12 ALBION HOUSE RAMSGATE
WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL? Perched on the East Cliff overlooking Ramsgate’s harbour, this renovated Georgian building is a 10-minute drive from Ramsgate train station and the slightly buzzier neighbouring coastal town of Broadstairs. The rooms are modern-meets-antique, with big squishy beds, marbled bathrooms and uninterrupted views of the English Channel. Make sure you reserve a table at Townleys, its restaurant (we were still daydreaming about the food days later). Try the fish or the pork belly with smoked mash.
WHO GOES? Families, couples, maybe even the odd well-behaved hen party. There’s a popular cycle route called the Viking Coastal Trail, which will appeal to active types. It’s certainly not the UK’s answer to Ibiza, so be prepared for plenty of down time and Mr Whippy by day, then quiet drinks and live music with the locals by night. IT WOULD BE A CRIME NOT TO…
Eat fish and chips on the beach and clear out your wallet on the arcade slot machines. What is a trip to the British seaside without these things?