Broadstairs life

​BradARA is a social club based in Broadstairs, Kent, open to local men and women who are retired or semi-retired.

We provide members with opportunities to make friends and engage in activities through attending regular meetings, and joining in with outings and social and cultural events.

BradARA is a satellite group from the well-established TARA (Thanet Active Retirement Association) which has been running since 1983. We are affiliated to the Kent Active Retirement Association (KentARA) which has 84 club branches throughout Kent (click on the crown at the top of this page to learn about the King's aw...

Broadstairs Sailing Club provides a range of training, dinghy sailing and racing activities from its base at Broadstairs harbour on the North East Kent coast. The Club has a well appointed clubhouse with bar, kitchen, changing rooms, training room and a lounge with panoramic views overlooking Broadstairs Viking bay.

Broadstairs SC is essentially a dinghy racing Club but there are opportunities for members to train and take part in rescue boat, race and Club management.

The Club welcomes new memberships from experienced and non-experienced families, couples and individuals. Broadstairs Sailing Club is run entirely by...

“Opening my own children’s bookshop is an absolute dream come true. Together with my outreach work with schools and the local community as The Kids Books Curator, the Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop represents the culmination of my ultimate goal – establishing a physical presence on the high street. This shop is more than just a place to buy books; it's a vibrant community hub where young readers can discover the joy of reading and where we can foster a lifelong love of literature in children. Our collaboration with the café and artisanal bakery STAPLE means that visitors can also enjo...

Today you can listen as Kanndiss talks to us about her inspired Pies with a strong Caribbean influence made here in Broadstairs and sold across Thanet. Kandiss tells us how she started in October 2025 and where her inspiration came from. Her passion just flows as she talks about her background the joy of making pies and what inspires her.

She will be telling us about her Curry Goat, Mushroom & spinach, saltfish and jackfruit, leek & tempeh chicken & broccoli flavoured pies plus many other flavours that are available. There is also a hint of what is coming as a...

Thank you to Lisa who is one of the people who we all know and see everyday about but very rarely hear about. To learn what our local Posties do and why they love the job they do listen as Lisa tells us all about her job... and it's not just wearing shorts all year!!!!

If you live between the chalk cliffs of Broadstairs and the quiet, flint-walled lanes of St Peter’s, you will know the rhythm of Lisa’s stride. While the rest of the town might be hunkering down against a North Sea gale or s...

Empowering Broadstairs: The Youth Action Campaign

Amelie and Angel, two dedicated students from Dane Court Grammar School, have launched a vital initiative aimed at tackling youth crime within the Broadstairs community. Their campaign focuses on a proactive, educational approach to steer young people toward positive paths.

Key Pillars of the Initiative

We have to thank Darren Cowd TDC museums manager & Curator of Dickens House.

Dickens House Museum celebrates Charles Dickens' long connection with Broadstairs (1837-1851). It is housed in the cottage that was Charles Dickens' inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield. According to the reminiscences of Charles Dickens son Charley, they regularly had tea there with Miss Mary Pearson Strong, and her belief of her right to stop the passage of donkeys in front of her cottage became the donkey incident for the character of Betsey Trotwood.

The parlour, described by Dickens...

Festival 2026 - Friday, 12th to Sunday, 14th June

2026 will be the 89th year, and we are pleased to confirm the dates for our 3-day festival. Friday, 12th to Sunday, 14th June

Charles Dickens visited Broadstairs in Kent regularly from 1837 until 1859 and immortalised the town as "Our English Watering Place".

In 1937, to commemorate the centenary of the author's first visit, Gladys Waterer, the then resident of Dickens House, conceived the idea of putting on a production of David Copperfield and of having people about the town in Victorian dress to publicise it.

...

This is an inspiring Podcast with two truly amazing people who talk candidly with passion and some humour thrown in about why over the years they continue to help others.

Local Broadstairs residents Lorraine and Graham Burns have a passion. To raise much needed funds for Breast Cancer Now. Their lives were changed forever when Lorraine's Mum was to lost to Breast Cancer. Since that time they have dedicated ourselves to supporting Breast Cancer Now—a charity that provides world-class research and life-changing care for everyone affected by this devastating condition.

Our commitment to this ca...

PC James Absolon has been a Police Officer in Kent for 8 Years and has served in Margate and is now The Broadstairs Community Beat officer. Here you will listen to james as he tells us about his important role in our community. He has a real passion for being part of the local community explaining the type of Police work his role covers. It's a fascinating chance to listen to a Police Officer who you will see in our town talk candidly about the issues that affect many here. Also how is available to meet you his community to...

