Picture a British surfing holiday and riding the waves of Cornwall or Devon probably springs to mind. But a sandy cove on the Kent coast has beaten some of the South West’s best-known beaches in a new ranking of Britain’s top destinations for an active staycation.
Joss Bay, near Broadstairs on the Isle of Thanet, took first place in research commissioned by SportsCover Direct. It ranked above Croyde Bay in North Devon, Cornwall’s Fistral Beach and Sennen Cove, and Whitesands Bay in Pembrokeshire.
The study assessed beaches according to water quality, Blue Flag and Seaside Award status, RNLI lifeguard provision, average summer sea temperatures and sunshine hours. Joss Bay scored particularly highly for its excellent water quality and recorded more July sunshine than any other beach in the top 10.
Britain’s 10 best beaches for an active staycation
According to the study, the top destinations are:
- Joss Bay, Broadstairs, Kent
- Croyde Bay, Braunton, North Devon
- Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall
- Sennen Cove, Penzance, Cornwall
- Whitesands Bay, Pembrokeshire
- Broad Haven, Pembrokeshire
- Mundesley Beach, Norfolk
- Tynemouth Longsands, Tyne and Wear
- Camber Sands, East Sussex
- Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall
Why Joss Bay is so good for watersports
Rankings aside, it’s easy to see the appeal. Framed by chalk cliffs and backed by open fields, Joss Bay feels wilder than Broadstairs’ traditional town beaches. Waves roll towards a generous sweep of sand – people have been riding waves heres for more than 40 years –
while the headlands on either side give the bay a pleasingly tucked-away feel.
Where to stay near Joss Bay
You don’t need a surfboard to enjoy Joss Bay. The beach sits on the Viking Coastal Trail, a 32-mile route around the Isle of Thanet, passing chalk headlands, hidden coves and traditional seaside towns making it the perfect play for a weekend away or a lengthier stay.
Fisherman fun
Broadstairs also has plenty of self-catering cottages and apartments like this cute Fisherman's Cottage, a stone's throw from shops, restaurants and and a short walk to the beach.
Stay in style
For a classic seaside stay, The Royal Albion Hotel enjoys one of Broadstairs’ loveliest positions. The historic hotel overlooks Viking Bay, with several rooms offering balconies and sea views. Charles Dickens stayed here while working on David Copperfield.
Classic stay
The Yarrow Hotel offers smart, comfortable rooms in a handsome red-brick building, just a short drive from Joss Bay and within walking distance of Broadstairs’ centre and Viking Bay.
