The sun-dappled path, rockery, overhanging trees giving way to a glittering green-blue sea, it’s a slice of paradise – but it’s in Kent and it’s a tantalising glimpse
A hidden trail to an English beach is easy to mistake for a patch of the Mediterranean.
With a sun-dappled pathway and vistas of crystalline green-blue seas, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve stumbled upon a Greek isle. However, this slice of paradise – referred to as West Cliff Chine – is actually a hidden trail in Kent leading to a breath-taking beach.
Located just about a mile from Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour, the Grade II-listed walkway was shared on the Kent Views Facebook group where one user exclaimed: “This literally looks like Rhodes, Greece, namely Faliraki! I cannot believe Kent has such beautiful spots with green water!”
Ramsgate is an unlikely gem nestled along the Kent coastline. Although often overlooked in favour of more well-known seaside towns such as Broadstairs or Brighton, it is an emerging destination that boasts warm climates, waterfront bars, cafes, restaurants, and charming period townhouses.
The town has an authentic seaside vibe, with bags of candyfloss dancing in the wind, all-day brekkies and quirky little shops nestled in Edwardian arches by the harbour. The Times was smitten just a few months back, hailing it as “the new Margate”, and Time Out followed suit, placing it among the top 15 UK spots to check out.
Chock-full of indie shops and hip eateries, you’re sorted whether you fancy a hearty spag bol or need a refreshing G&T to ease the sunburn.
Last month the Raven Art Trail launched in the town. Participants are encouraged to discover the eight fibreglass ravens scattered about, each one a masterpiece crafted by 25 of the town’s youngsters. These birds are a Thanet District Council initiative, part of the Ramsgate High Street Heritage Action Zone, brought to life with a three-year cash injection from Historic England.
A quick delve into history will show you Ramsgate’s connection with ravens goes back to the town’s Anglo Saxon name which was Hraefn’s Geat, which meant Raven’s Cliff Gap.
If you are looking for a combination of cool and vintage tech, then The Micro Museum is it. It has just celebrated its 10th anniversary of opening and it is the first museum in Kent dedicated to the history and experience of vintage home computing and games. It showcases owners Mike and Carol Deer’s private collection of hundreds of personal computers, games consoles and related technology. Gathered over more than four decades, the displays span the period from the 1970s to the early 2000s.”
A new walking route has also been introduced, stretching 25 miles from Ramsgate to Whitstable. Opened last November by Natural England, it’s part of the King Charles III England Coast path. This latest addition brings the total length of the route to over 1,000 miles.
Among the residents of Ramsgate is actor Brenda Blethyn, famed for her role as DCI Vera Stanhope in ITV’s chilling crime drama Vera. Brenda has had an illustrious career in acting spanning several decades, but when she’s not filming for Vera in Northumberland, she returns home to Ramsgate and her long-time husband Michael Mayhew. She may do so a little more in the future, having just retired from the role today.
Ramsgate boasts excellent rail links to London, with journeys to the capital taking as little as an hour-and-a-half. The average price of properties sold in the past year was £322,441, according to Rightmove. Free parking is available on Saturdays at the council car park in Cannon Road. Otherwise, charges include £3.30 for three hours, £4.40 for four hours, and £6 for 15 hours.
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