A seaside town just a 90-minute train journey from London was once frequented by Queen Victoria during her childhood. The hidden gem boasts a number of independent bars and cafes, as well as beautiful beaches and clear waters.

Broadstairs, in Kent, has become a top seaside destination despite being relatively unknown to those outside of the area. The relaxing town is perfect for a quiet family getaway, with plenty on offer for both adults and children, as reported by Kent Live. The widowed Duchess of Kent moved to Broadstairs with her daughter Victoria in 1829. They lived at Pierremont Hall for three months and Queen Victoria was then a regular visitor in the years that followed.

She enjoyed walking along the pier and parade, soaking up the amazing coastal views. The young Princess Victoria also had piano lessons in the town.

Broadstairs Bandstand, which was opened by Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Louise in 1892, is now a focal point for entertainment in the town throughout the year. Meanwhile, Broadstairs Clocktower was built on the seafront to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

Viking Bay is considered the crown jewel of Broadstairs and it’s a perfect spot for surfers. One TripAdviser user praised the bay as “a crescent of golden sand lined with colourful beach huts and rock pools”. Meanwhile, Joss Bay offers a more secluded sanctuary and Dumpton Gap is revered for its soaring chalk cliffs and as an idyllic setting for dog walking.

Next door to Viking Bay is the picturesque Louisa Bay which is picturesque and dimly lit. As well as the amazing beaches, Broadstairs also benefits from a number of quirky cafes and relaxed bars.

According to TripAdvisor, the town’s top dining spot is the Michelin-starred Kebbell’s Seafood Bar and Restaurant. The Tartar Frigate, a 300-year-old pub, is also recommended for its charm and traditional food.

The Old Curiosity Shop tea room is rated highly for its coffee, while the Little Wave cafe also has a five out of five rating on TripAdvisor. The Counting House Bar on the high street is great for evening drunks while the Reign Bar and Lounge offers great cocktails.

Broadstairs is located around 80 miles from London. It takes around two hours and 25 minutes by road or 90 minutes by train.

Train tickets start at £34.90, with returns commencing from £48.70. For those who don’t mind splashing out, Broadstairs boasts several opulent apartments with terraces offering stunning views, available for over £1,000 for a two-night stay.

Broadstairs is also well-equipped with traditional hotels and guesthouses at reasonable prices. A two-night stay at the Ebenezer’s Place Hotel from Friday, August 22, to Sunday, August 24, will cost you £400.

Meanwhile, a similar stay at Lazy Days Bed and Breakfast is available for £270. It boasts a 9.7 out of 10 rating on Booking.com.

On Broadstairs, Bellou2 wrote on TripAdvisor: “The warm June weather was a great opportunity for a day out in Broadstairs with our six year old Granddaughter. With plenty of sand to dig and an inviting sea it was ideal.

“Good fish and chips bought in the quaint own (little changed from the 1950’s) and delicious icecream made the day. There are some swings , trampoline and slides on the beach (nothing noisy) and at a £1 a go not expensive. A lovely day out!”

Fisher-and-friend added: “A great place for a holiday with children – or without! Clean, accessible beaches, good food to be found everywhere. A tiny cinema.

“Gift shops and amusements in very limited numbers! Perfect in good weather, you can walk everywhere. Otherwise plenty to do nearby by car.”

Daytriplad wrote: “Broadstairs is a traditional seaside town in east Kent with a sandy beach, rock pools, Punch and Judy and plenty of ice cream. The town and seafront has a quaint charm with a varied quantity of resturants, cafes, pubs and speciality shops.”