I seem to be spending a surprisingly sizeable amount of my time writing about seaside towns near London at the moment. And that’s absolutely fine by me. I love London, don’t get me wrong. But as a girl who grew up on the Kent coast, I’m never going to pass up the opportunity to wax lyrical about yet another of its charming towns and quaint villages. It is summer, after all. And sometimes, a London lido just isn’t going to cut it.
So, if you’re looking for a slightly lesser-known seaside spot (that’s still within very easy reach of the capital city, of course), please allow us to point you in the direction of the quaint coastal village of Birchington.
The history of Birchington
First recorded in the thirteenth century, Birchington started its life as a small farming village. Like many of its neighbours, it gained some popularity as a seaside destination in the Victorian times, and has continued to pique interest of those looking for a more peaceful coastal retreat ever since.
It’s home to a fair few historic buildings, including its church (which is the oldest standing building in the village) and Quex House (a 19th century property built on the site of an old Tudor manor). Birchington was also the lucky location in which the very first bungalow in the UK was built. And, to be quite honest with you, that probably tells you everything you need to know about the village. It’s quaint, it’s quiet, it’s peaceful, and it’s pretty darn perfect for a relaxing weekend by the sea.
Things to do in Birchington
The list of things to do in Birchington isn’t wildly extensive, but I guess that’s part of its charm. It has everything you’d want and need from a coastal retreat. There’s micropubs, beach-front restaurants, cosy coffee shops, and – of course – a pretty stunning beach. Minnis Bay is a huge stretch of sandy beach and beautifully clear water, offering an abundance of water sports (if that’s what you fancy), as well as plenty of space for those who (like me) wish to lie down horizontal for the majority of the day.
There’s lots of gorgeous walking routes, including The Viking Trail that sprawls between Margate and Reculver (via Birchington). Quex House and Gardens is an interesting place to head to if you fancy noseying around the impressive array of memorabilia that was collected by the house’s previous residents or a wander through some gorgeous gardens. And Quex Park (in which Quex House is located) is pretty much a one-stop shop for all of your entertainment needs (we’re talking woodland walks, farm shops, mini golf, even the occasional festival).
Getting to Birchington from London
Birchington is within quick and easy reach of London. Regular, direct trains head there from London Victoria, and take just under two hours. If you’re heading there in the car, Londoners can expect the drive to take around an hour and a half. And there’s plenty of pay-and-display parking available around Birchington.
