Since the last of my family left the capital in favour of a slower, coastal lifestyle, my Christmases have been spent on the historic Isle of Thanet, between the Victorian seaside towns of Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Margate. While all of the area’s towns are within easy reach by car, I enjoy the bracing walk along the Thanet Coastal Park, overzealous chocolate labrador companion by my side, after gluttonous sessions cosied up in front of festive films. Starting aside the metallic rattle of Ramsgate harbour, this section winds along the white cliffs, past independent cafés on the boulevards and the sweeping sands of Viking Bay, towards Botany Bay – one of my favourite golden stretches of Kentish beach. Once the obligatory turkey dinners are done and the leftovers have been demolished, fish and chips from Peter’s Fish Factory round things up – moderation is for the misery of January, after all.
Connor Sturges, digital assistant
