It’s less than 90 minutes from London, has three beaches, a rich history and even a chance to spot a seal on a day trip
One charming UK coastal town frequently flies under the radar, despite offering sandy shores, historical landmarks – and the occasional seal sighting.
This delightful destination, featuring three beaches, tends to be eclipsed by two neighbouring resorts, which means you’re considerably more likely to secure a spot for your beach towel on a sunny afternoon.
Moreover, this scenic seaside town lies less than 90 minutes from London – and is rich in fishing and agricultural history with bags of history. There’s also a remarkable and highly acclaimed visitor attraction showcasing wartime subterranean tunnels, ideal for wet weather days or escaping the summer sunshine.
Ramsgate in Kent remains a significantly underappreciated coastal destination, especially given the popularity of its neighbours Margate and Broadstairs, though it is renowned for its ‘lovely clean sandy beach’.
Three beaches border the town: Ramsgate Main Sands, Western Undercliff Beach and Ramsgate East Cliff Promenade and Beach – and all three enjoy excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, reports the Express.
Western Undercliff Beach is described as being a ‘stones throw’ from the Royal Harbour Marina in Ramsgate, with one visitor describing it as a ‘lovely sandy beach with no facilities’, noting that this was actually an advantage, making it ‘better for seclusion and quietness’.
Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour Marina received its prestigious title from King George IV during the 1800s – and remarkably, it continues to hold the distinction of being the sole harbour with official royal status throughout the UK.
Featuring an impressive expanse of golden sand, Ramsgate Main Sands alongside the East Cliff Promenade and Beach flank the town, with one visitor described it as ‘great for kids.
Writing on TripAdvisor, they said: “Lovely clean sandy beach, lovely sunny day – lots of families have a typical day on the beach – great to see.
“We walked along the beach back to Dumpton gap, please note that if the tide is in – you will need to take the steps up to the cliff top, lovely views & worth it.”
While some visitors said the beaches can get busy, heading away from the town centre enables visitors to locate a more ‘peaceful’ area, even during warm, bright days.
Ramsgate also has Britain’s largest Wetherspoons establishment, ideal for enjoying a drink or family dinner, though this quintessential coastal town presents considerably more attractions for guests.
Boat trips, including those operated by Sea Searcher, deliver wildlife and seal adventures, complemented by a wind farm vessel tour and three-hour angling expeditions to savour.
The labyrinth of subterranean passageways stretches back to the Second World War, built in 1939 to provide refuge for thousands of townsfolk during aerial bombardments, leading to its moniker ‘Tunnel Town’. Ramsgate has long drawn distinguished visitors to its shores, among them novelist Jane Austen and the celebrated painter Vincent Van Gogh, and the coastal town now boasts a flourishing and dynamic creative community.
With a wealth of independent restaurants, pubs and bars to discover, this lively seaside destination offers Londoners an ideal and straightforward day trip – no car required.
Catching a high-speed service from St Pancras International will deliver you to Ramsgate in a mere one hour and 14 minutes, while travelling by car can take up to two hours, depending on where in the capital your journey begins.
