St Margaret's Beach

The stretch of shingle at St Margaret's Bay feels like Dover's quieter cousin - less crowded than the seafront proper, with proper white cliffs looming behind and France visible on a clear day. You're looking at a working beach, really: fishing boats, the occasional seal spotting, and families making the most of relatively sheltered waters tucked beneath those famous cliffs.

It's the kind of place where an hour turns into three without you noticing. The shingle can be brutal on knees and ankles, so proper shoes matter. Swimming is viable in summer months, though the water's cold enough to take your breath away. The real draw, though, is the walk along the beach itself - head towards the cliffs and you'll understand why people bother with Kent's coast at all. History buffs might recognise this stretch from the Second World War; the cliffs here saw action during the Battle of Britain.

Families staying at Parkdean Resorts St Margaret's Bay Holiday Park - just 0.8 miles away - won't need to go far for a decent beach day. It's free, obviously. The hamlet of St Margaret's at Cliffe sits just inland if you need a pub or supplies. Allow two to three hours minimum, longer if the weather's cooperating. Winter brings dramatic skies and fewer people; summer means ice creams and packed beaches. Worth the detour if you're combining a park break with proper seaside time, though don't expect the genteel charm of some southern beaches - this is genuine, unglamorous Kent coastline.