There are several seaside resorts along the north Kent coast, offering facilities to suit all tastes. Of course, the one resort always associated with Kent is Margate, which has been a major seaside resort since the 19th century for people living in the south east of England. Today, it’s as popular as ever, as are the several other, smaller resorts that have grown up around it. Like most seaside resorts, they all started life as small fishing ports and, although fishing is no longer the thriving industry it once was, visitors can still see the bustling activity in the harbour as the boats return with their catches.

1 Motor Museum, Ramsgate
This museum, on the clifftop at Ramsgate, houses a collection of over 40 cars spanning the history of motoring from 1900 to the mid-1980s, plus a similar number of motorcycles and scooters. The earliest motorcar is a 1900 Benz with solid tyres, tiller steering and a cowbell instead of a horn. Other examples of some of the last century’s most famous models include names such as Lagonda, Hillman, Austin, Ford and Jaguar. Motorcycles on display include models from AJS, BSA, Sunbeam Triumph and Harley-Davidson, while scooters are represented by Lambretta, Vespa, Zundapp Bella and Moto Guzzi.

2 Ramsgate Maritime Museum
The Ramsgate Maritime Museum in the clockhouse at the royal harbour was opened in 1984 and covers Ramsgate and Thanet’s maritime history. Near the entrance, for instance, are the optics from a Trinity House light ship that once guarded the notorious Goodwin Sands seven miles offshore from Ramsgate. In the inner harbour is the Sundowner, one of the little ships that took part in the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940, when she rescued 130 men. Visits are by prior arrangement only.

3 Bleak House
Charles Dickens used to spend his summers at Bleak House, Broadstairs. Originally named Fort House, this building stands at the top of the cliffs above Viking Bay near the northern end of the town. David Copperfield, one of Dickens’ most famous books, was written here, and the public can visit the author’s study and bedroom, and the dining room where he entertained such luminaries as Hans Christian Andersen. The billiard room contains other items connected with Dickens, including the lectern he used when giving readings of his works and a theatre programme listing him as an amateur actor.

4 Margate
Undoubtedly the most popular seaside resort in Kent, Margate is an ideal day out for all the family. It has been likened to Blackpool but without the latter’s boisterousness. There are plenty of sandy beaches, a magnificent promenade and gardens, plus all the usual seaside attractions.
For several decades, one of Margate’s main attractions has been the Dreamland Fun Park. Sadly, the park has been scheduled for closure at the end of this year, although there is a local campaign to save it.

5 Shell Grotto
The Shell Grotto has been called one of the world’s most mysterious places. This series of underground rooms and passageways is covered in 2000sq ft of shell mosaic – but no-one knows who made it or why. Some believe it is a 2000-year-old temple.

6 Margate Caves
Another subterranean attraction, Margate Caves date back over a thousand years and were only rediscovered at the end of the 18th century. Throughout their existence they have been used as smugglers’ haunts, torture chambers, dungeons, a prison, and even a secret place of worship.

7 Herne Bay
This seaside resort is a quieter, more relaxing place than its big brother, Margate. However, it is worth noting that much of its beach is shingle with virtually no sand, making it less popular for those with young families. On the other hand, we saw water skiers and jet skiers having a great time.
The well-kept seafront has very pleasant gardens, and the Pier Pavilion looks as if it is almost new. The amusement arcades are in better condition than those in many seaside resorts. The town is also unusual in that you can park free for two hours on the seafront.

8 Whitstable
Famed for its oysters, Whitstable was the site of the world’s first commercial oyster hatchery. It was also the home of the actor Peter Cushing, who is remembered by Cushing View on the seafront.
The view from the beach is one of yachts, sailboards and water skiers, and the harbour is still alive with the constant activity of fishing boats. Behind the seafront is a maze of tiny streets with weatherboard cottages. At the east end of the town are the Tankerton Slopes – wide, clifftop lawns that fall away gradually to the sea.