5 Pub Walks for Spring

1. Minnis Bay, Birchington

Walk type: Linear, mostly flat.
Start and finish at Minnis Bay.

This walk along the sea wall from Birchington to Reculver and back is great for all the family, as the mostly flat path is suitable for buggies, wheelchairs and bikes. It offers sea views of the Thanet Coast, sea birds to spot, and plenty of opportunities to let the kids or the dog have a run around on the beach.

At Reculver visit the imposing Reculver Towers, the remains of a monastic church, before taking a relaxed stroll back to the Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie for refreshments.

Suggested walk: Minnis Bay to Reculver

2. Botany Bay and Royal Albion Hotel, Broadstairs

Walk type: Linear, mostly flat.
Start at the Royal Albion Hotel, take public transport to Margate, then walk back.

This beautiful walk starts in Margate, and passes a number of beaches and bays including the stunning Botany Bay, before reaching Broadstairs.

Botany Bay itself boasts more than 200 metres of sandy beach surrounded by stunning cliffs, it has been made famous by a host of TV and film productions. The Botany Bay Hotel just above the beach is perfect location for a lunch stop. On arrival back in Broadstairs, the Royal Albion Hotel offers stunning sea views, elegant interiors and excellent food. Why not stay the night?

Suggested walk: Margate to Broadstairs Coastal Walk

3. The Albion Taverna, Faversham

Walk type: Circular, mostly footpaths and marshland
Start in central Faversham, finish at The Albion Taverna

This walk begins in the historic market town of Faversham, home to Shepherd Neame brewery. Start your day with a coffee and breakfast, perhaps at the 16th century Sun Inn. The route then takes you out of town and across the marshes, following Faversham Creek, taking in estuary views and the wetlands at Oare, before returning to town.

We’d recommend adapting the walk slightly, to finish with a well-deserved meal at the Albion Taverna - a friendly, waterfront pub serving a mouth-watering range of Mexican and English dishes. There is also the option to stop on the way, at the excellent Three Mariners in Oare.

Suggested walk: The Two Creeks Walk

4. The Coastguard, St Margaret's Bay

Walk type: Circular
Start and finish in St Margaret’s Bay

St Margaret's Bay, situated between Dover and Deal, is popular with walkers wanting to take in the dramatic White Cliffs coastline. The Coastguard is a stunning seafront pub just a stone’s throw from the beach, with direct views out to sea across the bay.

Enjoy a walk across the cliff tops, with panoramic views across the channel with a glimpse of France on a clear day. See the Pines Calyx and Victorian South Foreland Lighthouse, take in the sea air, and then descend back into the bay for a tasty home-cooked meal and a refreshing pint on the Coastguard’s terrace.

Suggested walk: Guarding the Gateway

5. The Dove, Dargate

Walk type: Circular
Start and finish in Boughton under Blean

If it’s a countryside walk you want, then this five mile loop through some of Kent’s most beautiful orchards, farmland and woodland is great choice.

Enjoy a stop off at the Dove, a traditional country pub serving home cooked food in the picturesque village of Dargate before heading into Blean Woods, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and then returning to Boughton, where an extra stop at the White Horse could be just the ticket. Depending on your timings, you can enjoy a delicious meal in either pub… or both! The White Horse also has rooms, if you want to make a weekend of it.

Suggested walk: The peasant’s last revolt