A Chalk Sea-Arch at Kingsgate Bay, Thanet, Kent
Kingsgate is a hamlet in St. Peter's parish, Broadstairs, Kent. The name Kingsgate is related to an incidental landing of Charles II on 30 June 1683 (‘gate’ referring to a cliff-gap) though other English monarchs have also used this cove, such as George II in 1748. Kingsgate is the location of Holland House built between 1762 and 1768 for Lord Holland (Henry Fox, 1st Baron Holland) which was accessed from the beach through a stone arched gate originally named Barthelmas Gate and renamed later to Kings Gate. Holland House was sold on by his third son Charles James Fox and in due course subdivided and further developed. On either end of the cliffs above Kingsgate Bay Lord Holland built what is now the Captain Digby Public House and Kingsgate Castle. This last was never a real castle and was one of several follies in the grounds of Holland House and, indeed its stable block, before further redevelopment, allowing it to become the residence of John Lubbock, 1st Baron Avebury. Kingsgate Bay is a sheltered sandy cove backed by high white chalk cliffs. The beach is probably best known for its sea caves which are reputedly some of the best in the country. Although there is no lifeguard service at Kingsgate it is still a popular family beach. It is also usually much quieter than the neighbouring beaches of Joss Bay and Botany Bay. One reason for this is the parking isn\'t as good, although it\'s only short walk from Joss Bay with its large car park. There is also a fair sized customer\'s car park at the pub. Overlooking the southern end of the beach is Kingsgate Castle, built in the 1760s for Lord Holland. At the other end is the Captain Digby public house, also built by Lord Holland. This family friendly pub has great views over the beach and a children\'s play area. Dogs are allowed on the beach at Kingsgate Bay all year round.
Size: 5616px × 3744px
Location: Kingsgate Bay, Thanet, Kent, CT10 3QH
Photo credit: © John Gaffen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: -tide, arch, bay, beach, beautiful, caves, chalk, cliff, cliffs, coast, coastal, errosion, geology, kent, kingsgate, landscape, leisure, pool, reflections, rocks, sea, sea-arch, seaside, sedimentary, summer, thanet, tidal, tourism, travel, walking, water
