WHILE the bright lights and coin-rattling arcades are a fun addition to the British seaside, sometimes a more traditional beach trip is needed.
There aren’t many retro seaside towns left without the loud noise and chaos – although my nearest beach village thankfully is one of them.
Sandgate, in Kent, is much quieter and lesser visited than it’s neighbour Folkestone .
It’s also my nearest, being a short walk from Folkestone West train station.
The seafront is simple – with just The Boat House cafe on the front.
The beach shack sells ice creams, fish finger rolls and drinks right next to a line of benches and the perfect stop to grab a bite,
But don’t expect to find any coin machines or Ferris Wheels here, as that is your lot for the pebble beach.
Instead of playing games, your main source of entertainment will be watching the brave wind surfers performing tricks, while errant seagulls fight for a chip on the pebbles.
Yet that untouched nature of the seaside keeps it off the beaten track of all the other nearby Kent resorts, and one where you’re mainly with the locals.
I have never seen it crowded, even in the peak summer season.
And my favourite pub, The Famous Ship Inn, is right next door to the beachfront.
It reopened in 2023 after being taken over by new owners, and is an old-world cosy pub where you get lost trying to find the bathroom down winding corridors, passing ship wheels and vintage posters on the wall.
But head straight to the back and you can grab a seat with direct sea views – the perfect spot especially in autumn to stay cosy.
Their burgers and fish and chips are some of the best you can get, and you’ll likely see me here trying to earn my winnings in the pub quiz…
Otherwise the rest of the beach is lined with multicoloured houses, with the occasional yacht club scattered in.
If you want anything else, you have to go to Sandgate’s main high street, albeit just a few steps back from the beach.
Here is where you will find the shops – mainly being vintage homeware and clothing – as well as bars and restaurants.
My favourite cafe is the Orchard Lane Coffee House, with amazing coffee and vegan snacks.
Just be ready to queue on a weekend morning, when all the run clubs swarm it.
Or pop in the wine bar John Dory, with friendly staff there to help you pick a glass, as well as some charcuterie snacks.
Of course, there are also a number of fish and chip shops to get your fill, as well as a number of Nepalese takeaways.
But even in the peak summer, it is the kind of beach where you can always find a spot.
And in my opinion? One of the best ones to visit in the autumn for a beautiful, windy walk along the promenade.
Here is another beach that is better to visit in winter.
