West Bay Westgate
A charming coastal gem with a gentle sandy bay perfect for families, offering stunning sunsets and nearby amenities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter beach, more space
West Bay Westgate
Best Time
Quieter beach, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming coastal gem with a gentle sandy bay perfect for families, offering stunning sunsets and nearby amenities.
"Easily my favourite spot along this part of the coastline! Concrete brutalist vibes mixed with the natural walls..."
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy hassle-free access with plenty of free parking spots near the beach. 🚗
🐚 Shell Hunting Fun
The sand is filled with interesting shells, making it a great spot for collectors and kids. :shell:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 430 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gentle Sandy Bay
West Bay Westgate Beach
Perfect for families, this sandy bay slopes gently, allowing you to walk far out before it gets deep.
Stunning Sunsets
West Bay Westgate Seafront
Witness breathtaking sunsets over the sea, a truly magical experience on this coastline.
The Swan Pub
Near West Bay Westgate
Enjoy a pint of well-kept ale at this local pub, a perfect spot for a post-beach refreshment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Beach Essentials & Local Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
How is it possible that I watched the sun go down over the sea... In Margate?
I recently spent a lovely long weekend in Margate. On our last night there we sat on the sea front and watched the sun slowly sink into the sea. It was beautiful, but just as it was almost gone I suddenly realised that this shouldn't have been possible as we were on the East…
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy hassle-free access with plenty of free parking spots near the beach. 🚗
🐚 Shell Hunting Fun
The sand is filled with interesting shells, making it a great spot for collectors and kids. :shell:
Where to go: Dover Cliffs vs St Margaret’s Bay & Cliffs vs Folkestone Beachside?
The cliffs at Margate are smaller, but you can walk the beach in front of them (Botany Bay) and Dover's cliffs are higher, but you can only see the side of them (unless you're taking a ferry out). However, Beachy Head is the nicest.
Best Seaside Towns to Visit in the UK?
I want to experience a classic British seaside town. Should I go to Brighton, Whitby, Cornwall, or somewhere else? Looking for great views, food, and a relaxed atmosphere.
🏊♀️ Safe for Swimmers
Lifeguards and a bay inspector ensure a safe swimming experience. Water is clear and warm. :swimmer:
🌊 Watch the Tides
Be mindful of tide times, as they can cut off parts of the beach. 🌊
Sandy beach near London?
Are there any sandy beaches near London that we can make a day trip of? From an earlier post, Brighton was a top suggestion among day trips from London. Does it have a sandy beach as well? If not, are there other places we could go to. We are a family of four with 2 kids <11…
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy hassle-free access with plenty of free parking spots near the beach. 🚗
🐚 Shell Hunting Fun
The sand is filled with interesting shells, making it a great spot for collectors and kids. :shell:
🏊♀️ Safe for Swimmers
Lifeguards and a bay inspector ensure a safe swimming experience. Water is clear and warm. :swimmer:
🌊 Watch the Tides
Be mindful of tide times, as they can cut off parts of the beach. 🌊
🍻 Local Pub Nearby
The Swan pub offers great ale and is a perfect spot for a break. 🍺
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
West Bay Westgate is lauded as a 'little gem' with a fantastic, family-friendly beach offering clear, warm waters and a gentle slope. Visitors appreciate the free parking, safety measures like lifeguards, and the convenience of nearby pubs and shops. While some note the concrete elements and potential for tides to cut off areas, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its charm and suitability for a relaxed day out.
"Great beach, far quieter than Margate with a nice pub, loos and shops within walking distance.
Westgate station is also very near and there are plenty of fish and chip places around!"
Thomas Gilbert
"A little gem of a beach! We thoroughly enjoyed our day there. Sand was filled with interesting shells. Water was clear and lovely and warm for swimming in.
Lifeguards and a bay inspector made it a welcome beach and the parking was free!"
Claire Haskew
"Easily my favourite spot along this part of the coastline! Concrete brutalist vibes mixed with the natural walls and other human influence it’s a diverse area. A shame about the unexpected dead end, but some fantastic sunsets can be witnessed here"
Caïna Verrin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
West Bay Westgate is easily accessible by car, with free parking available. Westgate station is also very near, making it convenient for public transport users.
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available at West Bay Westgate, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While it's a lovely coastal area, walking directly from Margate might be a significant distance. Public transport or driving is recommended for ease of access.
Westgate station is very close to West Bay Westgate, offering convenient rail access.
West Bay Westgate is a well-known spot along the coastline, and signage should guide you effectively. Using a GPS with 'West Bay Westgate' or '5625 West Flamingo Road' (if applicable to a different Westgate location) should lead you there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, West Bay Westgate beach is a public access area and does not require tickets for entry. Enjoy the natural beauty freely!
There are no entry fees for West Bay Westgate beach itself. Parking is also free, making it an economical day out.
As a natural beach, West Bay Westgate is accessible at all times. However, amenities like the pub and shops will have their own operating hours.
You can visit West Bay Westgate anytime. For the best experience, consider visiting during daylight hours for safety and to enjoy the scenery. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
Absolutely! Visitors are welcome to bring their own sun loungers, towels, and blankets to relax on the sand.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim in the clear, warm water, sunbathe on the sandy beach, collect shells, and enjoy the beautiful sunsets. It's also a great spot for a leisurely ramble. +1
Yes, it's perfect for kids! The sandy bay slopes down very gently, allowing them to play safely in shallow water for a long time.
Yes, lifeguards and a bay inspector are present, ensuring a safe environment for beachgoers.
You'll find a nice pub, loos (restrooms), and shops within walking distance of the beach.
The water is described as clear and lovely and warm for swimming. The gentle slope makes it accessible for various swimming abilities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are plenty of fish and chip places and other cafes and restaurants in the nearby town of Westgate.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food, towels, and blankets to enjoy a picnic on the sand.
The Swan pub is located nearby and is known for keeping very good ale, making it a great spot for a drink.
Westgate offers a variety of dining options, including traditional fish and chips, cafes, and other eateries to suit different tastes.
While there aren't designated picnic areas, the sandy beach itself is perfect for spreading out a towel or blanket and enjoying a picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach itself, with its gentle slopes and clear water, is picturesque. The concrete brutalist vibes mixed with natural walls offer unique photographic opportunities. And of course, the sunsets are spectacular.
Absolutely! Fantastic sunsets can be witnessed here, offering dramatic skies and beautiful light for photographers.
A wide-angle lens would be great for capturing the expanse of the beach and sky during sunset. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the sea and sky.
Generally, photography is permitted for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors' privacy.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers the most beautiful light. Early mornings can also be lovely and less crowded for photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit