Broadstairs is a historic seaside town on the Isle of Thanet in Kent. The town developed around its harbour and fishing community before becoming a fashionable seaside resort during the nineteenth century, when improved transport links brought increasing numbers of visitors.
Broadstairs: Historical sights and information
Facts about Broadstairs
- Latitude:
- 51.360185
- Longitude:
- 1.437409
- GPS Coordinates:
- 51°22' N, 01°26' E
The historical and tourist significance of the town
Broadstairs is strongly associated with the Victorian seaside tradition and with the writer Charles Dickens, who regularly visited the town and used it as an inspiration for his work. Bleak House, overlooking Viking Bay, is closely connected with this literary heritage.
Viking Bay is the town's principal beach and is surrounded by a historic promenade and traditional seaside architecture. Nearby attractions include Botany Bay, Kingsgate and the coastal walking routes of Thanet, while neighbouring Margate and Ramsgate offer additional cultural and maritime attractions.
Food and shopping
Broadstairs has cafés, restaurants, traditional pubs, fish and seafood restaurants, bakeries, ice-cream shops, boutiques and independent retailers. Kent produce and seafood feature prominently in the local food culture. Summer is particularly popular for enjoying the beaches and seaside atmosphere, while literary, architectural and cultural attractions provide interest throughout the year.
Locations & Tours
Discover famous landmarks, historical sites and tourist attractions in Broadstairs.