The Isle of Thanet is well- known for its spectacular sandy beaches but did you know we also have great parks and green spaces that are worth a visit?
Grab a football, dig out that long lost frisbee or kite and head for the great outdoors! Venture to burn off some energy, listen to birdsong and rustling trees, spot wildlife and wildflowers or just sit quietly with a book. Take the time to explore our green and pleasant land
*Please remember to Respect, Protect and Enjoy if visiting our parks and open spaces*
Above the long sandy beach you will find grassy verges offering the perfect place to run and hide or sit watching the waves lap in and spot the passing ships. It is a great place for a picnic or to capture a sunset snap including Reculver Towers. The area is popular with walkers and cyclists as it makes up part of the Viking Coastal Trail route
Palm Bay, Margate
Located on the coastal path between Margate and Broadstairs, this vast green space with uninterrupted views out to sea, has been the location for many large events. With ample free parking bays, tennis courts and a cafe nearby, it’s just the place to fly a kite. For the more adventurous there is a jet ski business nearby.
Credit Frank Leppard Photography
Northdown Park, Margate
Originally part of Northdown House, the Georgian house can be found on the edge of the park. Near the house you will find the formal walled 'Dell Gardens', open spaces with natural woodland and a children’s play area to the northern end of the park. Will you spot the ringed-neck parakeets that frequent the park?
Pierremont Park, Broadstairs
Located off the High Street, Pierremont Park is home to Pierremont Hall, a grand house that Queen Victoria visited as a child (now available for events). In the park admire formal planting and woodlands.
Victoria Gardens and Parade, Broadstairs
Home to Broadstairs bandstand built in 1951-54, a focal point for many town concerts and events. Sit underneath the Jubilee Clock Tower, which commemorated Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee but was destroyed by fire in the 1970’s. The replacement celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and is perfect for overlooking the crescent-shaped Viking Bay or people watching. Wander amongst the seafront gardens taking in the pretty flowers or visit for an event - fairs, Folk Week, Food Festivals
King George VI Memorial Park, Ramsgate
Just a stone’s throw from the seafront between Broadstairs and Ramsgate on chalky cliffs, explore the large green spaces and woodland to sit enjoying a picnic. The park was formed out of the grounds of East Cliff Lodge, the home for over fifty years of the nineteenth-century philanthropist Sir Moses Montefiore. Discover the restored 19th century Italianate Glasshouse.
Just a short walk from the town and train station with towering trees and nature area make it the perfect place to rest and relax. Ellington Park was laid out in 1893 on land once part of the estate surrounding Ellington House. It was designed by the Victorian landscape company Joseph Cheal and Son, known for their work at Hever Castle and Kirkstall Abbey. Take in the surroundings at the cafe, pick up your next read from the book shop or attend one of the park's events.
*Green Flag Award and Green Heritage Site Accreditation 2022 and 2023 from Keep Britain Tidy*
Pegwell Bay, Cliffsend
The site of the replica Viking Ship ‘Hugin’, learn about its history as you pass on route 15 of the national cycle network. Look across at the cliffs of Ramsgate or wander around Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve, which showcases a patchwork of wildlife habitats and geology - saltmarsh, shingle beach and chalk cliffs. Don’t forget your binoculars to spot waders and wildfowl
*Pegwell Bay Country Park Green Flag Award 2022 and 2023 from Keep Britain Tidy*
This is just a taster of what is on offer, with cafes, playgrounds, skateparks and multi use games areas available at some parks.
