The Isle of Thanet

Londoners have been escaping to the Isle of Thanet for more that 200 years … for the laidback seaside vibe … breathtaking sandy beaches … fresh sea air … and romantic Turner skies …

Here at the very edge of the Garden of England, three Georgian and Victorian resorts, each with its own distinctive character – Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate – cluster around the bays at the far end of the peninsula.

There’s a retro feel to these harbour towns, with their remarkable 18^th and 19^th century architecture, their classic seaside heritage and kitsch, their eclectic attractions and live arts and music venues. And there is a variety of independent places to shop, eat, drink and stay.

Miles of low chalk cliffs edge the peninsula, sheltering a string of secluded, unspoilt sandy bays. Chalk rockpools, chalk stacks and rare chalk reefs teem with wildlife. These are the closest surfing beaches to the capital city: a popular choice with southeast boarders.

Artists, writers and musicians have long been inspired by this almost-island … and continue to be drawn here. Turner said Thanet had “the loveliest skies in all Europe” … for Dickens, Broadstairs was “the freshest, freest place” … and Tracey Emin declares in pink neon on Margate seafront: “I never stopped loving you”.

The Isle’s a historic landing place steeped in symbolism for the story of Britain …the first Saxons, Hengist and Horsa, arrived and settled here … and St Augustine first stepped onto these shores on his way to nearby Canterbury.

For this is the furthest south east you can go in Britain … almost touching mainland Europe … yet these days only 75 minutes from central London …

And now with the Turner Contemporary gallery and high-speed trains from the capital … a new generation is discovering this original seaside escape.

(I didn't write this, but I wish I did).