It's official - the UK's best beach has been named, and there's not a grain of sand to be seen.
St Margaret's Bay has been crowned the best in the country in a recent list of the top 20 most stunning coastal spots. Nestled beneath the charming village of St Margaret's at Cliffe, between Dover and Deal, this stretch of shingle is backed by breathtaking white cliffs and is the closest point in the country to France.
It ranked number one on The Telegraph's top 20 beaches, with its seclusion part of its charm. The title writes: "Abandoning the car high above it all in the little village of St Margaret's At Cliffe and then picking your way down a winding wooded path towards the water is part of the fun."
"This pine-scented stroll, past sleepy lanes lined with coastal mansions, evokes the French Riviera and the Costa Brava transporting walkers straight into holiday mode." High praise indeed.
Famous figures such as playwright Sir Noel Peirce Coward and James Bond creator Ian Fleming have lived in this area due to its semi-secret charm. Thanks to being off the beaten track, the beach doesn't pull in the same levels of tourists as other nearby hotspots like Thanet, Dover, and Deal.
The Telegraph added: "A noticeable lack of DFLs (Down From Londons) equals no chichi coffee huts or beachside boutiques, just local families rockpooling, paddling and searching for fossils among the shingle." Be warned, however - parking spots at the beach itself can get filled up pretty rapidly when the weather's nice, reports Kent Live.
If you'd rather swerve a potential parking wrangle, getting there by public transport is a doddle with a selection of bus services dropping off in the village. For the more ambitious among us, you can even walk it from either Dover or Deal - just be prepared for a substantial two-hour trek each way.
If you're planning to extend your visit to this highly-rated and picturesque part of the Kent coast, The Telegraph suggests booking a stay "comfy B&B" Brooks House, known for its "delicious English breakfasts", with double rooms starting from £119 per night.
And to cap off a perfect day at the seaside, why not enjoy a chilled pint and some hearty pub food at a cosy local? The Coastguard comes highly recommended as a must-visit once you've finished unwinding in the bay.
This 300-year-old pub, nestled beneath the white cliffs, has earned a reputation for its top-notch burgers and steaks. It also holds the unique distinction of being Britain's closest pub to France, so you can savour stunning views of the English Channel as you sip your favourite drink.
Given the unpredictable nature of British weather, there's always a chance that your seaside day out could be spoiled by rain. If that happens, The Telegraph suggests heading to the Pines Garden Tea Room, renowned for its traditional scones and homemade cakes.