One of the three Blue Flag beaches our little isle offers and in easy reach of the holiday cottages, Leysdown Beach has a sandy shoreline and plenty of classic seaside entertainment - 2p slot machines anyone? If you are into water sports, Leysdown also offers a private beach opposite the bathing beach popular with jet ski users. An accessible beach with stairs and ramps down to the sand as well as providing toilets, showers (an additional £1) and water taps between Easter and September. Dogs are welcome in the winter months, not between May and September.

A perfect beach if you’re looking for a piece of Kent coast that’s a little more off-grid, with a peaceful walk along the shore. This location is popular with fishermen and paddleboarders as well as - further down the beach and clearly signposted - nudists in a designated section. Don’t let that make you twitchy though, perhaps the best reason to visit this quiet east-facing shingle beach is to enjoy the beautiful sunrises and views over the Thames estuary.

There is currently no parking or toilets but if you fancy a coastal walk you could park at Leysdown-on-sea and stroll the two miles with a refreshment in hand. There is also a cross country walking route from the holiday cottages.

Minster Leas is the perfect beach for a summer evening walk and loved by locals and our cottage holidaymakers alike. Another Blue Flag beach, the Leas has a long promenade, free gym equipment, picturesque beach huts and plenty of places to grab a hot or cold bite to eat or a sweet treat. Benches are provided as well as ramps to the shingle beach. There is also a car park and on-street parking, public toilets signposted from the seafront and a stretch marked on the promenade for dog walking. Dogs are not permitted on the beach itself between May and September.

Located next to the Leas with a shared footpath also taking you to Sheerness (in the opposite direction), Minster Shingle Bank Beach is popular amongst water sport enthusiasts. This spot provides stunning views across the estuary, as well as the perfect place to watch paddleboarders and kite and wind surfers - or even have a go yourself. Toilets can be found next to the White House and although dogs are not banned from this beach, owners are reminded to keep their dogs under control and clean up after them. Nearby attractions also include Minster Gatehouse Museum and Barton’s Point Coastal Park - an ideal bucket list itinerary for a Kent coast cottage holiday.

Fancy a bit of fossil hunting? Although not the most picturesque beach - think mud and clay rather than sand (be sure you bring your wellies) - this has been the most productive site for fossil collection and study from the London Clay. Encompassing around a million years' worth of sediment, you could find some very interesting items in the muddy shores of Warden Point. Also in this surreal spot you can see some WWI Military Battery buildings unceremoniously deposited on the beach - upheaved by decades of coastal erosion from their previous cliff top locations.

There is a free car park at the end of Imperial Drive, from which you will need to access the beach on foot, so accessibility may be limited. As there’s not really much going on apart from the fossils, we advise taking a packed lunch and drinks if you’re planning on spending a few hours exploring.

Fun for all the family! Barton’s Point Coastal Park has 40 acres of natural beauty - the perfect place for some fishing, a picnic or to partake in many a watersport in the salt-water lake. Also home to a miniature steam railway, playground and 9-hole pitch and putt course, you’ll be entertained all day. It’s also a great spot to watch the sun go down from the Boathouse café overlooking the lake. If you’re not already kitted out for some water activities, between May and September kayaks, paddle boards and pedalos are available to hire (weather depending). Barton Point’s also has toilets and freshwater facilities, plus free parking.

The Isle of Harty Trail is a wonderful route for exploring the local area and all it has to offer. A circular route around 6 miles long, starting at Mocketts Farm Cottages take a bike ride or leisurely walk to the seaside town of Leysdown where you can enjoy a fun day out with all the classic seaside entertainment. On your way back you may like to stop at the RSPB Raptor Viewpoint for a look over the Harty Marshes, where at certain times of year enthusiasts can spot marsh harriers, lapwing, redshanks and oyster catchers among many others.

As we’re lucky enough to be between two nature reserves, the trail also includes a visit to the Swale National Nature Reserve adjoining the Thames estuary. To finish off the day - as we’re sure you’ve worked up quite the appetite - why not visit our 16th century restaurant, The Ferry House, neighbouring the cottages, for some homegrown, locally sourced ‘Harty’ food.