HAVING recently moved to the UK coast, I'm lucky enough to be surrounded by stunning beaches.
But having recently moved to Folkestone, I found a tiny seaside village which seems to avoid the main tourist crowds.
Most people flock to the main Folkestone beach.
Not only it is a huge stretch of pebbles, but it is home to the Harbour Arms, a huge shipping container complex of shops and food stalls, but also the beautiful multicoloured art quarter.
But further down the road is Sandgate – a tiny village with its own long stretch of beach.
On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of France, or the jutting out beach of Dungeness.
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Sure, it's still pebble beach, although I personally prefer this when it comes to avoiding the mess of sand.
It was even named one of the best beaches in Kent in the Seaside Awards 2023.
With it being a 30-minute walk from the centre of Folkestone, and not having a train station, it means it is less popular with the day trippers coming down to the beach.
The tiny village is mainly known for being home to Hattie Jacque, a comedy actress who featured in the Carry On films.
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Now, the street is full of brightly painted houses and cute coffee shops.
Staff are always keen for a chat, with my favourite being Mr Whippets Cafe which has a delicious matcha latte and Pimms cake.
Otherwise make sure to head to the nearby Loaf for a cuppa, or an ice cream at the seaside Boat House.
It's great for a drink too – the Docker Taproom recently opened.
Make sure to walk back along the beachfront to Folkestone, where you will pass all of the rainbow-painted beach huts, each one a different art installation.
To get to Sandgate, it's just 50 minute on the train from London St Pancras to Folkestone, followed by a short bus ride.
And there are just two B&Bs to stay – The Famous Ship Inn, The Royal Norfolk Hotel – although you can also rent holiday cottages and flats there.
Here's another secret seaside beach in the UK where you can avoid the crowds.
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