Joss Bay

Joss Bay is a 200-metre crescent of golden sand sheltered by steep white chalk cliffs, located below the North Foreland Lighthouse between Broadstairs and Margate. It is Kent's best-known surfing beach, home to the long-established Joss Bay Surf School, and holds Blue Flag status for water quality. The bay is named after Joss Snelling, an eighteenth-century smuggler who used the coast for contraband. The cliffs frame the beach dramatically, with the golf course and lighthouse above, and at low tide the sand extends to reveal rock pools at the base of the chalk.

Dogs are not permitted on Joss Bay between 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September. Outside these hours and during the off-season, the sandy beach provides good off-lead space with the shelter of the cliffs keeping conditions comfortable. The flat sand suits dogs of all ages, and the rock pools at the edges offer scent interest at low tide. A beach cafe, toilets, and a large car park with pay-and-display charges sit at the top of the access path. Neighbouring Kingsgate Bay allows dogs year-round and is a short walk along the clifftop path.