On the Isle of Thanet in eastern Kent is the town of Broadstairs. This coastal community is considered to be the "Jewel in Thanet's crown" and is one of the most popular destinations in the Thanet area. The town is often paired with nearby St. Peter's to form the local civil parish of St. Peter's and Broadstairs. The community of Broadstairs got it's unique name from the stairs that were carved into the chalk cliffs that lead to the beach from the 12th century Shrine of St Mary. Until the 1800s this small town was best known for being a good port for smuggling. It wasn't until first quarter of the 19th century was over before the town was developed into a seaside resort.
Since it is a seaside resort you can be assured that the beach is still the most popular place to head while you are visiting. The main beach, better known as Viking Bay has been awarded the coveted Blue Flag award. Here you and the family can not only enjoy the clean beaches and waters of Viking Bay, but you can also enjoy the numerous ice cream outlets and cafes that line the beach. Viking Bay is often very busy during the summer months.
If the crowds are too much for you at Viking Bay then head over to Botany Bay and Joss Bay. Both of these bays are also located in or near Broadstairs. These bays aren't as popular and don't have as many of the amenities available to them as Viking Bay does but they are still great areas to visit if you are looking for fun in the sun. These two bays have also been past recipients of the Blue Flag award.
There is also a wide array of entertaining items to enjoy during your stay. During the summer months you can take a donkey ride. If riding a burro is not your idea of a good time then be sure to catch a Punch and Judy show, they are always fun for both young and old alike. And during the summer months don't head inside just because it's dark. On Wednesday nights during the summer you can find yourself treated to a fireworks display over Viking Bay.
If you a fan of literature then you will be sure to find the Dickens Museum to be of extreme interest. During his life Charles Dickens frequented this area. He even lived in what is known as the Bleak House, which until recently was the home of the museum. Today the Bleak House is a private home and not open to visitors but many of the artifacts from the home are now a part of the Dickens Museum which is located on Vikings Bay. You can see many things that Dickens used when he resided at the Bleak House.
Even though the Bleak House is not actually open to visitors you can still see it from the outside, but please be mindful of the residents. This house was once the Fort House for the coastal observation station. This is also the home that Dickens wrote his famous work David Copperfield.
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