Where to Stay in Broadstairs Kent: Historic Coastal Town Guide
Viking Bay in Broadstairs, one of Kent's most beautiful seaside towns with a rich literary heritage
Nestled along Kent's picturesque east coast, Broadstairs has captivated visitors for centuries with its charming crescent-shaped bays, chalk cliffs, and rich literary connections. First rising to prominence in the 18th century as a fashionable watering hole for the well-to-do, this delightful coastal town has maintained its distinctive historical character whilst evolving to meet the needs of modern travellers. This guide explores Broadstairs' most historically significant accommodation options, revealing how the town's heritage continues to shape its hospitality offerings today.
Charles Dickens and Broadstairs: A Literary Legacy
No exploration of Broadstairs' history would be complete without acknowledging its most famous summer resident. Charles Dickens first visited Broadstairs in 1837, when he was just 25 years old and had recently achieved literary fame with 'The Pickwick Papers'. The town became his favourite seaside retreat, and he returned regularly over the next two decades, describing it affectionately as "Our English Watering Place" in an 1851 article.
"Broadstairs is a place with which I am well acquainted... a good sea, fresh breezes, fine sands, and pleasant walks, with all manner of fishing-boats, lighthouses, piers, bathing-machines, and other seaside accompaniments." â Charles Dickens, 1851
Today, visitors can immerse themselves in this literary heritage by staying at properties with direct Dickensian connections:
Bleak House
Perched dramatically on the cliff top overlooking Viking Bay, this Grade II listed mansion was formerly known as Fort House when Dickens stayed here in the 1850s and 1860s. It was here that he wrote parts of 'David Copperfield' and completed 'Bleak House', after which the property was later renamed. Today, this iconic building operates as a boutique bed and breakfast with seven unique rooms, each named after Dickens characters or novels.
The property retains many original features, including the study where Dickens worked, which is preserved much as it was during his residency. Staying here offers a rare opportunity to experience accommodation directly connected to one of Britain's greatest literary figures.
Wellesley House
Located on Eastern Esplanade, this handsome Georgian property was once known as 'Ballard's', and Dickens resided here during visits in 1837, 1840, and 1845. It was in this house that he wrote parts of 'Nicholas Nickleby' and 'Barnaby Rudge'. Now converted into luxury apartments, sections of this historic building are available for holiday rentals, offering visitors a chance to stay where literary history was made.
Victorian Seaside Splendour: Historic Hotels and Guesthouses
The Victorian era marked Broadstairs' golden age as a seaside resort. The arrival of the railway in 1863 transformed what had been a relatively quiet coastal settlement into a bustling tourist destination. This period saw the construction of many elegant hotels and boarding houses, several of which continue to welcome guests today:
The Royal Albion Hotel
Standing proudly overlooking Viking Bay since 1776, this Georgian coaching inn was another Dickens favourite. The author was a regular patron of what was then called simply 'The Albion', mentioning it in his letters and describing meals taken in its dining room. Extended and renovated in Victorian times (when it gained the 'Royal' prefix following a visit by King Edward VII when he was Prince of Wales), this historic hotel retains much of its period charm while offering modern comforts.
The hotel's Sea View Restaurant occupies the bay-windowed room where Dickens often dined, allowing guests to enjoy the same panoramic views of Viking Bay that delighted the great novelist almost two centuries ago.
Bay Tree Hotel
This elegant Georgian townhouse on Eastern Esplanade dates from 1796 and operated as a girls' school in the 19th century before being converted to hotel use. The property retains numerous period features including original fireplaces, ornate plasterwork, and the distinctive Georgian façade. With just 10 rooms, it offers an intimate glimpse into Broadstairs' Georgian heritage.
Beyond these grander establishments, Broadstairs is home to dozens of Victorian and Edwardian guesthouses, particularly concentrated along Eastern Esplanade, Victoria Parade, and Albion Street. Many of these charming properties began life as family homes for the wealthy Victorians who flocked to the town following the railway's arrival, before being converted to boarding houses as seaside holidays became accessible to the middle classes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Development of Broadstairs as a Tourist Destination
Understanding Broadstairs' evolution as a tourist hub provides valuable context for appreciating its accommodation heritage. The town's development as a seaside resort can be divided into several distinct phases:
Early Origins: The Georgian Health Resort
Broadstairs' initial popularity as a destination stemmed from the 18th-century belief in the health benefits of sea bathing and sea air. The fashionable Georgian elite were drawn to the town's sheltered bay and clean waters, staying in private lodgings or the handful of coaching inns that had developed to serve travellers along the coast road.
During this period, accommodation was limited and primarily catered to the wealthy. The aforementioned Albion Hotel (later Royal Albion) was the principal establishment, while prosperous visitors might rent entire houses for the summer seasonâa practice Dickens himself followed during his earlier visits.
Victorian Expansion: Railway Access and the Democratic Holiday
The arrival of the railway in 1863 marked a watershed moment in Broadstairs' development. Journey times from London were slashed from a full day by coach to just a few hours by train, making the town accessible for shorter visits and to a broader socioeconomic spectrum of visitors.
This period saw rapid expansion of accommodation options. Grand hotels like the Royal Albion were extended, while numerous boarding houses sprang up to cater to the growing middle-class market. Purpose-built holiday villas appeared along newly laid-out streets behind the seafront, many of which were designed specifically with summer visitors in mind.
