Viking Bay

The shingle stretches out wide and proper golden when the light's right, sloping gently toward water that's usually a shade of grey-green rather than Mediterranean blue. Viking Bay in Birchington is a proper working beach - you'll see fishing boats, not just tourists photographing themselves. It's the kind of place where families actually come to build sandcastles and eat fish and chips rather than Instagram the view.

The bay got its name from the Viking raids that happened here centuries ago, which is the sort of detail kids find thrilling even if there's nothing to see of it now. The beach itself is fairly sheltered, backed by the town rather than dramatic cliffs, and the seafront has everything you'd expect - cafes, deckchairs for hire, bucket shops. It's honest seaside rather than spectacular.

Who gets the most from it? Families with young children, definitely. The water's shallow for a good distance and it's manageable for paddlers. Keen swimmers will find it less thrilling. Plan a few hours if you're settling in with a picnic, or pop down for an hour if you're passing through.

Birchington Vale Holiday Park sits about five miles inland, which is close enough for a day trip but far enough that you won't smell salt in your caravan. Free admission, naturally - it's a public beach. Go early to grab decent parking and avoid the afternoon school runs. Winter's actually rather lovely here; you get space to think and the light's beautiful.