Green family holiday ideas on the Kentish coast

This summer holidays the Kentish coast is a great place to keep the kids entertained with plenty of events and activities, many of which are free.

It boasts no fewer than 15 sandy beaches and one eighth of Britain's Blue Flag beaches and Quality Coast awards.

With British holidaymakers looking to save money by holidaying at home this summer, Thanet's seaside resorts of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate are perfect for both day trips and longer holidays.

Beautiful Pegwell Bay is a stretch of unprotected sea cliffs of great geological interest with a sandy bay used by large numbers of seashore birds.

Once a popular excursion destination for Victorian holidaymakers who used to travel from Ramsgate by donkey chaisse, it is now part of Kent's national nature reserve.

The Thanet Coast Project is running a series of coastal events over the summer as it works to raise awareness of the area's unique geological, marine and bird life.

Book a free seashore safari (available until August 9th) this school holidays with your family, or take a Rock Doc Walk (available until December 6th).

Dr Alasdair Bruce reveals the stories hidden among the rocks, flints and fossils of this 80-million-year-old coastline.

There is also a summer club running until August 29th with rock pool rambles, seashore discovery workshops and sand sculpture.

This is a free programme for five to 16-year-olds that aims to teach children about the coast and marine wildlife while they're having fun at the seaside.

Daily holiday activities also include adventure golf, kayaking, surfing sessions and seal-watching sailing trips.

Jump on your bike to explore the Isle of Thanet on the 27-mile Viking Coastal Trail. This is where the Vikings first landed in Britain and the trail is suitable for both experienced cyclists and novices.

The coastal section from Pegwell Bay to Reculver winds its way past sandy beaches and bays, often against a backdrop of breathtaking chalk cliffs.

The inland loop is on quiet lanes, taking in pretty Kentish villages with ancient churches and passing Minster Abbey – one of England's oldest inhabited buildings founded in 670 AD.

You don't have to cycle the whole route - join the nine-mile traffic-free stretch that follows the sea wall from Margate to Reculver from opposite Margate train station.

Walkers will also find plenty of scope as they discover the Isle of Thanet's hidden gems with the help of Thanet Greeters.

This team of local volunteers offer free advice on the region's historical and cultural background, local attractions, restaurants and entertainment. Visit their website or call 0870 264 6111.

Walkers' Friend offers guided walks, activities and other benefits for a £5 membership fee. It also publishes over 20 popular walking guides on Thanet and east Kent.

For more information on green holiday activity ideas and green accommodation providers on the Kentish coast see the Visit Thanet website.