Ramsgate Royal Harbour (Image: Getty)
One delightful UK seaside town is often overlooked, yet it boasts sandy beaches, historic attractions – and you might even catch a glimpse of a seal.
This charming destination with its three distinctive beaches is often overshadowed by two neighbours, meaning you’re far more likely to find space for your towel on a summer’s day.
What’s more, this picturesque coastal town sits less than 90 minutes from London – and is steeped in fishing and farming heritage with an enduring, timeless atmosphere. There’s even a remarkable and highly-praised tourist attraction featuring wartime underground tunnels, perfect for rainy days or escaping the summer heat.
Ramsgate in Kent is a considerably underrated seaside town, particularly when you consider the popularity of its neighbours Margate and Broadstairs, yet it is celebrated for its ‘lovely clean sandy beach’.
Three beaches flank the town: Ramsgate Main Sands, Western Undercliff Beach and Ramsgate East Cliff Promenade and Beach – and all three boast outstanding reviews on TripAdvisor.
The UK seaside town is surrounded by sandy beaches many other attractions (Image: Krisztian Elek via Getty Images)
Western Undercliff Beach is described as being a ‘stones throw’ from the Royal Harbour Marina in Ramsgate, with one visitor describing it as a ‘lovely sandy beach with no facilities’, adding that this was actually a bonus, making it ‘better for seclusion and quietness’.
The Royal Harbour Marina in Ramsgate was bestowed its name by King George IV in the 1800s – and to this day it remains the only harbour holding official royal status in the entire UK. Boasting an expansive stretch of golden sand, Ramsgate Main Sands and the East Cliff Promenade and Beach border the town, with one visitor describing the location as ‘great for kids’ in an online review.
The visitor wrote in a TripAdvisor review: “Lovely clean sandy beach, lovely sunny day – lots of families have a typical day on the beach – great to see.
“We walked along the beach back to Dumpton gap, please note that if the tide is in – you will need to take the steps up to the cliff top, lovely views & worth it.”
While some reviewers noted the beaches can become crowded, venturing further from the town centre makes it possible to discover a more ‘peaceful’ spot, even on warm, sunny days.
Ramsgate is also home to the largest Wetherspoons in the country, perfect for a pint or a family meal, but this classic seaside town has a great deal more to offer visitors.
Boat trips, including those run by Sea Searcher, provide wildlife and seal spotting excursions, alongside a wind farm tour by boat and 3-hour fishing trips to enjoy.
The network of underground tunnels dates back to the Second World War, constructed in 1939 to shelter thousands of local residents from bombing raids, earning it the nickname ‘Tunnel Town’.
Ramsgate has historically attracted notable visitors including writer Jane Austen and artist Vincent Van Gogh, and today the town boasts a thriving and burgeoning creative scene. There are several independent restaurants, pubs and bars to enjoy food and drinks in this vibrant seaside destination — and for Londoners, it makes for an effortless day trip without the need to drive.
From St Pancras International, a high-speed train will whisk you to Ramsgate in just one hour and 14 minutes, while driving can take up to two hours, depending on which part of the capital you are departing from.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
