Margate to Herne Bay: History, Scenery and a Seaside Finish

The Route

The Margate to Herne Bay Coastal Walk is a seaside journey of about 19 km (12 miles), moderate in difficulty and taking around 4 to 5 hours depending on your pace. It starts with promenade sections and firm surfaces, but if the tide is in your favour, you can avoid much of the uncomfortable shingle by walking on compact wet sand. Along the way you’ll enjoy grassy cliffs, colourful beach huts, and wide open stretches of coast that invite you to pause, breathe, and take in the horizon.

Highlights Along the Way

One of the most striking moments comes when you spot the Reculver Towers, the remains of a medieval church originally built in the 7th century and redesigned in the 12th. They rise like a dramatic postcard against the sky. Further along in Birchington and Westgate, you’ll find benches overlooking the sea, beach huts built into old sea walls, and pale rock formations that feel like they belong to another time.

Herne Bay: History and Local Charm

Herne Bay Pier, first opened in 1832, is the town’s historic heart. The iconic Clock Tower nearby is one of the first free-standing clock towers in the UK. The Central Bandstand, with its Art Deco style, recalls the days of live music and open-air dances. The King’s Hall, opened in 1904, remains the last great cultural hall in the town. The local museum holds everything from prehistoric artefacts to WWII relics. And for the curious, there’s a mysterious boulder of unknown origin that still puzzles geologists.

The Perfect Ending

After the walk, nothing beats stepping into a local pub by the sea, raising a cold beer, and finishing the day with our traditional Spartan farewell — a cheerful “miauuuu” to celebrate the adventure.