Ramsgate, a coastal town in Kent, boasts three sandy beaches, a royal harbour, and a network of WWII tunnels, yet it remains overshadowed by its more popular neighbours Margate and Broadstairs. Located less than 90 minutes from London by train, Ramsgate offers visitors a quieter alternative for a seaside day trip.
Three beaches and a royal harbour
Ramsgate is bordered by three beaches: Ramsgate Main Sands, Western Undercliff Beach, and Ramsgate East Cliff Promenade and Beach. All three receive excellent reviews on TripAdvisor. Western Undercliff Beach is described as a 'stones throw' from the Royal Harbour Marina, with one visitor noting it is a 'lovely sandy beach with no facilities', which actually makes it 'better for seclusion and quietness'. Ramsgate's Royal Harbour Marina was granted its title by King George IV in the 1800s and remains the only harbour with official royal status in the UK.
Ramsgate Main Sands and East Cliff Promenade and Beach feature expansive golden sand. A TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: 'Lovely clean sandy beach, lovely sunny day - lots of families have a typical day on the beach - great to see. We walked along the beach back to Dumpton gap, please note that if the tide is in - you will need to take the steps up to the cliff top, lovely views & worth it.' While beaches can get busy, heading away from the town centre offers a more peaceful spot even on warm days.
Historical attractions and creative community
Ramsgate is rich in fishing and agricultural history and features a highly acclaimed visitor attraction showcasing wartime subterranean tunnels. These tunnels, built in 1939, provided refuge for thousands during aerial bombardments, earning the town the nickname 'Tunnel Town'. The town has attracted notable visitors such as Jane Austen and Vincent Van Gogh, and now hosts a flourishing creative community.
Ramsgate also has Britain's largest Wetherspoons establishment, ideal for drinks or family dinners, but offers many other attractions. Boat trips with Sea Searcher provide wildlife and seal adventures, wind farm vessel tours, and three-hour angling expeditions.
Easy access from London
A high-speed train from St Pancras International reaches Ramsgate in just 1 hour and 14 minutes, while driving can take up to two hours depending on the starting point in London. With a wealth of independent restaurants, pubs, and bars, Ramsgate makes for an ideal day trip without needing a car.