"Broadstairs, with its quiet seclusion and absence of unduly obtrusive modern developments, caters for a select class of visitors." â Ward Lock's Illustrated Guide to Thanet, 1906
Edwardian Elegance and the Interwar Years
The early 20th century saw Broadstairs consolidate its reputation as a somewhat genteel resort, less commercialised than neighbouring Margate and Ramsgate. The town promoted itself as a family-friendly destination, and accommodation reflected this orientation with an emphasis on comfortable boarding houses and private apartments rather than large-scale hotel development.
Between the World Wars, the rise of the annual paid holiday for workers brought new demographics to the Kent coast. While Broadstairs largely retained its middle-class character, the accommodation sector responded with more affordable options, including holiday camps on the town's outskirts.
Post-War Decline and Renaissance
Like many British seaside resorts, Broadstairs experienced challenging times in the post-war decades as package holidays to Mediterranean destinations lured visitors away. Some historic hotels were converted to other uses or divided into apartments, while others struggled to modernise within the constraints of listed building restrictions.
However, since the 1990s, Broadstairs has experienced a remarkable revival of fortunes. The town's preserved Victorian architecture and authentic charm have become assets in an age when heritage and character are increasingly valued. Many historic properties have been sympathetically renovated, with former boarding houses transformed into boutique B&Bs and luxury holiday apartments.
Where to Stay: Historical Accommodations by Area
Viking Bay and the Town Centre
The historic heart of Broadstairs curves around the horseshoe-shaped Viking Bay, with the High Street and town centre rising up the gentle slope behind. This area offers the greatest concentration of historic accommodation options:
- Victoria Parade and Albion Street: The seafront parade features several imposing Victorian hotels and converted townhouses with magnificent sea views, including the Royal Albion.
- High Street and adjacent roads: Characterful Georgian and Victorian buildings now operating as guesthouses and B&Bs, many retaining original features like sash windows and ornate plasterwork.
- Charlotte Street and Oscar Road: Charming Victorian terraced cottages, many available as holiday rentals, offering an authentic glimpse of 19th-century Broadstairs life.
Eastern Esplanade and Stone Bay
Extending eastward from the main bay, this more sedate area developed primarily during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods:
- Eastern Esplanade: Elegant Victorian villas with commanding sea views, including Bleak House at its northern end. Many of these properties now function as upmarket B&Bs or have been divided into holiday apartments.
- Stone Road: Substantial Edwardian houses set back from the seafront, some converted to guesthouses while retaining period features like stained glass windows and tiled hallways.
Reading Street and St. Peter's
Just inland from Broadstairs proper lie these historic settlements, which offer a different perspective on local history:
- Reading Street: Once a separate village with a history of smuggling, now featuring characterful cottages from the 17th and 18th centuries available as holiday rentals.
- St. Peter's: The original settlement predating Broadstairs itself, with accommodation options in converted historic buildings around the medieval church.
Heritage Experiences: Beyond Accommodation
For visitors interested in Broadstairs' history, several accommodation providers enhance their historical connections with additional experiences:
Dickens Heritage Stays
Several properties with Dickensian connections offer themed packages, particularly during the annual Dickens Festival (held each June since 1937). These may include guided literary walks, period-appropriate afternoon teas, or readings from Dickens' works in historic settings.
Victorian Experience Weekends
Some of the town's historic hotels and guesthouses occasionally host Victorian-themed events, with staff in period costume, traditional entertainment, and menus featuring 19th-century dishes. These immersive experiences are particularly popular during heritage open days and local festivals.
When booking accommodation in Broadstairs, enquire about any special heritage events or packages that might coincide with your visit, as these can add a fascinating dimension to your stay in this historically rich seaside town.
Preservation Challenges and Adaptive Reuse
While Broadstairs has retained much of its historical accommodation stock, this preservation hasn't come without challenges. Many historic buildings have required significant investment to meet modern expectations while respecting their heritage status.
Successful examples of adaptive reuse include:
- The conversion of former seafront hotels into luxury apartments that retain original façades and key internal features
- The sensitive modernisation of Victorian guesthouses to provide en-suite facilities while preserving architectural character
- The repurposing of non-residential historic buildings (former shops, schools, etc.) into unique accommodation options
Thanet District Council's conservation area designations have helped protect Broadstairs' historic character, ensuring that alterations to buildings of historical significance are sympathetic and appropriate. For the visitor, this means that staying in Broadstairs offers an authentic connection to the town's past, even while enjoying modern comforts.
Planning Your Historic Broadstairs Stay
When seeking accommodation with historical significance in Broadstairs, consider the following tips:
- Book well in advance for properties with direct Dickensian connections, especially during the annual Dickens Festival or summer peak season
- Research the specific history of your chosen accommodation â many proprietors can provide fascinating details about previous occupants or the building's original purpose
- Consider visiting in shoulder seasons (May-June or September) when the town is less crowded but historical attractions remain open
- Look beyond the obvious seafront locations to discover hidden historical gems in the streets behind
Broadstairs offers a rare opportunity to stay in accommodation that not only provides a comfortable base for exploring this charming coastal town but also forms an integral part of the historical experience itself. From grand hotels patronised by Victorian luminaries to humble fishermen's cottages converted into cosy holiday homes, the town's accommodation options reflect its evolution from small maritime settlement to beloved seaside resort.
Whether you're following in Dickens' footsteps, seeking Victorian seaside nostalgia, or simply appreciating well-preserved historic architecture, Broadstairs' accommodation heritage adds a meaningful dimension to any visit to this jewel of the Kent coast.
"In Broadstairs, history isn't confined to museums and guidebooksâit's where you lay your head at night, eat your breakfast in the morning, and gaze out at a seascape that has inspired visitors for centuries." â Kent Historical Society Journal, 2019
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