Self taught and now a teacher and instructor Michelle Wharton introduces needle felting as a versatile dry felting method. By using specialised barbed needles to mesh wool fibre's together, she helps through her workshops crafters produce everything from intricate 3D sculptures to detailed 2D art. This accessible hobby requires minimal equipment—primarily wool, a foam mat, and needles—making beginner kits for ornaments or animals an ideal starting point. Key skills involve precise vertical stabbing, tight rolling, and strategic layering to build structure and density. Michelle also exhibits her art in local galleries.

If you would like to j...

From the Largest Theatre Group in the World to The Oldest Stage in England and the Future of the Theatre

Michael Wheatley-Ward has had invaluable experience of the theatre management business. Here is a colourful entertainment all of its own of the risks involved in production management from the wings as well as front of house. A wealth of knowledge which has been gained through knowing and working with some leading actors, directors and producers in the theatre business over fifty years. From some of London's West End play houses, cinemas and provincial picture houses to the...

This is a special edition after the events that took place over the Bank Holiday Weekend

FYI some of the comments were converted but not changed from the original submitted text into the spoken word. This is confirmed during the Podcast at which point this takes place. Thank you

Let's remember Broadstairs is a quintessential, charming coastal town located on the Isle of Thanet in East Kent, England. Affectionately nicknamed the "Jewel in Thanet's Crown," it beautifully preserves a nostalgic, Victorian-era seaside atmosphere while fostering a thriving contemporary food, shopping, and arts scene. Nestled between...

OUR HISTORY

Aspley House Bowls Club was set up by Dr Brightman (Broadstairs Council chairman) during WW1. In 1917 the rinks were laid out in his back garden, facing what is now Lawn Road. They were mainly used by returning servicemen at the end of the war.

When Dan Mason gifted the Recreation Ground to the town in 1921 by way of his personal thanks to the troops, he set up a bowling green in the grounds (now the present Broadstairs & St Peters Bowls Club), closing not only his personal double bowling rink in Pierremont Park, but...

Vicky who has been at the centre for 25 years tells us about the amazing work this centre does to give anybody with a disability to ride and interact with their horses.

Thanet Disabled Riding Centre is an independent, nonprofit organisation located in Broadstairs. With the fantastic support from our team of volunteers, we can cater to 40 riders a week. The Centre has now been running for 47 years and is currently home to four ponies. Three of whom are in full time work and our other one is a 34 year old, retired, tea drinking Shetland! We...

In this episode Jim talks about the history of the Ukulele and how he loves teaching others .

I'm Jim Moran and I've been teaching ukulele to beginners and intermediate students for quite a few years. I'm a qualified teacher in schools and colleges and my experience includes starting a successful ukulele club in a special school that I worked in. Courses have been run for clients including Ageless Thanet, Live Better in the Community, Age UK and Neptune Co-Working Hub.

To get in touch with Jim visit his website https://www.jimbiz.co...

Peter Shaw gives us an insight into the history of the Crampton Tower Museum. A fascinating small museum is partly housed in a flint tower adjacent to the Broadstairs Railway Station. The tower formed part of the first Broadstairs public water supply and was put in repair by Thanet District Council.

Thomas Russell Crampton is perhaps chiefly remembered as a designer of locomotives and of railways, but he was also concerned with gas, water works and the submarine telegraph cable. He was the first to succeed in laying an effective telegraph cable under the English Channel.

Mitchell brings us a fascinating insight into the world of a dog behaviourist & trainer.

I've spent the last 26 years volunteering at 3 animal santuaries doing 4500 hours and rehomed and rehabilitated over 1100 dogs...and studied widely on what helps Dogs feel calm and balanced

I now work self employed as a dog behaviourist. I work one to one and come to you. I work through my vet and personal recommendation. I have a diploma in canine psychology. I can help with any issues and change any behaviour to calm whether it's reactivity, pulling , barking etc. These behaviours...

For the past 220 years or so the church has worshipped on its current site. Older people in the community will remember it being called Salem but for the past 20 years it has been known simply as The Baptist Church, St Peters. There have been many ups and downs. At one time the church had to move off-site following a break-in and a fire. Our neighbours in the St Peter’s Parish church next door kindly let us use their community hall for our worship gathering on a Sunday morning. Following a time of growth at the end of the 1990’s an...

Many of us see the Community Payback team working here in Broadstairs. On this podcast you will listen Danny speak about his passion for this service and what makes it work and how it helps those involved.

Supervised by veteran Danny Ward, the Community Payback Team has spent the years revitalising Broadstairs. This partnership between the Town Council and the Tourism & Leisure Association allows offenders to serve their sentences by improving the local environment.

The impact is twofold: the town gets high-quality labor—like the recent refurbishment of emotional memorial benches—and the participants gain life...

