Bank Holiday Weekend Getaway in Kent
With Kent expecting the hottest May Bank Holiday Weekend on record, what better excuse is there to pack a bag and head off to the beach, eat some oysters, or walk with alpacas?
Kew Gardens in London kicked-started May with a record-breaking high of 29.3°C, beating a previous record from the 1990’s by several degrees, with a promise of more to come.
Across Kent, the sweltering temperatures are set to keep on rising, with the Met Office advising temperatures of 26-27°C inland, with a slightly cooler 25°C across Kent’s breezy coastline.
So with this in mind, where should we head off?
@dipta2510
Broadstairs – Botany Bay
Broadstairs has over seven beaches to choose from, but Botany Bay has to be a firm favourite.
Nestled within a cove of white chalk cliffs, it is a hidden gem with its fine golden sand and a secret getaway for locals who prefer a little more solitude from the madding crowd.
Reached by a few short steps from a narrow walkway fringed with grasses and wildflowers, you are met with your secret beach, which comes with its own kiosk offering parasols and sun loungers, and refreshments from hot and cold drinks to crispy fresh cooked chips.
This is one of Kent’s safest blue flag bathing areas, the tranquil waters are also one of the cleanest, and a great place to take in the sunset or explore the cliffs which were a favourite of pirates who carved out caves in the 18th century.
A short walk stretches around to Joss Bay, with Margate close by.
Distance from Canterbury: 49 min (30.3 km) via A28.
Woodland View Alpacas – Quex Park Estate
If the beach isn’t for you, how about a trek with alpacas through some of Birchington’s most enchanting countryside across the Quex Park estate, which is rarely open to the public?
If you are not up for a trek, you can still meet and greet these adorable and gentle camelids, normally found in Peru.
@woodlandviewalpacas14 Freddy enjoying a splash & cool down 🦙 #fyp #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #video
Or how about meeting with miniature Shetland ponies for a grooming session, which are only around 28 inches high!
Or take a highly exuberant but equally adorable Pygmy Goat for a walk along the trails.
@woodlandviewalpacas14 Ozzy our pgymy goat 🐐 You can take this little guy on a walk around the beautiful quex park. #fyp #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #video #viral #explore #farmlife #animalsoftiktok #goatsoftiktok #goat #equestrian #goatwalking #quex #thingstodoinkent
Treks start at 1:00 pm, with the Watering Hole Cafe open and ready to pre-book cream teas. For more details, visit: https://www.alpacatreks.com/
Distance from Canterbury: 33 min (20.3 km) via A28.
The Malle Beach Race 2025 – Margate 3rd – 4th of May
The inappropriate motorcycle beach race. Custom, classic, electric, & off-road motorcycles race head to head on the beautiful Margate sands.
Starting with a pre-race night tonight with a trophy reveal at the Rag & Bone Man for ticket holders, the main event starts Saturday morning and continues across Sunday.
It is sure to be a fun weekend!
For more details, visit: https://mallelondon.com/beach-race/
Distance from Canterbury: 45 min (27.4 km) via A28.
Whitstable Beach
Finally, Whitstable is a hop and a skip from Canterbury, with great oysters on the beach from The Forge Oyster Shack, and the most amazing fish and chips.
Distance from Canterbury: 24 min (11.6 km) via A290
If you are taking your family dogs with you, here is a great link on keeping your dog safe in the heatwave
