4.6
(104)
1,922
hikers
25
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Broadstairs And St Peters offer access to a diverse coastal landscape in Kent, England. The region is characterized by dramatic chalk cliffs, extensive sandy bays, and prominent headlands. Hikers can explore a network of paths that wind along the shoreline, providing varied terrains and views across the English Channel. The area features several distinct bays, including Viking Bay, Botany Bay, and Kingsgate Bay, which are connected by coastal routes.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
4.4
(10)
177
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(8)
99
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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38
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
16
hikers
22.1km
05:41
100m
100m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
4.91km
01:18
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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When the later Queen Victoria visited Broadstairs, Snelling was so notorious that he was introduced to her as “The Famous Smuggler”! The cave entrance is easily accessible in the rear curve of the rock face and goes slightly uphill. There are a total of 3 smaller caves, lined up like a string of pearls. There used to be an upper exit that no longer exists. The way there is also the way back. Between the individual caves are low passages. If you don’t mind a bit of dust and lime, it’s fun to go on a discovery tour.
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A Notorious Smuggler's Favorite Spot Due to its proximity to mainland Europe and its remote, cave-riddled bays, smuggling was a livelihood and a vital economic activity for many people along the Kent coast throughout much of the 18th and 19th centuries. Thanet's smugglers openly carried weapons, defied the authorities, and forced locals to supply them with fodder and fresh horses. During the Battle of Botany Bay, informed tax collectors clashed with the notorious smuggler Joss Snelling and his gang. Machetes, knives, and boat hooks were used in the bloody battle, in which Snelling lost 15 of his men. The danger (or the contraband) must have suited Snelling well. He reached the ripe old age of 96 and in 1830 – at the age of 89 – was fined 100 pounds for smuggling – an enormous sum!
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The Botany Bay Restaurant and Bar is perched atop the beautiful cliffs of Kingsgate, offering breathtaking views across the English Channel and the stunning surrounding beaches, with spectacular panoramic vistas. Opening Hours Opening hours: Monday to Thursday and Sunday 9:00 AM–10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 9:00 AM–11:00 PM. Food service: Monday to Friday 12:00 PM–3:00 PM and 5:00 PM–9:00 PM, weekends 12:00 PM–9:00 PM. https://www.botanybayhotel.co.uk/ We've eaten there a few times and it's always been good, although the service could be a bit more efficient 😉
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Botany Bay, one of Thanet's most photographed bays, is famous. This hidden gem offers breathtaking views of white cliffs and beautiful chalk formations. At low tide, Botany Bay is an ideal spot for fossil hunting and exploring the tide pools. At high tide, there's plenty of exposed sand to discover, but due to the bay's shape, the ends are cut off at high tide. Helpful tide chart website: https://www.tideschart.com/United-Kingdom/England/Southend--on--Sea/Botany-Bay-Beach/
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The Margate Clock Tower is a landmark and a popular tourist attraction in Margate. Built to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, it was officially opened on May 24, 1889, the Queen's 70th birthday. The clock tower houses a time globe, which allowed ships at sea and spectators on land to precisely set their clocks. The time globe is a large copper sphere that was raised to the top of the tower, near the masthead, and lowered at exactly 1:00 PM.
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Here you can admire some cool graffiti.
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A very nice restaurant and pub with a lovely outdoor area and a wonderful view. The food and service are excellent. https://www.captaindigby.co.uk/
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Broadstairs has had a clock tower since 1897, originally built to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee (60 years on the throne). The original clock tower was destroyed by fire, and the current one was built in 1970 to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee (25 years on the throne). The clock tower is located next to the bandstand in Broadstairs and is a pleasant spot to enjoy the view across the sea.
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There are over 25 hiking routes accessible from bus stations around Broadstairs And St Peters. These trails cater to various fitness levels, including 15 easy, 9 moderate, and 1 difficult option.
The bus-accessible hikes in Broadstairs And St Peters primarily feature dramatic coastal landscapes. You'll encounter impressive chalk cliffs, golden sandy bays like Viking Bay and Botany Bay, and sections of the Thanet Coastal Path and Viking Coastal Trail. Many routes offer panoramic views across the English Channel.
Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for families. An excellent option is the Palm Bay Beach – Princes Way Coastal Path loop from North Foreland, which is just under 5 km and offers gentle coastal views. Another easy choice is the Dumpton Gap Beach – Viking Bay loop from Broadstairs, also around 5 km, leading to the iconic Viking Bay.
Many trails offer access to stunning natural features and attractions. You can explore the impressive Kingsgate Bay and the Chalk Cliffs, or visit the picturesque Botany Bay Chalk Cliffs and Botany Bay. The charming Viking Bay, Broadstairs is also a frequent highlight on coastal routes.
Yes, many of the bus-accessible routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point, often conveniently near a bus stop. Examples include the Botany Bay Chalk Cliffs – Margate Harbour Arm loop and the Kingsgate Bay and the Chalk Cliffs – Viking Bay, Broadstairs loop from North Foreland.
The hiking trails in Broadstairs And St Peters are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 100 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the stunning coastal views, the accessibility of the trails from public transport, and the variety of landscapes, from dramatic cliffs to sandy bays.
For those seeking a longer and more challenging experience, the St Mildred’s Bay – Minnis Bay loop from Broadstairs and St Peters is a difficult 21.9 km route. This trail offers an extensive coastal journey, connecting different bays and providing a full day's adventure.
Broadstairs and St Peters offers enjoyable hiking year-round. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, while summer is ideal for combining hikes with beach activities. Winter walks can be invigorating, offering dramatic coastal scenery, though it's always wise to check weather conditions, especially for clifftop paths.
Absolutely. Many routes highlight the region's unique natural monuments. The Kingsgate Bay and the Chalk Cliffs are a prominent feature on several trails, known for their impressive formations and sea caves. You can also find trails leading to the iconic Botany Bay Chalk Cliffs.
Given the coastal environment, layers are recommended to adapt to changing weather. Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are essential, as paths can vary from paved sections to sandy or uneven coastal trails. A waterproof outer layer is advisable, especially for clifftop walks where you can be exposed to wind and sea spray.
Yes, many routes will take you past the area's beautiful sandy bays. Viking Bay, Botany Bay, and Minnis Bay Beach are all accessible via bus routes and offer opportunities for swimming or exploring at low tide. Walpole Bay Tidal Pool is also a great spot for rock pooling.


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