The secret beach without the crowds – but has free sauna & largest UK tidal pool

ONE of the worst things about heading to the seaside during the summer are the crowds.

However, as someone who lives in a popular beach town, I’ve found the quieter beach in Kent where you can avoid the tourists.

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Margate is one of the popular beaches in Kent thanks to its miles of sandy beach.

But the Main Sands, just steps from the train station, attract thousands of people during the summer holidays.

What many may not realise is that just a short walk along the coastline is a much quieter beach.

Palm Bay, around 15 minutes walk from the Main Sands, may not have all the amusements and cafes that the larger beach does.

However, it has a smaller local cafe serving all that you could need from ice creams to soft drinks.

Not only that, but Palm Bay is home to the UK‘s largest tidal pool – the Walpole Bay Lido.

With four acres of water, the Grade II listed pool has locals with paddleboards and boats as well as swimmers.

Even if the temperature drops, you don’t have to worry.

Near the pool is a wooden sauna run by local beauty brand Haeckels.

While it isn’t always open, the tiny pod on wheels is perfect to warm up in after a chilly dip.

If you don’t fancy a walk from the Main Sands, you can even drive to the beach, as many of the roads in Cliftonville are free to park in.

So before you decide to plonk yourself on the busy sandy strip, you should take a few steps out of town – and you will find yourself having a much better time.

Cliftonville was even voted one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world.

Some have likened Margate to Ibiza, while others call it Shoreditch-on-Sea – and it’s even been the filming location of Blockbuster Empire of Light and the new Sky drama Dreamland.

Here are some other secret beaches to visit without the crowds this summer.

Or head to Portugal, where there are secret beach islands only the locals visit.

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