Minster Leas Beach

Minster Leas Beach is lovely tranquil place to come and relax and enjoy the views. A grassy area with park benches slopes down to a long, shingle beach where a number of groynes stretch out into the sea.  When the tide is out, a good expanse of sand is revealed with some patches of mud.

An excellent promenade runs alongside the beach which is popular with dog walkers and families looking for somewhere for little ones to ride bikes and scooters.  There is an outdoor gym on the promenade with free exercise machines for those who want to tone up their muscles.

Between Little Oyster and Shingle Bank there is a designated bathing area, although there is no lifeguard service.  The beach is well-maintained and has won a variety of awards, including a Blue Flag award in 2016. Behind the promenade a walk along the promenade offers lovely views over the North Sea, The Swale and The Nore.

For those who fancy taking a dip there is a seasonal lifeguard service running from May to September.

It is easy to access the beach and there is plenty of parking nearby, including car parks at Little Oyster and Seathorpe Avenue.

The nearby village of Minster has a historic Saxon Abbey built on the only high ground on the Isle of Sheppey.  In the 9th century the Abbey was ransacked by Vikings.  It was rebuilt by William the Conqueror.  The remains of the 1000-year old Gatehouse adjoining the abbey now houses an interesting museum where visitors can learn more about the area’s fascinating history.