Kent
It's that time of year when you can eat as many chocolate eggs as you like and not feel like a greedy little monster, so, what better way to stuff your face with calories than on a nice Easter break?
If you thought the seaside was simply about sunbathing, think again! Just an hour from London, one of the country’s longest stretches of coastline is inviting us to venture back outside this spring with a raft of active breaks from kite-surfing and sailing to afternoon treks on horseback or bike. Read on to discover the more high octane pace of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate.
WATER SPORTS
SURFING
The region has a great surfing heritage as the isle is unique in offering beaches that face north east and south, meaning they pick up the North Sea swells as well as channel swells. Surfers have been riding the waves at Joss Bay, Broadstairs for more than 40 years and this classic surf spot is suitable for all levels of surfer.
Joss Bay Surf School, Broadstairs – provides courses for beginners, either on a one-to-one basis or group lessons (maximum of eight), led by a British Surfing Association instructor. Refresher courses are also available. One of only a handful of surf schools in England to provide lessons for the disabled.
Kent Surf School, Broadstairs – based at Viking Bay which is a safe and friendly place to learn to surf. Affiliated to the Surf Hire Safety Scheme set up by the RNLI and the BSA to make surf hire safer.
KITESURFING
Kitesurfing is a new water sport, its very simplicity making it challenging. Your body is the only connection between the kite and the board so you have to pilot the kite and steer the board on the water at the same time. Favourite riding style is freeride and most boards are designed for this, enabling kite surfers of any ability to take to the water.
Ride Kite Surfing – the school offers a range of courses but if you can’t find what you’re looking for it will tailor one to suit your needs. One of the fastest growing – and, the school says, the easiest – water sports to learn. Designated sites at Minnis Bay, near Birchington, and Westbrook Bay, Margate.
SAILING
Thanet’s association with sailing goes back centuries and it’s home to the country’s only royal harbour at Ramsgate. Learning to sail opens up a whole new world and the good news is there’s plenty of help at hand to get you started – from practical courses to individual demos. Basic sailing principles can be learnt in a day or so but you’ll need quite a bit longer mastering the art of sailing well.
Royal Temple Yacht Club, Ramsgate – welcomes new members and will give you both the theory and the practical tuition. Founded in 1857, the club organises Ramsgate Week - the popular annual event regarded as the alternative Cowes.
Broadstairs Sailing Club – provides a range of training, dinghy sailing and racing activities for families, couples and individuals.
JET SKIING
Joining the jet set will give you plenty of thrills as you speed across the water. A mix of water skiing and speedboat driving, with jet skis you’re standing so the sport is all about mastering the art of weight distribution. Be aware of the speed limit!
Jet Ski World, Margate – now open all year round so follow a blast on the open sea with a hot meal in the Jetski Café.
HORSE RIDING
Horse riding is a hobby enjoyed by all ages and although many take to the saddle when they’re young more of us, it seems, are turning to it in later life.
Manston Riding Centre, Alland Grange, near Ramsgate – friendly riding centre open seven days a week with lessons for all ages and abilities from four upwards. Hacking also available on one of the local beaches or in the countryside.
Nelson Park Riding Centre, Manston – friendly, family-run business and the largest horse and pony riding centre in the South East. More than four acres of cross country course with jumps available. Approved by the British Horse Society and the Association of British Riding Schools.
Where can I stay?
MARGATE
White Lodge, Westgate – small, friendly guest house run by Heather and Ian Johnson only 100 yards from Westgate’s sandy bay. Two doubles; one twin; three family and two ground floor rooms – all en suite with Wi-Fi. Winner of Pride in Thanet Tourism Awards 2010. Call 01843 831828
BROADSTAIRS
Royal Albion Hotel – major refurbishment and modernisation project has revived the glory of this historic Shepherd Neame hotel’s heyday when it was a prime destination for well-heeled Victorians. Unrivalled seafront position only a few steps from sandy Viking Bay. The rooms have undergone a £1 million transformation with luxury bathroom suites and opulent soft furnishings. Call 01843 868071
RAMSGATE
Manston Court – home to three handsome self-catering properties: Annie’s Cottage (sleeps up to four), Well Cottage (ideal for a couple or a small family) and The Chapel – beautiful 13th century grade 2 listed building (sleeps up to 10). Call 01843 823371
Royal Harbour Hotel – two adjoining Georgian Grade 2 listed townhouses in Ramsgate’s best known historic garden crescent – Nelson Crescent. Many of the rooms have great views over the harbour, the yacht marina and the English Channel, some even with their own private balcony. Noted for its appetising breakfasts and original artwork. Call 01843 591514
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