Margate to Broadstairs Walk: Viking Coastal Trail via Botany Bay & Kingsgate Bay

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The walk from Margate to Broadstairs is around 6 miles (9.7 km) and full of beautiful coastal scenery. It’s part of the 32-mile (51.4 km) circular Viking Coastal Trail around the Isle of Thanet — a peninsula at the most easterly point of Kent.

Depending on the tide, you have two options: you can walk at sea level (on the beach) or stick to the promenade and roads. I started about an hour and a half after high tide, so I knew most of the route wouldn’t be underwater. My plan was to walk to Broadstairs along the beach, then return to Margate along the cliff tops for a change of scenery.

Important: Before you decide to walk from Margate to Broadstairs (or the other way round), check tide times. Some parts of the route disappear under water at high tide, so plan around it.

I started at Oval Cliftonville. The whole route to Viking Bay in Broadstairs (with a quick pit stop in Tesco) and back ended up being 9 miles (14.5 km) according to my watch, and took 4 hours 10 minutes.

Margate

If you want to make the most of the walk, I recommend starting at Margate Main Sands.

There are plenty of nearby things worth seeing if you’re visiting: Dreamland (the oldest-surviving amusement park in Great Britain) sits opposite Main Sands. You’ll also find the Jubilee Clock Tower, Harbour Arm, and Turner Contemporary close by.

Fun fact: Margate Lighthouse and Turner Contemporary are featured on the £20 note.

When you turn right and walk past the gallery, you’ll be able to spot a statue poking its head above the water in the distance. The sculpture is part of Antony Gormley’s project Another Time .

And if you love this kind of thing, he has another famous coastal installation in England too: Another Place on Crosby Beach near Liverpool, where a whole line of figures stands facing the sea.

Soon you’ll also pass the Lido — once a vibrant part of the town, now filled with sand and slowly decaying.

After that, it starts to feel quieter. The crowds and noise give way to cliffs and sea. From here you can choose to walk along the promenade or down on the sandy beach.

You’ll pass lots of smaller hidden beaches on the way. They’re often deserted because most people stick to Main Sands or Botany Bay — and some visitors don’t even realise these little coves exist.

Arriving at Palm Bay

As you pass the Walpole Bay Tidal Pool and turn right along the cliffs, you arrive at Palm Bay — home to the water skiing club and a popular launch spot for jet skis.

On my way here, I made friends with these two beautiful creatures. You can spot them here often!

If you fancy a quick break, Jet Ski World and Palm Bay Cafe are nearby. Nothing beats lunch on a beach, surrounded by white chalk cliffs and sea views.

Botany Bay is also one of the best spots in Thanet for seashells.

When you’re ready, keep heading towards Broadstairs and you’ll find more quiet sandy coves along the way.

Entering Broadstairs (via Botany Bay)

Botany Bay sits between Margate and Broadstairs. This hidden gem is a popular film location and the northernmost bay in Broadstairs.

Fun fact: Some clips from Shawn Mendes’ “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” were filmed along the Thanet coast, and Foals’ “Neptune” was filmed at Botany Bay.

You’ll find a sandy beach, a cafe, white chalk cliffs, and chalk stacks.

It looks similar to Palm Bay — but even more dramatic.

On the east end of the beach, you can see Kingsgate Arch. It’s not recommended to walk underneath it because it’s fragile and chalk can fall. When you look through the arch, you can see Kingsgate Castle in the distance.

Soon, the sand changes into slippery, rocky terrain.

Broadstairs Town Centre (Viking Bay)

Continuing past the bays and coves, you’ll reach Viking Bay. Take a moment here — the beach, historic buildings, narrow lanes, and small cafes make Broadstairs feel genuinely charming.

Walking back from Broadstairs to Margate (cliff tops)

Now you have two choices: walk, or take a bus (or train) back. Without hesitation, I headed up to the cliff tops and walked home.

I tried to stay close to the edge where possible — and to my satisfaction, it worked for most of the route. I spotted hidden houses in Broadstairs, the lighthouse, and the entrance to Kingsgate Castle.

I also found a folly nearby. I’m curious what it was used for back in the day.

By the time I reached Margate, I was exhausted — but happy. The sunset over the sea made it feel completely worth it. The walk back (Broadstairs to Margate) has a different feel, with lots of scenic views from above.

Summary: Margate to Broadstairs walk

Start	Margate — anywhere you’d like (I recommend Margate Main Sands)
Finish	Broadstairs (Viking Bay)
Distance	6 miles (9.7 km) Your distance will vary depending on where you start/finish.
Time	1.5 – 2 hours (one way) My full out-and-back route was 9 miles (14.5 km) and took 4h 10m.
Getting to (and around) Thanet	The easiest way to get to Margate (or Broadstairs) from London is a direct train from St Pancras International. The journey takes around 1.5 hours. If you’re travelling locally, there are also direct trains and buses from Herne Bay, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and other towns. There are several bus services connecting Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate — the Loop is the most convenient.
Recommended tide times app	Tide times (iOS/Android)

More walks along the South East England Coast Path

• Ramsgate to Margate — 10.25 miles (16.5 km), also on the Viking Coastal Trail. I did this one with a stroller too, and it was a completely different experience.
• Dover to Deal — 11.37 miles (18.3 km), part of the Saxon Shore Way, which follows the White Cliffs of Dover (pushchair-friendly version).

FAQ

How far is Broadstairs from Margate coastal walk?

Around 6 miles / 9.7 km one way (depends on detours and where you start) give or take.

How long does it take to walk from Margate to Broadstairs?

Approximately 1.5–2.5 hours one way.

Is the Margate to Broadstairs walk suitable for beginners?

Yes. If you stick to the clifftop paths and promenade, it’s beginner-friendly and straightforward. The only thing that can complicate it is choosing beach sections without checking tide times.

Can I do the Broadstairs to Margate walk instead?

Absolutely. The scenery works beautifully in both directions. If you’re thinking about light for photos or wind direction, sometimes one way feels nicer than the other. But practically, both routes are doable.

Can you walk from Broadstairs to Ramsgate?

Sure thing! In fact, just like I mentioned earlier, I also did a coastal walk from Ramsgate to Margate via Broadstairs, which is 10.25 miles / 16.5 km long and took around 5 hours. Broadstairs to Ramsgate is much shorter – around 2.3 miles / 3.6 km, or roughly 50 minutes on foot.

How long does the Viking Coastal Trail section take?

The Viking Coastal Trail is a much longer circular route overall, but this Margate–Broadstairs section is a manageable chunk. Most people do it in a couple of hours one way at a steady pace, longer if you stop a lot (you will).

What if the tide is high or rising?

Do the Margate to Broadstairs coastal walk on the clifftops and promenade instead of the beach. You still get the views, you still get a brilliant walk, and you don’t have to stress about getting cut off by the sea.

You can check tide times here.

Is it a good walk for kids?

It can be, especially if you treat it as a slow adventure with breaks and snacks. Beach sections can be exciting but need more supervision and tide awareness. If you want “easy mode”, stay up top and plan a big reward stop in Broadstairs.

How do I get back if I don’t want to walk back?

Train and bus options make this route genuinely flexible. You can plan a one-way walk without turning it into a marathon, which is ideal if you’re trying to build more walking into your life without burning yourself out.