This alehouse features Kentish ales, ciders and others from further afield, including craft keg beers. The beer and cider loving owners are also passionate about live music and hold monthly jam sessions as well as organising the Broadstairs Jazz Festival. A central beer bottle chandelier and large picture windows flood light across comfortable spaces for friends, family and couples, dog friendly too. The Magnet is named after the boys periodical that featured Billy Bunter, whose creator was a local resident.

For full details of events etc visit TheMagnet Facebook page via this link https://www...

It's time to meet our host Dean who along with Elizebeth were busy handing out flyers for the market today 12th April. Here at Bleak House we meet many of those who set up their stalls on what was a very windy day. They are there to sell and promote local food and products at the historic Bleak House in its beautiful garden overlooking VikingBay. Today we chat with many of these here at Bleak House for what has become a regular event in the gardens. Enjoy..

The next Farmers Markets will be on 10th May, 13th & 14...

Phases Pole and Aerial Studio is Thanet’s only purpose-built pole and aerial fitness studio, located on the Westwood Industrial Estate, near B&Q and Hornby.We offer classes in pole dancing, aerial hoop, aerial silks, static trapeze and aerial hammock for all levels from complete beginner to advanced as well as workshops in things like chair dance and burlesque.For kids, we offer classes in aerial hoop, aerial silks and pole sports for those aged 8 and up and there’s a mini fabric class (silks & hammock) for 4-7 year olds.

https://phases-studio.com

Ad...

Corrina and Simon the owners of the Palace Cinema share their love and passion for this fascinating cinema. They bring their journey to making it an intimate place to enjoy a variety of Films both old and new to us.

Originally The Windsor Cinema (1965 – 2006)

York Gate Hall was opened for the summer season in 1965 as ‘York Gate Cinema’ by Jack Field who also owned the Carlton and Regal in nearby Westgateand Birchington. The following year it was fully converted into the The ‘Windsor’ with an enclosed projection box with 35mm projector, a new doorway cut into the f...

Based here in Broadstairs The group's aim is to raise awareness of disability issues of all kinds and campaign for better access in all aspects of public life for people with disabilities. Today with speak with Christine one of its founders.

You can visit Access Thanet on their facebook page

Coastal Community Learning is a not for profit company (CIC) delivering Art, Craft, Personal Development, Health and Fitness and Wellbeing courses across 5 different venues in Thanet.

We are committed to providing accessible and inclusive learning opportunities to the local residents of Thanet and surrounding areas to reduce social isolation, improve mental health and promote healthier and more active lives.

We are working in partnership with the Sarah Thorne Theatre to support the amazing work that they do locally.

Email

info@coastalcommunitylearning.com

Website

https://www.coastalcommunitylearning.com<...

Meet Natalie and Mark Hall who live in the historic village of St Peter’s. They talk about their music ventures with their children and especially about the St Peter’s Wellbeing choir. This is a free choir for the local community where friendships are formed through music.

We meet on Fridays during school term times at 7-8pm at the Baptist Church St Peter’s on Vicarage street. The next rehearsal will be April 24th. New members are always welcome!

Lets welcome Joanne Hughes

I’m a passionate Egyptian Bellydance teacher and eft ( energy tapping ) practitioner and I currently teach courses and workshops at Bleak House on Mondays my aim is to restore mind/body balance through dance & wellbeing

Each course we combine Energy tapping, Bellydance technique & a new Choreography

With an optional dance on the beach if weather permits

WhatsApp 07766627316

Here’s link to instagram & my Skool community

https://www.instagram.com/bellydanceandbalance

skool.com/bellydance-and-balance-2532/about

This community is currently free to j...

Keeley talks all things Foliage A unique blend of plants and coffee shop here in Broadstairs

A huge range of healthy plants

At Foliage , we have a huge selection of healthy plants from around the world. We have pet safe plants and plants that live in a variety of light diverse environments. We have plants of all sizes as well as soils, pots, planters and everything you may need for your plants.

Coffee shop

At Foliage we have a full coffee shop with decaf and alternative milk options, frappes, iced drinks...

St. Peter’s church is in the centre of the Village of St. Peter’s, Broadstairs. It is largely of the Norman period in construction and is linked to St. John’s Church, Margate and St. Lawrence Church, Ramsgate. These three churches were chapels of ease to the mother church of St. Mary’s, Minster.

There is no definite date for the original construction of St Peter’s but 1050 is quoted for St. John’s and 1062 for St. Lawrence therefore it is likely that between these dates St. Peter’s Chapel was constructed.

The South aisle was the...

Recorded live in Morelli's whilst customers enjoyed Coffee, tea and of course Ice Cream.

