48 hours in Kent - What to do on a weekend in Broadstairs

Broadstairs is one of my favourite destinations in Kent, and our recent girls' weekend there was nothing short of perfect. With its stunning sandy beaches, an abundance of fantastic restaurants, and a prime location near other charming Kent towns like Margate and Ramsgate, it’s an ideal getaway. Whether you're visiting with friends like I did, as a family, or for a romantic getaway, Broadstairs offers the perfect mix of relaxation, great food, and seaside charm.

Accommodation

Broadstairs has loads of great places to stay, from family-friendly Airbnbs to beachfront hotels, but we went for Buckingham Mews—a lovely set of holiday cottages in the perfect location. Each one sleeps five and is beautifully decorated, with super comfy beds and a gorgeous freestanding bath. The log burner made things extra cosy for our winter stay, and there was plenty of space to hang out and relax, plus a fully equipped kitchen… not that we used it! With so many amazing restaurants around, cooking wasn’t on the agenda.

Food and drink

Broadstairs has an incredible selection of restaurants, and we were absolutely spoiled for choice! On our first evening, we kicked things off with a classic—fish and chips—because let’s be honest, no trip to the seaside is complete without it. There are a few great spots to grab a takeaway, but we kept it simple and went for the closest one, right at the bottom of the High Street.

On our first morning, we headed out for brunch, and Kebbells was the obvious choice—just a three-minute walk away with a seriously tempting menu. From pancakes to kippers and a great choice of cocktails, every dish sounded amazing. I went for the Turkish eggs which were amazing and just what I needed to fuel me for the day. It’s a popular spot in Broadstairs, so if you want to guarantee a table, be sure to book in advance!

For dinner, we chose Bar Ingo, a San Sebastián-inspired small plates restaurant with a fantastic wine selection. The intimate, candlelit setting, complete with an open kitchen, made it the perfect spot for a meal with friends. The menu was small but packed with incredible choices—we pretty much ordered everything on it! While every dish was delicious, the standouts had to be the chorizo with apple ketchup, the melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket, and the perfectly crispy croquettes. 

Probably the most iconic spot in Broadstairs is Morelli’s Gelato—a beloved ice cream parlour that first opened in 1932 and still oozes vintage charm from its 1959 refurbishment. While Morelli’s offers a huge selection of delicious ice cream flavours, we had our sights set on something extra indulgent—their legendary ice cream sundaes - chocolate fudge for the girls, hazelnut for me!

We checked out two very different spots for drinks during our trip, each with its own unique vibe.

On our first night, we headed to Delilah’s Bar, a cosy boutique cocktail bar serving up a small but carefully curated menu of handcrafted drinks. Whether you’re after a classic cocktail or something alcohol-free, there’s something for everyone—and every sip is top-notch.

The next evening, before dinner, we stopped by Sonder Pub, a must-visit for beer lovers. With a massive selection of beers on tap, including local favourites like Floc and Time & Tide alongside big names like Deya and Verdant, there’s no shortage of great choices. The lively atmosphere makes it even better, especially on weekends when live music kicks things up a notch!

Things to do

Although most of our weekend revolved around amazing food, drinks, and plenty of relaxing at Buckingham Mews, we couldn’t resist a trip to the beach. Broadstairs boasts a stunning coastline, with Viking Bay being the most popular spot—especially in summer when it fills up with families. But my personal favourite is the next beach along, Stone Bay. Just as beautiful but far quieter, it’s the perfect place to unwind with a book.

We also took a scenic walk along the coast towards Ramsgate, soaking up the breathtaking sea views the whole way. It was the perfect way to balance out all that eating and drinking—kind of!

If you're visiting with children, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions to enjoy, including Lilliput Minigolf, the Dickens House Museum, and Crampton Tower Museum. Kids will also love the lively amusement arcades and spending hours building sandcastles on the beach.

Whether you’re after a laid-back beach escape, a foodie weekend, or a fun family adventure, Broadstairs has something for everyone. Our girls’ weekend was the perfect mix of great food, coastal walks, and cosy downtime, and I’m already counting down to my next visit. If you’re planning a trip to the Kent coast, I couldn’t recommend Broadstairs more — it’s one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve truly had a break. So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready to fall in love with this charming seaside town.