Kent’s beautiful village with a quiet beach and buzzing community that could be lost to the sea

Life is pretty sweet for the residents of Kingsdown at the minute. This charming coastal village tucked between Deal and Dover offers homes with sea views, a stunning beach and a buzzing community.

However, there is a chance that this could all change rapidly over the coming decades. Current predictions from US based news organisation Climate Central would see huge swathes of the UK submerged under water if global temperature increases and rising sea levels are left unchecked.

An interactive map from the organisation has shown the parts of the nation that could be below sea level by 2050 if temperatures rise by just 2C in that time period. Given our home on the coast, Kent would see a disastrous impact if such forecasts were to become reality, with huge parts of Dover, Thanet, Medway and Folkestone at risk of annual flooding.

Read more: The reality of life in a Kent seaside town plagued by sewage

Read more: Map shows the Kent bathing spots where it’s too polluted to swim

However, it is worth noting that these predictions are based on a future where we make no cuts to emissions. With steps being made every year to combat the climate crisis, the true extent of sea level rise we could see in Kent remains uncertain.

At this moment in time, Kingsdown stands as a delightful slice of the Kent coast that is well worth a daytrip over the warmer months. With a population of just over 1,600 people, according to the latest census, this is a bustling seaside community with plenty to offer for residents and visitors alike.

Of course, sitting right on the coast, you can expect to find a brilliant beach here, and Kingsdown Beach certainly won’t disappoint. A secluded spot that is half sand and half shingle, it’s perfect for anyone looking to avoid those peak summer crowds that flock to Kent’s golden sands as soon as the sun comes out.

There are plenty of opportunities for rock pooling and paddling, making it a great place to spend a day as a family. For those who are perhaps a little more adventurous, this is an incredibly popular spot for kayaking too.

It’s worth noting though that swimming is not really recommended here, due to the sudden sloping of the shingles and the particularly strong currents in this part of the sea. With plenty of benches found dotted around, the beach is a great spot to enjoy a picnic and take in the stunning scenery.

On a clear day, you can even see out to France. Animal lovers will be thrilled to know that seals are occasionally spotted along this stretch of the coastline too, while the rock pools are rich in marine life.

There are lots of brilliant walking routes around the area, with the circular Kingsdown and Walmer trail accessible from here, as well as a picture-perfect route along the sea towards St Margaret’s Bay. Cyclists will also be able to make use of the purpose-built cycle track to Deal.

The beach sits just a short walk away from the White Cliffs of Dover if you fancy adventuring to go see a truly iconic Kent landmark for yourself. While the beach itself has little in the way of facilities, it does have one feature that’s sure to please many - a pub.

The Zetland Arms sits right on the shingles of the beachfront, making it a brilliant spot to stop for refreshments during your day out. Offering punters gorgeous sea views and vistas of the cliffs as they enjoy a local beer and some hearty coast-inspired dishes, you'll struggle to find another pub like this.

The dog-friendly boozer, which has recently undergone an extensive refurb, also has a sun-trap courtyard to the rear, ideal for avoiding the gales on any windy days. It should come as no surprise that past guests have sung the praises of this seaside gem, with the establishment holding a TripAdvisor rating of four stars out of five from over 1,000 reviews.

One guest said of their experiences: “Lovely staff, service was impeccable. 10/10 would recommend it to a friend. Waiting staff were excellent and efficient and the food was good too.”

Two other pubs can be found in Kingsdown, these being The Kings Head and The Rising Sun, both of which have also seen rave reviews from visitors so you’ve got some good choices when looking for a cheeky tipple or a bite to eat on a visit. The nearest train station to Kingsdown is Walmer, found a 40-minute walk away, and regular buses serve the village.

Kingsdown can be easily reached via car, sitting just a 14 minute drive from Dover, and 10 minutes from Deal. If you’re after a relaxed trip out by the sea away from the crowds this summer, then Kingsdown is a real must-visit - let’s just hope we can keep using it for many years to come.

Find out more about things to do in Kent with our free What’s On email HERE.