Rather than an exotic overseas escape, it's amazing to find such a stunning beach with glittering water and golden sand in the heart of Kent. With summer going well, there's no longer time to put a pencil on a “beach day” for a planner. One of the stunning options is Botanical Garden Bay. This continues to raise awareness of the blue flag and ensure its cleanliness and maintenance.
At low tide, the vastness is vast, revealing the curiosity of many within its rock pool. The coast is fascinating here. The bay is decorated with iconic white cliffs and chalk stacks that make this landscape an unforgettable side of the area and become a favorite theme for Kent photographers.
You can walk to Kings Gate Bay and Joss Bay, but keep in mind the incoming tide. Or you may find yourself waiting six hours like one individual.
Botany Bay also benefits from the daily lifeguard patrol from May 24th to September 7th, and is open from 10am to 6pm. Pooch will be welcomed outside of these hours from May 1st to September 30th.
Recent visitors welcomed the secluded patch between Margate and Broadsteer as a true “jewel” and cherished long walks along the coastline and top of the cliffs as a highlight of the trip. First-time visitors, pay attention: street parking near Botany Bay is off limits, Kentri reports.
It is worth noting that Margate is a great destination in itself.
Visitors will be fascinated by a unique blend of traditional, modern, artistic and playful elements, while Broadsteer offers a contemporary experience that you won't want to miss, featuring independent scenes, bars, cafes and restaurants.
Accessing the UK's most photoshooted bay last February is easy via a well-running path from a cliff foot top or concrete path at the far end, near the road.
The water quality was rated as the best bathing option in 2024, and has maintained a consistent standard from the past. Throughout 2025, water samples have been taken 15 times, initially already being carried out on May 7th, with the last being scheduled for September 30th.
A recent review on TripAdvisor praised the cleanliness of the beach and ample space for dogs to roam freely, as Botanical Garden Bay boasts a rating of 4.2 out of 5 from 546 reviews.
They write: “We were able to walk towards Joss Bay, passing by the chalk formations and arches of Kingsgate Bay. In the summer, this beach will become world class. We can't blame it.
At low tide, rocky pools will appear, allowing for walks to Kingsgate Bay, but it is important to plan your visit accordingly.
The council states, “When the tide comes out, the Botany Bay is a great place to fossil picking and explore rock pools. There is plenty of exposed sand to enjoy when the tide is in, but the edges are cut off at high tide due to the shape of the bay.”
If you are a fan of scenic walks, spend your time visiting for the low tide early in the morning. You can wander miles along the endless thin sand against the background of white cliffs and Skylarks darting across the sky.
Contrary to what you might expect, the Bay of Botany was not named after its flora. Legend has it that the bay was a popular smuggling hub in the 18th century, and those arrested were exiled to Australia's Botany Bay.
This Bay of Botany may not share the refreshing climate of its Australian counterparts, but it still captivates its visitors. This Kentish Bay is the northernmost point of the seven broad-class bays.
