Broadstairs
A pretty coastal town on the Isle of Thanet, 80 miles south east of London, Broadstairs is situated amid Margate and Ramsgate in Kent
Thanet's safe, sandy bays and beaches rank among the every best in the European, sharing no fewer than nine Blueflag awards for their water quality – more than any other district in the country.
Broadstairs alone boasts the world-famous Botany Bay, Stone Bay, Dumpton Gap, Joss Bay, Louisa Bay, Kingsgate Bay and Viking Bay - the latter overlooked by Peen's - each with its own distinct charm and character.
The town has a rich history and is linked with many famous names.
Charles Dickens was a regular visitor for more than 20 years, describing Broadstairs as "Our English Watering Place" and wrote David Copperfield while staying here at Bleak House.
Former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath was born, grew up and developed his love of sailing in Broadstairs.
Much-loved actor George Warner, 'Dixon of Dock Green', also lived here.
The town enjoys a long association with children’s entertainment. Derek McCulloch, ‘Uncle Mac’, presenter of Children's Favourites and Children's Hour on BBC Radio, visited often and is commemorated with a stone cairn and plaque in Victoria Gardens on the seafront. Annette Mills, presenter of the 1950ss TV programme ‘Muffin the Mule’ was another long-term resident.
More recently Oliver Postgate, creator of the TV series ‘Noggin the Nog’, ‘The Clangers’ and ‘Bagpuss’ retired to Broadstairs and is commemorated by a mosaic and a blue plaque on the front of his home in Chandos Square.
The steps leading from the North Foreland inspired John Buchan's 'The Thirty-Nine Steps.
Today, the area is enjoying something of a renaissance, as we rediscover the delights of traditional English bucket-and-spade of our youth coupled with some of the very best cooking on offer in the country.
