The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve

The Shrine of Our Lady of the Star of the Sea was an ancient chapel on the cliffs of Broadstairs (formerly Bradstowe). The chapel's twin towers, whose origins date back to at least the 1350s, served as an important landmark for local sailors. Due to the veneration shown to the shrine, a custom developed for ships to lower their sails as they passed, in salute to the shrine. The structural remains of St. Mary's Chapel, incorporated into the modern facade, stand on the site of what is believed to be the oldest surviving building in present-day Broadstairs. Within its modern interior are the remains of the medieval shrine of Our Lady of Bradstowe. (Wikipedia) The historic St. Mary's Chapel has been repurposed and now houses the Chapel Bar & Bookshop, serving local beers and snacks, as well as an antiquarian bookshop with over 30,000 titles.

Broadstairs has had a clock tower since 1897, originally built to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee (60 years on the throne). The original clock tower was destroyed by fire, and the current one was built in 1970 to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee (25 years on the throne). The clock tower is located next to the bandstand in Broadstairs and is a pleasant spot to enjoy the view across the sea.

Louisa Bay was originally called Goodstone Steps. Thomas Russell Crampton built a lattice bridge across the gorge here, and it was renamed Louisa Bay after one of his family members. Louisa Bay has a small but lovely beach, just a short walk from Viking Bay, which is perfect for mudflat hiking. There is a café on the promenade.

This magnificent, horseshoe-shaped bay is the main attraction of Broadstairs. It was the favorite holiday destination of Charles Dickens, who even dedicated a beloved story to it: "Our English Watering Place". The long sandy bay, the cliff-top promenade, and the wooden jetty make this bay a timelessly beautiful place.

Joss Bay, a paradise for surfers, is a popular 200-meter-long bay and known as Thanet's best surf beach.

Kingsgate Bay was originally called St. Bartholomew's Gate until King Charles II landed here in 1683 with his brother, the Duke of York, and ordered the renaming. Kingsgate Castle, built in 1763, stands majestically above the beach. Kingsgate Bay is home to some of the most beautiful sea caves in Thanet and is approximately 150 meters wide. The sandy bay offers peace and seclusion and is accessible via a steep staircase. At high tide, the sand is exposed, but the beach is cut off from the sea at both ends. https://www.visitthanet.co.uk/plan-your-visit/weather-and-tide-times/

Pub History Royal Victoria Pavilion This Grade II listed building (formerly a dilapidated pavilion) is a stunning example of coastal architecture and was among the most endangered Victorian and Edwardian structures in the country. Built as a concert hall and assembly space, it was designed by architect Stanley Davenport Adshead. Its style was inspired by an orangery designed by Robert Adam. The interior is said to have been inspired by the Small Theatre at Versailles and was simplified in the 1930s. After being used as a nightclub and later as a casino, it closed its doors in 2008. It now houses the J. Wetherspoon Restaurant, which is very popular. It was packed on Boxing Day. We enjoyed it, and the sea view is magnificent. https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/royal-victoria-pavilion-ramsgate/

Apart from the single Turner (depicting Margate) - and the Gormley sculpture in the sea in front of the gallery (low tide only), this gallery hosts a series of temporary exhibitions. The one we saw (Steve MacQueen - Resistance) was great.