Stone Bay sits just north of Viking Bay, around the headland, and feels a world away from the busy town beach. Reached down its own flight of steps, backed by cliffs and houses rather than a promenade, it is where Broadstairs goes for a quieter swim — and the chalk reef in front of it makes good rock pooling at low tide.
The quiet one
Stone Bay is smaller and more enclosed than Viking, and the steps down keep the numbers low. It holds a Seaside Award for its water and management. At low tide the chalk reef is exposed and the rock pools fill with crabs, anemones and small fish, much like Botany Bay but with far fewer people. On a calm day it is a good spot for a snorkel over the reef.
Where it is and how to get there
Stone Bay lies between Viking Bay and the Kingsgate cliffs, on the eastern edge of Broadstairs near St Peter's. From Botany Bay Beach House it is a clifftop walk south along the Viking Coastal Trail, or a few minutes by car. Access to the sand is down a set of steps; there is street parking in the roads above. Broadstairs station and town are a short walk away.
Tides and safety
Cut off at both ends
Stone Bay is tidal and is cut off at both ends as the tide comes in, so the beach shrinks quickly and the sand routes to Viking Bay and the bays north close well before high water. There is no lifeguard cover here. Check a tide table before you go down, keep track of the time, and stay clear of the cliff base.
Facilities
| Sand | Sandy beach with a chalk reef and rock pools at low tide |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | None — take care with the tide and with children |
| Facilities | Limited; the cafes and shops of Broadstairs are a short walk away |
| Parking | Street parking in the roads above the bay |
| Access | Steps down from the clifftop — not step-free |
Dogs
As at Botany Bay and Joss Bay, dogs are not allowed on Stone Bay between 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September. Before 10am, after 6pm, and from October through April, they are welcome on the sand; on the promenade they must be on a lead all year. For unrestricted summer-daytime dog walks, Kingsgate Bay is the better choice.
What it's good for
A quiet swim. The escape from Viking Bay when the town beach is full.
Rock pooling and snorkelling. The chalk reef at low tide, without the Botany Bay crowds.
An easy local beach. Close to Broadstairs town and station, but a step removed from the bustle.
Nearby beaches
Stone Bay questions
Is Stone Bay quieter than Viking Bay?
Yes — it is the next bay north, reached by its own steps, and noticeably quieter. A good place for a swim away from the crowds even in summer.
Does it get cut off at high tide?
Yes, at both ends. The beach shrinks fast as the tide rises and the routes to neighbouring bays close before high water. Check a tide table first.
Are dogs allowed?
Not between 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September. Outside those hours and from October to April they are welcome on the sand; on a lead on the promenade all year.