Joe tells us about the history of Morelli's and where it is now and how the ice cream is made and about the staff who make it happen.

The first Morelli's Ice Cream Parlour in the UK was opened by Mario on the Broadstairs seafront above the picturesque Viking Bay in Kent.

Morelli’s in Broadstairs has, under the guidance of the Morelli family become a Mecca for gelato in the UK - set off by it’s iconic 1950’s flyi...

Today we speak we with Kerry from The Broadstairs Town Shed. This is a volunteer led initiative a place for older people, (50+) to get together, and participate in meaningful and rewarding DIY/woodwork and metalwork-based activities.

Joining the Shed can help tackle loneliness and isolation, allows members to share and learn new skills, and increases community involvement & engagement.

The Shed works with many other local organisations and support groups, providing carpentry and woodworking skills to help those projects in turn.

The original Broadstairs Town Shed opened its doors in May 2014. It's been a...

The Gap Project in Broadstairs is a vibrant and innovative charity serving the local community, in an area of deprivation, using the fantastic facilities of Queens Road Baptist Church.

The ethos of the Gap Project is to provide a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Our person-centred approach enables everybody to have the opportunity to have a mentor to support them in fulfilling their potential.

The GAP Project is an all-inclusive and welcoming church-based community project for groups, activities and individual support for people in poverty and deprivation. They are based within the Thanet...

We are all volunteers who choose to work together for the good of our town.

Why we started back in 2012

We came together to do positive things, where we can see ways we can help, to make our town even better than we already know it is. We love Broadstairs.

We know that most of the people who live here do too and that visitors often fall in love with it from the moment they arrive. It's a great place.

What we do

Some projects are quite simple to...

WELCOME TO THE TARTAR FRIGATE, BROADSTAIRS

A WONDERFUL SEASIDE PUB & RESTAURANT WITH EXCEPTIONAL SEA FOOD.

The historic Tartar Frigate is one of the only 18th century flint restaurants in Kent. Widely renowned as one of the best seafood restaurants in Kent, the Harbour restaurant boasts stunning panoramic views over Viking Bay in Broadstairs.

https://www.tartarfrigate.co.uk

Jo Scott The Current Event Director talks all things Broadstairs Food Festival. Sadly Jo is stepping down at the end of the April Festival after being involved since 2009 . She will be replaced by Katherine Wyatt who has accepted the position as the next Festival Director, taking the baton from April 2026.

CALLING ALL FOOD LOVERS! Two dates for 2026

Easter 2026 – 3rd to 5th April

The Broadstairs Food Festival is a vibrant celebration of local flavours, bringing together passionate foodies, artisan producers, and top chefs. Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of Broadstairs, it offers a fe...

OUR PASSION FOR ALL THINGS CHOCOLATE. Listen as Clare talks about the art of making chocolate as a professional chocolatier based here in Broadstairs.

Luxurious, beautiful, handmade, artisan chocolates for celebrations, wedding and any occasion.

Clarey’s Chocolates provide a range of exquisitely handcrafted, delicious chocolates made in our chocolate studio in Broadstairs where we hold workshops to help you learn the art of chocolate making, this is open to adults and children and of course eating chocolate! .

You can come along, see our chocolates being made and purchase in our shop, or yo...

Sarah talks all things Broadstairs, living here, starting their resturant and why Broadstairs holds a special place for their family.

Kebbells is the freshest concept in seafood dining in the heart of Broadstairs, overlooking Viking Bay.

Serving small and large sharing plates with a mediterranean influence. Our seasonal menu keeps things fresh and local as possible, featuring a delightful array of fish and seafood, with just as much attention being paid to the vegetarian, vegan and meat lovers.

Now serving Brunch Friday, Saturday and Sundays.

Kebbells Seafood Bar & Restaurant 8 Victoria Parade...

The Broadstairs Herbal Apothecary was founded by Patina Blakeney 21 years ago here in Broadstairs. Petina is professional Herbalist and Iridologist. It is the aim of the Broadstairs Herbal Apothecary to serve, educate and surprise the local community and tourists, to re-introduce them to forgotten and new drinks and potions. Our friendly staff are always on hand to give you personal advice and introduce you to our range of fascinating products. So why not come and see us and enjoy some tea?

They specialise in organic skin care and makeup and dispense herbal remedies, tinctures, ointments, capsules and...

It was good to have time to chat and listen to why he enjoys Broadstairs and its people.

Everybody in Broadstairs will know Paul. He is always out in all weathers and will always stop for chat. He can been seen up the High Street and the top of Viking Bay doing an important job keeping these areas clean and Tidy. When you listen to our chat you will see how much he enjoys his job being a very important part of the Broadstairs Community who as I mentioned we all know.