Ramsgate Main Sands

Accessibility | Activities | Awards | Beach Rules | Eating & Drinking | Facilities | Safety | Tides | Parking | Map

Ramsgate Main Sands are an award winning sandy beach approximately 250 metres long with a pedestrian promenade (Marina Esplanade) running the length of the sand. The beach is situated east of the Royal Harbour and Marina.

The beach area offers something for everyone, has a real continental feel and is safe for swimming.

There are also two additional smaller (dog friendly) beaches nearby :-

Accessibility

Marina Esplanade is highly accessible at sea level, offering step-free, flat surfaces that run parallel to Ramsgate Main Sands. The esplanade path is wide, flat, and paved, making it smooth for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and prams.

There is a gentle concrete slope providing step-free access to the beach directly opposite Granville Marina, see Map below.

Activities

Over the course of the year, the main sands are utilised for a number of activities including :-

For more information on activities, see the Visit Ramsgate Monthly Events Calendar. The Visitors Information Centre is also within easy reach of the beach.

Walking & Cycle Routes :

Marina Esplanade is on the Viking Coastal Trail cycle route and the King Charles lll England Coastal Path. It is also on the Sea it All and Beach Roamer walking routes.

Awards (2026)

Ramsgate Main Sands holds a combined Blue Flag and Seaside Award.

Beach Rules

  • Dogs : No Dogs allowed at any time between 1st May and 30th September.
  • BBQs : Not allowed till after 6:00pm. Coals and rubbish must be fully put out and taken away completely.
  • Litter : Leave no trace, bin all rubbish, or take it home; leaving trash next to full bins results in a fine.
  • Swimming : Swim only between the red and yellow lifeguard flags when lifeguards are on duty.
  • General respect : Keep a safe distance from other beach users and do not spoil their enjoyment.

Eating & Drinking

There are several places to eat and drink either on the beach or on the Marina Esplanade overlooking it :-

Facilities

Beach Shops

You can buy beach goods, gifts, confectionary and ice-cream at the following kiosks :-

Beach Showers :
  • Outdoor Rinse Stations : The showers is a public, open-air structure attached directly to the sea wall over the beach. It features a galvanised water pipe, a vandal-proof push-button press valve, and a standard shower head.
  • Functionality : It is designed for quick rinses to wash away sand and salt water. The water drains naturally directly into the sand below.
  • Water Temperature : The supply is cold water only. There are no private cubicles or hot water options on the open beach.
  • Summer Access only : Thanet District Council activates the beach showers seasonally. The water is typically turned on starting in mid-May alongside the roll-out of seasonal lifeguards.
Beach Rentals :

You can hire deck chairs, sun loungers, windbreaks, and umbrellas directly from the main bar at Frankie’s @ the Beach.

Children’s Funfair :

Frankie’s @ the Beach also has on-site rides and attractions include an inflatable slide, bouncy castles, trampolines, and swing boats.

Toilets :

East Pier Yard

  • Standard toilets : Open daily (typically 9:00am – 8:00pm in peak seasons).
  • Accessible toilets : RADAR key access available.
  • Baby changing : Provided on-site.

Bathing Station (next to Coasters)

  • Standard toilets : Open daily (typically 9:30am – 7:30pm in peak seasons).
  • Accessible toilets : RADAR key access available.
  • Baby changing : Provided on-site.

Click here for more information.

Water Bottle Refill Station :

The Water Bottle Refill tap is an outdoor, stainless steel drinking water fountain and bottle filling point. It is located at the entrance to Ramsgate Main Sands (at the back of the Royal Victoria Pavilion). It supplies free, clean, fresh cold mains drinking water.

Safety

Seasonal Lifeguard (2026) :

RNLI lifeguards on Ramsgate Main Sands provide seasonal safety cover, operating daily patrols from 10:00am to 6:00pm.

  • Weekend and Bank Holiday Cover : 23 May – 17 July 2026.
  • Full Daily Service : 18 July – 6 September 2026.

First Aid : The first aid point is integrated into the lifeguard infrastructure.

Swimming :

  • Always swim between the red and yellow flags set up by the lifeguards.
  • Cold water shock is a major risk in open sea. Enter slowly and wear a brightly colored tow float so you stay visible.
  • Heavy rain can cause short-term pollution risks from storm wastewater overflows. Always check for active local alerts via Swim Finder before entering.

Always be sure to follow RNLI advice and check the weather and tides before you swim. 

Never swim alone and keep an eye on children at all times. 

Emergency Contact : In a coastal emergency, always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Tides

The sand is wide at low tide, but water can reach the Seawall at high tide. Click here for latest tide information.

Parking

Pay & Display parking is available at Pier Yard and Marina Esplanade (Carparks 1, 2 & 3), see Map below.

MAP

CONTACT

📍Address : Ramsgate Main sands, Marine Esplanade, Ramsgate CT11 8LX