What is Going On in Broadstairs, Kent, England

Things To Do and Places To Visit in Broadstairs, U.K.

Aug 3, 2009 Deborah Percy

Broadstairs is a pretty seaside town on the Isle of Thanet near Ramsgate. It has lovely sandy beaches with Punch & Judy shows, restaurants, bars, a cinema, and museums.

Broadstairs is a small and charming seaside town, it is a popular destination for families with young children and for older people. It is very pretty and unspoilt.

The jetty is believed to be one of the oldest in the U.K., built in 1538 by George Culmer and at the entrance to the Jetty is a 300 year old, white, timber boat house.

Most of the seafront buildings are as original: there is the recently restored art deco Pavilion which is part of the Thorley Tavern chain; Dickens House maintained as a Victorian home; and Morelli’s ice cream parlour which is little changed since the 1950's.

Broadstairs nightlife is based around restaurants and strolling along the promenade. With no night clubs it does not try to attract hen & bachelor parties or rowdy drunken crowds, these groups of holiday makers will find a wide choice of lively entertainment in nearby Margate.

Travel Around the Isle of Thanet

Broadstairs is just a few miles from its neighbours, Margate and Ramsgate, both of which are within easy walking distance for the reasonably fit. There are excellent connections by public transport around Thanet linking the main towns and the shopping centre development at the heart of the Isle, Westwood Cross.

Annual Events & Attractions in Broadstairs

Like many seaside towns Broadstairs has its own unique attractions and events such as regular summer firework displays. It is one of the only seaside towns in the area which has daily Punch & Judy shows throughout the summer.

Dickens House Museum & the Broadstairs Dickens Festival 20–24 June 2009

Broadstairs is far from unique in claiming a close connection with the great author Charles Dickens who was a regular visitor to the town. There is a museum in Victoria Parade which contains Dickens memorabilia and is preserved as a Victorian home. There has been a Dickens Festival held in the town since 1937, which includes shows and costumed walks.

Broadstairs Folk Week 7–14 August 2009

One of the largest folk festivals in the country, Broadstairs Folk Week is an annual event which is more than forty years old and takes place in the second week in August. Many top, world class performers can be seen at various venues across the town. There are street performances by Morris Dancers and the like; free shows all day at the Bandstand and a market in Victoria Gardens.

Broadstairs Water Gala Tuesday 18 August

This is an annual event which dates back more than 100 years. It is free to attend and there are events on the beach at Viking Bay, and at Victoria Gardens. One can typically expect King Neptune on the beach, a teddy bear's picnic, fun fair and fireworks.

Crampton Tower Museum

The Crampton Tower Museum is next to the train station and only open in the afternoons only 14.00–17.00. It will be most enjoyable for enthusiasts of all things to do with railways, both big and models. The exhibitions also focus on the work of Victorian engineer Thomas Crampton who is well known for work on locomotives and civil engineering.

References:

Nick Evans (2007) "Broadstairs Heydays and Nowadays", Bygone Publishing, Whitstable, U.K.

The copyright of the article What is Going On in Broadstairs, Kent, England in U.K./Ireland Travel is owned by Deborah Percy. Permission to republish What is Going On in Broadstairs, Kent, England in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Viking Bay, Broadstairs, U.K.

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