Walking
There is a network of trails that take you through towns, countryside and along the coast. You can walk any section of the 32-mile Viking Coastal Trail, or criss cross your way through Thanet’s hinterland.
But there are also self-guided town walks, and guided costumed walks, which bring the history of the area to life. Go to visitthanet.co.uk for links.
Cycling
Topping the cycling bill is the 32-mile Viking Coastal Trail, which takes in the coasts of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, past spectacular chalk cliffs and along quiet lanes, but also dips inland into the villages. Suited for serious cyclists, but also for family outings. There are themed mini routes within it too.
Don’t worry if you haven’t brought your bike, as you can hire one. You can get all the information you need from the Visitor Information Centre on the seafront.
Golf
This corner of Kent has some of the best links golf courses in the country. Princes Golf Club in Sandwich is the beginning of this holy grail of seaside links with Royal St Georges situated next door. Princes has a choice of three nine hole courses you can play in any combination each providing their own specific challenge. A mile or two along the road you will find Royal Cinque Ports, the last four holes of which were described by Gary Player as “without doubt, the finest four consecutive holes on any course in the world.” If you would like something with a more a slightly more leafy feel to it, whilst retaining the spectacle of the sea views, North Foreland in Broadstairs will offer you this.
Beaches & Watersports
The Blue Flag beaches and bays of Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Margate and the surrounding seaside villages offer adventures on the water, whether it’s a gentle boat ride or adrenaline-fuelled jet skiing you’re after. Joss Bay in Broadstairs is one of the best for surfing in South East England. You can hire boards and wetsuits from the Surf School on the beach. There’s windsurfing in Birchington, Sailing in all the towns and a jet ski outlet in Cliftonville. If you fancy a boat ride – a gentle one or a speedboat to the wind farm – Ramsgate Harbour has it all.
For Children
The beach is perfect for lots of free fun for the kids. But on rainy days you may want to rethink. There is still plenty to do indoors. For young ones, there are some great indoor play areas – Helter Skelter in Broadstairs and Jungle Jims at Quex. At Quex, there is also paintballing and build a base for hours of active fun. Revolution Skate Park in Broadstairs has three large skate areas, plus various climbing walls.