Royal Harbour Marina (Outer)

The waterfront at Ramsgate's outer marina is more working harbour than manicured tourist spot, which is precisely why it's worth an hour of your time. Fishing boats still unload their catch here alongside the leisure craft, and there's a proper sense of activity that you won't find at sanitised marinas elsewhere on the coast.

Walk along the quay and you'll see the commercial reality of a functioning port - ice trucks, nets piled up, the smell of salt and diesel. It's honest and unglamorous, but that's the appeal. The eastern arm has better views back across Ramsgate Bay, and you can watch boats come and go without the crowds you'd get at a busier resort. Children will find it more interesting than a static marina because there's actual stuff happening.

Birchington, just a few miles north, gives you a quieter base than Ramsgate town centre. Birchington Vale Holiday Park sits nicely positioned for exploring this stretch of the Kent coast - the marina is an easy drive or a decent walk if you're staying locally.

There's no charge to wander the quays, and you can easily spend forty minutes to an hour here depending on weather and whether you fancy a coffee at one of the harbourside spots. Early morning is best if you want to see the fishing boats working. Don't expect manicured gardens or gift shops. This is where Ramsgate actually works.