Margate, Whitstable, and Folkestone have just landed spots among the UK’s top ten most picturesque seaside towns. The recognition comes after travel eSIM provider Holafly, released a newly conducted study in June 2025. This win cements Kent’s image as a premier spot for stunning coastal views and lively tourist experiences.
Why Everyone’s Talking About Kent’s Coast
Kent’s coastline is rapidly gaining traction. Once a quieter part of England, its towns are now drawing attention in the travel industry and social platforms. Their special charm, incredible views, and vibrant cultural scenes are drawing plenty of eyes on Instagram and TikTok. This online buzz clearly shows their growing appeal to local and international travelers.
Margate: A Resurgent Star
Margate secured fourth place overall, the highest ranking among Kent’s entries. The town features golden sands, a revitalized Old Town known for its art, and the Dreamland amusement park. Signifying its appeal, Margate has accumulated over 1.24 million social media hashtags.
Its transition from a traditional resort to a cultural destination is attributed to regeneration efforts, with the Turner Contemporary gallery serving as a central catalyst. The area offers opportunities for photography, encompassing sunset views and urban art installations.
Whitstable: Coastal Charm
Ranked seventh, Whitstable is notable for its expansive pebble beaches and sunsets observed over the Swale Estuary. The town has generated over 583,000 hashtags, reflecting its public appeal. Key features include the beachfront Old Neptune pub and active independent markets.
Whitstable is also associated with its oyster industry, contributing to its distinct identity and culinary offerings. Its atmosphere provides a contrast to more energetic coastal locations.
Folkestone: A Transformed Hub
Getting nearly 495,000 hashtags, Folkestone holds eighth place. The town has undergone substantial transformation over the past decade. The changes can be largely attributed to Creative Folkestone’s initiative and the restoration of Harbour Arm.
Folkestone integrates its maritime history with a contemporary artistic direction. It functions as a hub for culinary, artistic, and walking activities, presenting diverse scenic elements. These include dramatic cliff-top views, the vibrant Creative Quarter, and the active atmosphere of the Harbour Arm, which hosts independent eateries and art installations.
England’s Coastal Dominance
Brenda Beltrán, a travel writer for Holafly, highlighted England’s significant presence in the rankings.
She stated, “England certainly stands out as the top destination in the UK, being home to nine out of the top ten most picturesque seaside towns. Three of these spots are located in Kent, including Margate, Whitstable, and Folkestone.”
England’s varied coastline, with its mix of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and historic ports, is clearly still a big draw for visitors. What’s new, though, is how much influence those who share their experiences online now have.
A recent ranking method highlighted this shift. It analyzed social media hashtag data to pinpoint popular and scenic spots. This process shows just how much online visibility now impacts our perception of desirable travel destinations.
It makes sense, doesn’t it? Towns that offer visually appealing experiences – things that are easy and fun to share online – naturally rank higher. It’s like the modern version of a postcard, but instead of just one person seeing it, millions do. This trend reflects a major change in how we pick our travel spots today.
The Nation’s Top 10 Most Picturesque Seaside Towns
Here’s the full rundown, so you can see where Kent’s towns fit in:
| Rank | Town Name | Hashtags (Approximate) | Key Appeal |
| 1 | Brighton | 3,500,000+ | Iconic Pier, Royal Pavilion, vibrant culture |
| 2 | Bournemouth | 2,000,000+ | Seven miles of sandy beaches, gardens, lively nightlife |
| 3 | Whitby | 1,659,400 | Abbey ruins, Dracula connections, Gothic charm |
| 4 | Margate | 1,241,400 | Golden sands, Turner Contemporary, Dreamland |
| 5 | Eastbourne | 990,000+ | Victorian pier, chalk cliffs, sunshine records |
| 6 | Scarborough | 650,000+ | Historic castle, two bays, traditional resort feel |
| 7 | Whitstable | 583,916 | Oyster culture, independent shops, shingle beach sunsets |
| 8 | Folkestone | 495,200 | Harbour Arm, Creative Quarter, cliff-top views |
| 9 | St Ives | 450,000+ | Artistic heritage, golden beaches, sub-tropical feel |
| 10 | Tynemouth | 380,000+ | Priory ruins, surf culture, vibrant village |
A Bright Outlook for Kent Tourism
With summer approaching, the national recognition of Margate, Whitstable, and Folkestone is expected to significantly boost tourism across Kent. Local businesses, including cafes, restaurants, guesthouses, and art galleries, anticipate increased visitor numbers.
This recognition acknowledges the natural beauty and distinct character of these towns. It also highlights the efforts of local communities and the success of regeneration projects. For Kent, this indicates a continued positive trend for its tourism sector, encouraging more people to explore its coastline.