Palm Bay Beach

The beach at Palm Bay is one of those stretches of shingle and sand that catches you off guard if you're not expecting it. Just outside Birchington, it's got that particular Kent coastline feel - wide, fairly exposed, with the sort of light that makes everything look properly sharp and clean. On a decent day the shale formations are genuinely interesting to poke about in, especially if you've got kids who like turning over rocks.

There's a small settlement behind the beach with a few amenities, nothing fancy, but you can grab a coffee or a bite without having to drive back into town. The beach itself is free, obviously, and you can spend anywhere from an hour to a full afternoon depending on what you're after. Low tide reveals more of the foreshore, which some people find compelling and others find a bit bleak.

It works well as a break from the holiday parks in the area like Birchington Vale if you want a quick dip or a walk without heading somewhere more touristy. Don't expect golden sand or Mediterranean vibes - this is proper English Channel coast. Suits walkers and families with younger children more than teenagers looking for atmosphere. The car park fills up on summer weekends, so arrive early or go out of season. It's honest, unpretentious, and does exactly what it says on the tin.