Broadstairs Blues Bash

By rail: Broadstairs has its own train station (postcode CT10 1HZ) on the Southeastern network. Regular services connect the town with Canterbury and Ashford, and from there to London. For example, take a high-speed train from London St. Pancras International to Ashford International (about 35 minutes), then switch to a local train for the 20-minute trip to Broadstairs (total journey roughly 1.5 to 2 hours). Alternately, direct Southeastern trains run from London Victoria or Charing Cross via Canterbury to Broadstairs in about 2 hours. Eurostar travellers can arrive at Ashford and catch the same local service. Coaches from London reach Canterbury or Dover, where you can transfer to a local train or bus. Once in town, Broadstairs is compact and easy to walk, with most venues close together (taxis and local buses are also available).

By road: Broadstairs is easily reached by car. From London, take the M2 or A2 eastbound (signposted Canterbury), then the coastal A28/A299 toward Broadstairs and Ramsgate. From the Channel ports (Dover/Folkestone), use the M20/A20 to Canterbury and then continue east. The drive from London takes about 2 to 2.5 hours in normal traffic. Look for road signs to Broadstairs or other Thanet towns (Margate, Ramsgate etc). In Broadstairs there are several public pay car parks (for example Albion Gardens or Harbour Parade), but spaces can be limited on busy days, so arrive early if possible. On-street parking is mostly permit-only or short-stay. Alternatively, you might park in nearby Margate or at Canterbury's Park & Ride and take a short train or bus into Broadstairs, since the rail trip from Canterbury is only about 15 minutes.

By air and lodging: The nearest major airports are London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW) and Stansted (STN). London City Airport (LCY) also offers convenient rail links. From any of these, take a train or coach into London, then catch a Southeastern train to Broadstairs (following the routes above). Another option is the Eurostar to Ashford International followed by a brief train ride to Broadstairs. Kent International Airport (MSE) at Manston has very limited scheduled flights, so check before you travel. For accommodation, Broadstairs offers a range of B&Bs, guesthouses and small hotels, many near the seafront or town centre. It is wise to book early, as rooms fill quickly around festival time. If Broadstairs lodging is full, nearby Ramsgate or Margate have extra hotels and short-term rentals (both just a short train or bus ride away). The historic city of Canterbury (about 15-20 minutes by fast train) is another option with many more hotels. Use travel websites or local tourist info to find and reserve a place to stay.