WHEN I left London for Kent nearly three years ago, the beaches weren't at the forefront of my mind. But since living in Folkestone , being a local has also meant finding the quieter beaches - one of which being Sandgate beach. Give us your best tip for places to visit in and around Ibiza – you could win a £100 Amazon voucher The beach was recently named one of the best beaches in the UK, as part of The Times Best 50 Beaches annual awards.
Kent beaches are often overlooked compared to those in Cornwall, Devon and even Scotland with them often being shingle rather than sand. The study , which looked at more than 500 beaches for things like loos, cleanliness and water quality, described it as having a "cheerful nonchalance". It also added: "It’s like visiting an old couple so comfortable in each other’s company that they don’t need to talk any more.
" It was also named one of the best Kent beaches in last year's Seaside Awards, as well as being named the most in-demand coastal destination by Airbnb back in 2021. Despite living in Folkestone , I am much nearer to Sandgate which is a short walk from my house. Even on the hottest day, the beach is never as busy as the main Folkestone beach.
The quieter vibes are definitely due to it's location - there is no train station and it's around 30 minutes from the main town. You are also more likely to find locals rather than tourists, although it is a popular stop off for cyclists and walkers travelling the coastal paths. But I l.