Tempting though Thanet's towns are, its villages shouldn't be missed

Steeped in history and full of surprising discoveries our nine coastal and rural villages offering a rich variety to the visitor

Nine villages delivering endless discoveries

The nine villages and small coastal towns clustered around Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate are home to a world of treasures. Historic homes, ancient churches, rural pubs – all shelter beside bewitching countryside and cracking stretches of shore.

Take time to explore Birchington-on-Sea, Westgate-on-Sea, Sarre, Monkton, Manston, Minster, Acol, St Peter’s and St Nicholas-at-Wade. At Quex Park, near Birchington, the Powell-Cotton Museum houses an extraordinary collection of Asian and African artefacts. While the grounds showcase Victorian horticulture at its best.

At Manston, two museums evoke WWII: the Spitfire and Hurricane Museum, and RAF Manston History Museum. Ecclesiastical history also shines – track down St Augustine’s Cross, the site of the first Mass in 597AD; and England’s first monastery, Minster Abbey.

The wild spaces are special too. Visit Monkton Nature Reserve to explore 16 unspoilt acres and join the Thanet Observatory stargazers. The Isle of Thanet’s lesser known beaches include cliff-lined St. Mildred’s Bay and rock pool-dotted West Bay. Or head out on a memorable ‘coast and countryside’ hike towards Reculver from Minnis Bay.