As founders of Kinder Collective, Rebecca Gonsalves and Francesca Fox know Broadstairs inside out. The mums behind the much-loved independent family lifestyle store, recently relocated to a beautiful new space on York Street, have built Kinder Collective around community, creativity, and childhood, championing the very best of seaside family life. From beachside coffee spots and independent boutiques to family-friendly restaurants, here they share their favourite places to hang out with kids in the cool Kent coastal town they call home.
A Favourite Coffee Spot (That Has Enough Space For Buggies)?
We are spoilt for choice when it comes to independent coffee shops! Kinder Collective is
very conveniently positioned just a few doors down from Forts; excellent coffee and incredible pastries and brunch for the whole family – there’s outdoor seating in the front
which is soaked in sunshine for most of the day. Giant is another firm favourite – a brilliant indoor coffee spot with large tables and cosy little nooks, homemade plant-based cakes and savouries, plus it’s dog-friendly.
Then there’s the newly opened Finxs, perfectly positioned right on Viking Bay beach. It’s the
ideal spot to pitch up for a few hours, little ones playing happily on the sand while you enjoy an iced coffee or cocktail. Pure holiday vibes!
A Great Playground Nearby?
The beach is our favourite playground! But Pierremont Park in the heart of town has wide green spaces and a great play area for toddlers and bigger kids. There’s plenty of shady spots during the summer months, small wooded areas for little ones to explore and there’s usually a programme of free kids’ theatre in the park during the summer holidays sponsored
by the town council.
Situated off the high street, there’s a real sense of seclusion from the hustle and bustle thanks to lovely old trees, and wonderful community initiatives include litter picks, an honesty library and planters with free fruit and vegetables.
Cool Shops For Little Ones And Grown-Ups?
Broadstairs might be a small town but it has a mighty selection of independent shops. Our friend and nearby neighbour Marie at Albie & Pearl curates the most special vintage furniture and homewares, and just around the corner Arrowsmiths is a wonderful treasure trove of trinkets and curiosities.
Little Wave deli, The Bottleneck wine shop, Sea Spirit and Stones holistic shop and Plantlet, a tiny space dedicated to house plants, are our go-to for host gifts when we’re visiting friends. Kope + Loko is a womenswear and lifestyle store that has some great brands for thoughtful presents and lots of inspiration for self-gifting!
And we’d have to say that Kinder Collective is the coolest (and kindest) shop around for babies to big kids, plus we’ve got a few treats for adults too. A little further away in St Peter’s is Happy Reading Bookshop, run by Nicci whose love of kids’ literature is contagious.
Cultural Places To Go With Kids Nearby?
If you can count mini-golf as a place of culture, then Lillyputt’s is a must when visiting Broadstairs. Then sitting proudly on the clifftop overlooking Viking Bay is Bleak House, home to a wonderfully whimsical café and shop, Havisham & Cratchit, where visitors can soak up the atmosphere of the place Charles Dickens once wrote from. There’s also Dickens House Museum and a brilliant skate park.
Our children also love hopping on the number 69 open-top bus to Margate blowing bubbles
along the way and jumping off to explore Turner Contemporary and the many creative attractions our neighbouring town has to offer.
Family-Friendly Favourite Restaurants?
You can’t beat Posillipo’s with the family, it’s a firm favourite – a relaxed Italian restaurant with
something for everyone. Kebbells is brilliant for brunch or an early supper with the kids (and also a great option for a grown-up evening if you can bag a babysitter).
In summer, our tradition is heading to the courtyard garden at pub Neptunes Hall for their 2-for-1 pizzas on a Wednesday while playing cards in the sunshine. And for an easy, classic seaside supper, the Albion Hotel is a nice easy option with gorgeous sea views, plenty of
space and good old fish and chips.
Photographs by Rebecca Douglas.
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