Beachcomber Glamping

Looking for an active break? Kitesurfers and sailors can get out onto the waves at Minnis Bay (15 minutes’ walk); if you prefer to explore the Kent coastline on two wheels, join the scenic Viking Coastal Trail (Regional Cycle Network 15) for gentle family-friendly cycling past ancient flint churches and sandy bays. Left your bike at home? No problem – just hire one in Birchington-on-Sea (10 minutes’ drive) and you’re on your way. Kids demanding amusement? The answer may well be Margate (25 minutes), with its wide sandy beach for paddling in the North Sea and generally letting off energy, before tackling the coasters and roller disco at Dreamland or the mini golf course. Any rainy day grumblings will be hopefully forgotten amid the themed challenges at the escape rooms and fiercely fought competitions at the bowling alley. When it comes to some grown-up time, have a peek at the Shell Grotto (25 minutes), a mysterious subterranean folly of uncertain date with 4.6 million shells adorning the curved chalk walls. Equally impressive works of art are to be found at Turner Contemporary (20 minutes), where some of the finest paintings by local boy JMW Turner reside.