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SEA FOR YOURSELF
We live in a little-known UK beach paradise with country’s largest tidal pool – but it’s hiding a secret
LOCALS living in a little-known seaside paradise have told how their beach is hiding a secret.
Margate is home to some of the most famous beaches in the UK - and Britain’s largest tidal pool.
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This arty destination, dubbed "Shoreditch-on-Sea" after the fashionable area of East London, has a wealth of things to do, including Dreamland, one of the UK's oldest theme parks.
The Main Sands, just steps from the train station, attract thousands of people during the summer holidays.
However, locals opt for another “secret” beach that just a short walk along the coastline.
Palm Bay boasts the same beautiful coast as the more famous beach without the mania of the usual spots.
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However, residents say it has one major downside - no swimming.
Rachel Carman, 58, lives closer to Walpole Bay beach but said she opts for the Palm Bay beach.
The researcher said: "It's beautiful. I never go to the main beach in Margate because it's so manic.
"But this beach is the jet ski beach so you're not supposed to swim.
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“On a really nice day in the summer it can still get busy, even though it has no facilities here.
"But nothing compared to the other beaches in the area. You're talking dozens rather than hundreds or even thousands."
"I come here because I'm able to let the dog off the lead year round, my local beach won't let you in the summer months.”
Luckily for water-loving locals, Palm Bay is also 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.
And despite the wider sea swimming ban, its still a favourite with locals.
Malcolm Hussey, 76, has lived just up the road from the beach for more than 40 years.
Asked if the beach was a secret spot for locals, the double-glazing salesman said: "It's 100 per cent true. All the visitors go to the Margate beach or to the Viking beach in Broadstairs.
"It's lovely round here. I come here twice to three times a week, have a walk and always stop here for a cup of coffee.
"It's always this peaceful. It's our secret little spot that just gets missed by the tourists.
"Hopefully it will stay that way. It's got everything you could need, it is really one of the prettiest beaches in the country."
Keith Smith, 70, has lived in nearby Broadstairs for six years.
The retired advertising director said: "I come here a lot for a bit of peace. In the summer you get some people here using the jet skis but mainly it's very quiet - just a few dog walkers and the locals.
"It's a lovely little bay. You couldn't ask for a better spot. Free parking and a lovely cafe.
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"We hope the tourists don't find out about it but it's lucky because most of them get the train or the coach and so this spot gets missed.
"I come here a few days a week just to get some fresh sea air. The area in general is beautiful but this beach especially is so secluded that you can't help but love it."
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