New – Open Top Bus along the coast
From 23rd July till 4th of September this year a new exciting open top bus route will take passengers along the coast from Stone Bay in Broadstairs to the Boating Pool in Ramsgate.
The bus livery is retro in style and reminiscent of the old East Kent bus service and brings back memories of seaside holidays on the East Kent coast back when life seemed simpler and easier to navigate.
So grab your sunglasses, picnic and and ice cream and climb aboard – slip on a hat, slap on some suncream and sit yourself down on the open upper deck. With the wind in your hair, get ready to drink in the views, as you travel along some of the most scenic coast to be found anywhere, through and between the historic towns of Broadstairs and Ramsgate. Give a cheery wave to the people you pass on the way and as you see things that interest you, you can plan the stops you’ll want to come back to and explore on foot.
You’ll stop at:
Stone Bay – below you is one of the longest and prettiest of Thanet’s sandy beaches, lined with artistically decorated beach huts and families having low key fun, just a short walk from North Foreland Lighthouse.
Broadstairs, Queen’s Road – in the heart of Broadstairs, jump off here and walk down the hill to the shops and Viking Bay, with all amenities, or walk up the hill a little to go to pretty Pierremont Park and see thte 18th Century Pierremont Hall, where Queen Victoria stayed as a little girl.
Broadstairs, Victoria Parade – close to Dickens House Museum, Lilliput mini golf, the bandstand, Louisa Bay and Viking Bay, Victoria Gardens, the clock tower and Louisa Bridge, named after the famous Victorian engineer, Thomas Crampton’s, little daughter.
Dumpton Gap – the midway point between Broadstairs and Ramsgate, down the path here, between the cliffs, there is a pretty beach with a lovely beach-side cafe, if you want to stretch your legs here; at high tide you can walk along the beach from here to Ramsgate; or walk back to Broadstairs on the walkway above the beach. Or stroll up the hill and into St George VI park and see the Italianate greenhouse, passing an interesting house that looks like a lighthouse as you enter the park.
Granville Theatre – above Ramsgate Harbour, check out the programme for shows at the Granville – comedy, variety, cinema screenings and musical theatre all take place here with both touring shows and local productions. if you can tear your eyes away from the sea here you’ll also see a fantastic example of Pugin architecture – the elegant mansion flats overlooking the Granville are by Augustus Pugin’s son, Edward Pugin and there is a bust of Edward in the gardens opposite. Just before those flats and the Comfort Inn there are also some very beautiful alms houses facing out to sea.
Ramsgate Harbour – as you pass the beautiful gardens with waterfall feature and stunning plantings on the twisting road down to Ramsgate Harbour look over the roofs at the town ahead and enjoy the open sea views then take some time to look round the Royal Harbour itself if you have time, before hopping back on the bus for the last leg of your scenic journey. There’s lots to see and do here, cafes, shops, the Maritime Museum and more.
West Cliff, Boating Pool – the final stop of this wonderful bus tour is up on the West Cliff and once again there’s a nice cafe here and also the boating pool as well as wide open spaces for a stroll along the cliff top and wide vistas out to sea. Aren’t you glad you made the trip!
If you don’t know the area why not make the open top bus tour your first day trip when you start your holiday in one of our Broadstairs holiday lets. You’ll love your self catering holiday accomodation and relish the chance to cook for yourself – in your well equipped holiday home kitchen – and come and go as you please. Why not also take the adventurous option to get out and about on public transport and leave the car back at the holiday let – this is a far cry indeed from catching the bus or train to work!
Oh and if Dad hasn’t got a sunhat, you could always go the whole retro hog and tie a few knots in a hanky for him!
Enjoy. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
