Viking Bay, East Kent

This horseshoe-shaped sandy bay allures countless visitors to Broadstairs in Kent. With its beautiful clifftop promenade and pier, it’s easy to see why this was Charles Dickens’ treasured holiday destination.

Viking Bay is a beautiful spot in which to paddle board and explore Broadstairs’ picturesque coast. You can paddle board with Kent Surf School from April to October. You can get a 2-hour group lesson for £35 (for an adult) or a private session for £80. But if you’re an experienced paddle boarder and are itching to get out on the water, you can just hire a SUP for £20/hr.

If you want to check out Broadstairs town centre after paddle boarding, you can get the cliff-side elevator at the southern end of the beach to save your aching legs the climb.