The Warren

The Warren is a proper stretch of shingle beach just outside Folkestone, backed by dramatic chalk cliffs that rise up like a theatre wall. It's the kind of beach where you can walk for miles without hitting much - no amusement arcades, no pier, just pebbles and sea and the occasional dog walker. The shingle can be punishing on the feet, so good shoes are essential, but the stretch of coast here feels genuinely wild compared to busier Kent beaches.

Walkers will find this most rewarding. The cliffs above are crossed by several footpaths, and you can combine a beach wander with proper clifftop walks if you've got the legs for it. Families with young kids might find it less appealing - there's nowhere to buy ice cream, the water's cold even in summer, and a day here demands a bit of effort. But if your children are the type who'll spend hours turning over rocks and collecting shells, they'll be in their element.

Folkestone itself is only a mile or so away, so you can easily combine this with the town's promenade and leas if you want more facilities. Several caravan parks sit nearby - Varne Ridge is less than two miles off if you're looking to base yourself in the area. Allow a couple of hours minimum, though you could stretch it to half a day without difficulty. There's no charge for the beach itself, though parking might be required in Folkestone town centre.