips, or international delicacies, there’s a restaurant that caters. Have a look at TripAdvisor for the most up to date information on the best places to grab a bite to eat.

There’s no shortage of ways to spend a rainy day with art galleries, museums and boutique shopping for you to while away the time.