Holiday rentals and lettings in Broadstairs

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in Broadstairs?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in Broadstairs: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Broadstairs: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Broadstairs?

• Choice of accommodation: From Edwardian and Georgian townhouses to cosy cottages near the sand, Broadstairs suits families, couples and small groups.
• Where to stay: Near Viking Bay for the main beach and promenade, or in the town centre for shops and cafés.
• What guests love: Seven sandy beaches, sea views, and the town's Dickensian charm and festivals.
• Best time to visit: Summer for the beaches, spring and autumn for quieter walks, and the Food Festival in autumn.
• Things to do: Swim at Viking Bay, photograph Botany Bay's chalk stacks, visit the Dickens House Museum and take a town walk.

Broadstairs's holiday lettings blend Edwardian and Georgian charm with all the modern comforts, from cottages a few steps from the beach to holiday homes and welcoming B&Bs in the heart of town. Many enjoy sea views, balconies and open-plan kitchens, and there is something to suit couples, families and small groups. Whether you want to wake up beside Viking Bay or settle near the shops and promenade, there is a self-catering base to match, and most come well equipped for a relaxed seaside break. Expect features such as:

• Wi-Fi to plan your days by the sea
• A garden or balcony for summer evenings
• Sea views from many properties
• A cosy lounge for cooler nights
• Pet-friendly options at a number of lettings

Wherever you base yourself, a beach, a café or the harbour is rarely far away.

What are the best areas to stay in Broadstairs?

It depends on the holiday you have in mind: stay near Viking Bay for the main beach, or a little out of town for quieter sands. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking holiday lettings in Broadstairs through Holidu often highlight the sandy beaches, the short walk from their door to the seafront, and the town's old-fashioned charm. Many mention the ice cream, the fish and chips and the friendly festival atmosphere, and return for the mix of family-friendly beaches, Dickensian history and classic Kentish seaside fun.

On the east Kent coast between Margate and Ramsgate, Broadstairs is a quintessential English seaside town of seven sandy bays, chalk cliffs and a pretty harbour. A favourite holiday spot since Victorian times, it was beloved by Charles Dickens and remains full of character, with museums, festivals and traditional seaside charm. Family-friendly and relaxed, it makes a delightful base for a holiday by the sea.

✈️What is the best way to get to Broadstairs?

Most visitors arrive by car or by high-speed train from London. Here are the most common ways to get to the town:

• By car: Broadstairs is around 90 minutes from London via the M2 and A299 Thanet Way. A car is handy for exploring the wider Kent coast and its neighbouring towns, and most holiday lettings offer parking nearby.
• By train: High-speed trains from London St Pancras reach Broadstairs in around an hour and 20 minutes, with services also running via Victoria. The station is a short walk from the seafront, making it an easy, car-free way to arrive.

🥗Where to eat in Broadstairs?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, Wyatt & Jones is one of the best rated restaurants in Broadstairs. Below is a table showing top highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Charlotte recommends the seafront chippy Boys Without Beards in Broadstairs: a friendly spot for proper fish and chips to enjoy overlooking Viking Bay.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

There is no bad time to visit, but the summer months of June to August bring the warmest weather and busiest beaches, while spring and autumn are ideal for quieter walks and the Food Festival. Winter is bracing but atmospheric, perfect for coastal strolls and cosy pubs.

Summer (June–August)

• Best for: Beaches, surfing and family days out
• Weather: Warm and often sunny, with cool sea breezes
• Atmosphere: Lively and family-friendly along the seafront

Spring & Autumn (April–May, September–October)

• Best for: Coastal walks, festivals and fewer crowds
• Weather: Mild and breezy, with bright days
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, with easy availability

Winter (November–March)

• Best for: Bracing walks, museums and cosy pubs
• Weather: Cold and blustery, but wonderfully fresh
• Atmosphere: Quiet and snug, away from the crowds

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Our Broadstairs hosts recommend an early-morning stroll down to Viking Bay for a swim before the beach fills up, followed by a Morelli's ice cream on the promenade. Ask your host which of the seven bays is quietest, and the best spot to watch the sun rise over the sea.

1. Swim at Viking Bay
2. Photograph Botany Bay
3. Visit the Dickens House Museum
4. Explore the Crampton Tower Museum
5. Take a town walk

1. Swim at Viking Bay

   The town's main beach, Viking Bay, is a sheltered crescent of golden sand right below the old town, complete with a small harbour, a promenade and a tidal pool for little ones. It is perfect for swimming, sandcastles and lazy days in the sun, with cafés and ice cream close at hand. A ramp and lift make it easy to reach, and it is just steps from most town-centre lettings.

2. Photograph Botany Bay

   A short walk or drive from the centre, Botany Bay is the most striking of Broadstairs's seven beaches, famous for its towering white chalk stacks rising from the sand. At low tide you can explore the rock pools and caves beneath the cliffs, and it is a magnet for photographers, especially at sunrise. Wide, clean and often quieter than Viking Bay, it makes a lovely spot for a long beach day.

3. Visit the Dickens House Museum

   Housed in a seafront cottage, the Dickens House Museum celebrates the town's most famous visitor. Inside you will find letters written about Broadstairs, Victorian costumes and period furnishings, with knowledgeable guides to bring the stories to life. The cottage itself inspired the home of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield. It is a charming, characterful stop, and the gift shop is ideal for a literary souvenir.

4. Explore the Crampton Tower Museum

   Next to the railway station, the Crampton Tower Museum celebrates the Victorian engineer Thomas Russell Crampton, who designed locomotives and laid the first telegraph cable under the English Channel. Small but engaging, it is packed with railway and engineering history and makes a fun, family-friendly stop on a rainy day. Children in particular enjoy the models and stories of Victorian invention.

5. Take a town walk

   One of the best ways to get to know Broadstairs is on foot. From Easter to late September, gentle guided town walks set off from the visitor kiosk at 2pm, leading you around the beach, harbour and promenades. Along the way you will hear tales of smugglers, heroes and pirates that shaped this stretch of Kent coast. It is an easy, enjoyable outing for all ages and a great introduction to the town.