Living in Broadstairs

Community & local life in Broadstairs is deeply influenced by the town’s artistic heritage and vibrant events calendar. The spirit of collaboration is alive in local initiatives, whether through annual events like the cherished Broadstairs Folk Week, Dickens Festival, or seasonal markets that transform the seafront and town squares into bustling social hubs.

Broadstairs is home to active community centres, clubs, and societies encompassing arts, sports, music, and environmental causes, adding to a sense of inclusivity. Volunteer-run projects and a strong neighbourhood connection give newcomers an easy way to integrate and participate.

The scenic coastline invites outdoor lifestyles, with promenades for walking, safe swimming beaches, and public parks like Pierremont and King George VI Memorial Park providing tranquil spaces. The town’s green spaces, artistic events, and open-air concerts instil a strong outdoor culture for all ages.

When it comes to safety and crime rates in Broadstairs, the town is perceived as generally safer compared to many urban areas, with lower incidences of serious crime. The coastal location, community-oriented atmosphere, and active policing contribute to a sense of security among residents, particularly in central and residential neighbourhoods.

Anti-social behaviour and minor property crime do occur, mostly during peak tourist seasons, but local police work closely with the community, reinforce visible patrols, and run several neighbourhood watch schemes. The town benefits from Thanet-wide safety initiatives, including Street Pastors during public events and evenings, and regenerated areas like Pierremont Park continue to see improvements in both safety and public amenities.

Overall, Broadstairs is considered a viable choice for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle with a relatively low crime rate for South East coastal communities.

Parking in Broadstairs varies by location, with a mix of pay-and-display car parks, free time-limited street parking, and residential permit schemes around the town centre and popular beach areas. During peak summer months, parking can become competitive, particularly close to Viking Bay and main attractions.

The A255 runs through the town, linking Broadstairs to surrounding Thanet towns and major A-roads. The A299 Thanet Way provides direct connections to the M2, leading on to London and Canterbury. Residents commuting to nearby areas enjoy reasonable travel times, although congestion occasionally occurs during tourist seasons or at weekends.

• Margate – approx. 12 minutes via A255 (4 miles)
• Ramsgate – approx. 10 minutes via A255 (3 miles)
• Canterbury – approx. 40 minutes via A299 (18 miles)
• Dover – approx. 45 minutes via A256 (19 miles)
• London – approx. 1 hour 50 minutes via A299/M2 (80 miles)

Residential areas tend to have better parking availability, but visitors should plan ahead, especially when attending major events or on sunny weekends.

Broadstairs is known for its traditional pubs, independent restaurants, and its clutch of seafront cafés and ice cream parlours. Local favourites include Morelli's Gelato on the promenade for classic ice cream, Albarino for Spanish tapas, and Wyatt & Jones for seasonal British fare with sea views. Fish and chips are a local staple, with several award-winning outlets dotted around the town.

Pubs such as The Chapel and The Charles Dickens Inn are landmarks in their own right, offering a warm welcome and often live music or themed evenings. For bar culture, The Tartar Frigate provides a historic venue dating back to the 18th century. Nightlife in Broadstairs is mostly relaxed, revolving around pubs, live music, and occasional late-night bars, with a more family-friendly and sociable vibe than neighbouring Margate.

The town also hosts food festivals and the fast-growing Broadstairs Food Festival, drawing vendors and foodies from across Kent. Those seeking late-night dancing or a club scene may venture to nearby Margate or Ramsgate, both a short drive away.

School Quality: Broadstairs is noted for a selection of well-rated primary and secondary schools, and an established college for older students, ensuring a strong educational pathway.

Parks and Green Space: Families benefit from easy access to sandy beaches and parks, with open spaces perfect for outdoor play, walking, or picnics, including plenty of playgrounds and safe swimming areas.

Childcare: Childcare facilities are widely available, from preschools to after-school clubs, with many rated Good by Ofsted, making life easier for working parents.

Safety: The town’s comparatively low crime rate and focus on community safety initiatives contribute to its family-friendly reputation, with active neighbourhood watch programs in place.

Family Activities: Broadstairs offers mini-golf, amusement arcades, water sports, and cultural festivals throughout the year, providing plenty for children and families to experience both indoors and out.

Pet-friendly living in Broadstairs is enhanced by the town's proximity to dog-friendly beaches, especially during off-peak months, and the abundance of parks such as King George VI Memorial Park for dog walking. The coastal promenade offers picturesque walkways, while the countryside surrounding Thanet and cliff-top paths present varied routes for pets and owners alike.

Local services cater for pet ownership, with several veterinary practices, pet supply stores, and grooming salons in town. Many local pubs and cafés welcome dogs, especially those with outdoor seating. Residential property regulations vary, but most landlords in Broadstairs are open to pet owners, particularly in houses with gardens.

The local community is broadly supportive of pets, and regular events such as pet-friendly beach days or charity walks are common, reflecting the area’s open approach to four-legged residents.

Broadstairs offers a well-connected network of transport services that make local, regional, and even London commutes straightforward for residents and visitors. Broadstairs railway station lies on the Southeastern mainline, providing regular trains to key locations in Kent and to central London, making it attractive for commuters and day-trippers alike.

The station offers direct services to London St Pancras International via High Speed 1 in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Trains also link Broadstairs to Margate (10 minutes), Ramsgate (5 minutes), and further afield to Chelmsford and Canterbury West (35–45 minutes), ensuring easy access to business, shopping, and leisure destinations.

Local and regional bus networks are extensive, connecting Broadstairs to surrounding Thanet towns, and key locations like Westwood Cross Shopping Centre, making the town a practical base for both work and leisure.

• London St Pancras International: approx. 1hr 30min by fast train
• Canterbury: approx. 35 min by train
• Margate: approx. 10 min by train
• Ramsgate: approx. 5 min by train
• Dover: approx. 40 min by train

For air travel, London Gatwick and London Heathrow are accessible by train and road, with travel times ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The nearby A299 Thanet Way connects Broadstairs to the M2 motorway, facilitating easy travel by car across Kent and toward London.

Families seeking reputable schools in Broadstairs benefit from a range of educational options catering to all age groups. The town is known for its supportive learning environment and a mix of good-rated state and independent schools.

Primary Schools in Broadstairs:

Upton Junior School stands out as one of the area's most popular choices, with a strong academic record and a focus on nurturing creativity and individual achievement (Ofsted rated Good, 2022). St Mildred's Primary Infant School is another well-regarded primary, praised for its supportive atmosphere and inclusive approach (Ofsted Good, 2019).

Secondary Schools in Broadstairs:

The Charles Dickens School is the principal secondary education provider in the town, recognised for its commitment to academic improvement and extracurricular activities (Ofsted rating: Requires Improvement, 2022, but ongoing development initiatives are noted). St George’s Church of England Foundation School, located nearby in Ramsgate but serving many Broadstairs pupils, is rated Good (Ofsted 2022) and is a popular choice for secondary education thanks to its comprehensive curriculum and supportive ethos.

Colleges and Further Education:

Broadstairs is home to East Kent College, a large further education provider offering a wide array of vocational courses, apprenticeships, and adult learning programmes. This college plays a central role in regional education and skills development, attracting students from across the Thanet area.

Universities:

Though Broadstairs itself does not have a university, the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University are easily accessible in Canterbury, around 15 miles away, making higher education convenient for local residents.