Margate Walpole Bay

Walpole Bay is a long, sandy beach in the Cliftonville area of Margate, best known for its Grade II listed tidal pool built in 1937, believed to be the largest in the UK. The bay stretches for about three-quarters of a mile below chalk cliffs, with a concrete promenade running along the base. At low tide, extensive rock pools emerge alongside the sandy beach, making it one of the best locations for marine life exploration on the Thanet coast. The tidal pool itself covers four acres and is fed by natural freshwater springs rising through the beach, creating an unusual bathing environment.

Dogs must be kept on a lead between 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September, but are welcome at other times, making this more accessible than some neighbouring beaches that ban dogs entirely during summer. The rock pools and sandy stretches provide excellent territory for investigation, and the beach is generally quieter than Margate Main Sands. There are no toilet facilities or lifeguard cover at Walpole Bay, so it suits self-sufficient visitors. The Walpole Bay Hotel and several cafes sit above on the clifftop. Parking is available at the old Lido car park or on the streets above the promenade.