Three ways to indulge in wellness on the Isle of Thanet coast

The Isle is famous for its refreshing sea air and feel-good activities and being here in spring can work wonders for mind, body and spirit.

Nature knows best how to blow away the cobwebs and reboot sluggish systems. 

Grab your bikes (or hire some) and take a spin along the Viking Coastal Trail, one of the most attractive leisure cycling routes in Kent and Regional Route 15 of the National Cycle Network.  

Enjoy spectacular coastal views of chalk cliffs, golden sandy beaches, changing seas and quiet country lanes.  You can even stop off at one of the stunning, sandy beaches en route.  There are 16 to choose from, many with Blue Flag or Seaside Awards.  

The route passes through the coastal resorts of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, so there are plenty of places to stop for refreshments. 

Much of this wonderfully scenic route is along traffic-free promenades, so it’s suitable for all ages and abilities. 

These promenade stretches of the Viking Coastal Trail are perfect for those who prefer to have a gentle coastal stroll or an energetic stomp.  What better way to step into spring? 

Psychologists call it ‘flow’: that magical moment when your mind is completely focussed. We call it getting creative on the coast where the free spirit of the natural environment gets your imagination going. 

It can’t be pure coincidence that so many contemporary artists are living and working in Thanet today or that there are so many stimulating galleries and studios to visit around every corner. 

Follow in the footsteps of famous artists and writers: Charles Dickens who found inspiration in Broadstairs “the freshest, freest place”; Van Gogh who spent “really happy days” in Ramsgate; T. S. Eliot who found inspiration in Margate and Tracey Emin, who remains energised by the town in which she was brought up

JMW Turner said that the “skies over Thanet are the loveliest in all Europe” and we couldn’t agree more! Find just the spot that sparks your own creativity. 

Margate is home to Turner Contemporary, an internationally-renowned gallery showing contemporary and historic art. The gallery sits on the site of the boarding house where JMW Turner stayed during his visits to the town.   

The current exhibition is Beyond Form: Lines of Abstraction, 1950-1970 - a major new exhibition which connects the work of over 50 women from across the globe through a shared language of radical abstraction.  This exhibition is on until 6 May. 

If you prefer to just be still, then try a little meditation and mindfulness overlooking spectacular views of the infinite sea. With 19 miles of sandy coastline there is a host of quiet spots you can choose from to take some time out, listen to the waves, breathe in the fresh sea air and refresh your being. 

Fresh air, family fun 

Spending quality time creating memories to cherish with the ones we love is so important for our wellbeing. Bring those enquiring minds to the coast and let them discover marine life, fascinating history and quirky facts. 

Search out the 10 digital discovery plaques across the Isle and uncover some of the unique stories, rich heritage and secrets brought to life by simply entering or scanning the code on the plaque to find out more through film, audio and images. Smugglers, literary heroes and Vikings await you. 

Or, for just £5 (plus proof of ID), you can hire a Coastal Explorer Pack for at least half a day of coastal fun. 

Have fun learning how to make a sundial, identify clouds, play hopscotch and make sand art with finds from the beach. You can also learn how to identify the marine life found in rock pools - all equipment and information sheets on how to explore sustainably are included in the pack. 

Check out our page on the Isle of Thanet here for more inspiration!