A weekend in Broadstairs
A Dickens-loved seaside town of sandy bays and sea views
- Independent UK guide
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- Updated October 2026
Broadstairs is a small, tidy seaside town on the Kent coast, with sandy bays, a pretty harbour and a clifftop promenade. Charles Dickens loved it, and spent his summers here, and the town celebrates him with a festival each June.
It is much quieter than nearby Margate and Ramsgate, with a classic, old-fashioned seaside charm.
Check prices for a weekend in Broadstairs
Top attractions in Broadstairs
Viking Bay
The main beach, a sandy bay with a jetty, beach huts and cafes.
Dickens House Museum
A small museum in a house that inspired a character in David Copperfield.
Bleak House
A Victorian house on the cliff, where Dickens wrote part of David Copperfield.
Joss Bay and Stone Bay
Quieter sandy bays along the coast, popular with surfers and families.
The coast path
Walks along the clifftops towards Margate and Ramsgate.
Best things to do in Broadstairs
Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.
Oysters in Whitstable
Whitstable has been known for its oysters for centuries, and the town's harbour and seafront are full of seafood restaurants and stalls. Allow 1 to 2 hours.
Canterbury Cathedral visit
Canterbury Cathedral is the mother church of the Anglican Communion and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Brighton Palace Pier and seafront
Brighton Palace Pier opened in 1899 and is one of the most famous seaside piers in Britain, with arcades, rides and food stalls. Allow 2 to 3 hours.
Best areas to stay in Broadstairs
Near Viking Bay
Close to the beach, shops and cafes.
Upper Broadstairs
Quieter streets close to the station.
Joss Bay
Beach-side stays with sea views.
Best hotels in Broadstairs
Prices for a double room in Broadstairs typically fall around £90–£150 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.
Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.
Best time to visit Broadstairs
May to September for the beaches. June brings a Dickens festival and August a folk week.
Seasons that suit Broadstairs well: summer, spring, autumn.
Estimated budget for a weekend in Broadstairs
| Hotel or B&B, per night for two | £90–£150 |
|---|---|
| Food and drink, per day for two | £55–£85 |
| Activities and extras for the weekend | £30–£90 |
| Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel | £320–£560 |
Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.
Getting to Broadstairs
- From London: About 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes by train.
- From Canterbury: About 30 minutes by car.
- From Margate: About 10 minutes by train.
Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.
A sample weekend in Broadstairs
- Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Near Viking Bay.
- Saturday: Start with Viking Bay, then Dickens House Museum. In the afternoon, head to Bleak House.
- Sunday: Visit Joss Bay and Stone Bay or The coast path, then head home.
Packing list for Broadstairs
Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
More kit guides: Beach and coast gear Walking gear Wet-weather gear
Good to know
- Weekends in summer are busy.
- Tides cover some beaches, so check times.
- The town is hilly, so wear comfortable shoes.
Broadstairs weekend FAQs
Is Broadstairs better than Margate?
It is calmer and more traditional, while Margate is livelier with more art and nightlife.
Is Broadstairs good for families?
Yes. It has sandy beaches, rock pools and easy access to other Kent coast attractions.
More weekend ideas
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WhitstableKentA pretty seaside town famous for oysters and beach huts
Explore more: Best weekend breaks from London · Best coastal weekend breaks in the UK · Best dog-friendly weekend breaks in the UK · Best family weekend breaks in the UK
Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.
Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.