We're all trying to be far from the madding crowd this summer, but rising temperatures mean the beach is still beckoning. While we can't guarantee you'll have them to yourself, we've sought out some of the county's slightly quieter spots for you to dip a toe in while the sun shines - just remember to keep to the 2m rule while you're there.

Please note, there are no RNLI lifeguards patrolling the country's beaches at present. For beach safety advice from the charity click here.

Dungeness

Windswept but picturesque, the shingle beach is flat and has a wealth of wildlife. There is parking available, and it’s a great spot to take your dog if he likes to run free without fear of running into many other dogs – there’s so much space he should be able to let off plenty of steam undisturbed.

Dymchurch

You’ll find miles of sand stretching ahead of you at Dymchurch. The golden sands are the jewel in the crown for this seaside spot, come rain or shine. It is a popular spot.

Folkestone

Overlooked by the town’s mermaid statue, Sunny Sands Beach is a popular destination so you'll need to choose your spot wisely. It’s a great spot to take your dog on cooler days. It is a short walk from the town, and you can take a walk around the Folkestone Artworks which are permanent fixtures of the landscape.

Littlestone

The wide beach at Littlestone, near New Romney, is mostly shingle but when the tide goes out there's a vast expanse of sand. It can be a quieter alternative to neighbouring Dymchurch and St Mary's Bay to the east. If you're after golden sand and dunes, head west along the shore to nearby Greatstone.

Stone Bay, Broadstairs

Usually quieter than the town's main beach which can become very busy on hot, summer days, this is a sandy beach backed by a promenade lined with beach huts which leads to the town. town. The cliffs to cast a shadow over parts of the beach as the sun dips in the late afternoon. Make sure you go early, too, as much of it disappears at high tide.

Sheppey

The Swale coastline has pit-stops at Sheerness, Leysdown and the tranquil Leas at Minster which are a great reason to head over the Sheppey Crossing.

Tankerton

The beach - a pebble’s throw from its much busier neighbour, Whitstable - is a family haven of safe bathing, pretty painted beach huts and sloping grassy banks. At low tide the sea gives way to a long, pleasant walk to take you right out to sea, and a chance to explore rock pools, paddle and discover some local sea-life. When you’ve finished paddling enjoy a picnic on the grassy area and admire the view.

While at the beach remember the latest government guidelines are to stay in your household group, and to only meet one other person from outside that group, 2m apart outside.

These are Kent's Blue Flag beaches:

Botany Bay, Broadstairs

Margate Main Sands

Minster Leas, Sheppey

Minnis Bay, Birchington

West Bay, Westgate-on-Sea

Sheerness, Sheppey

St Mildreds, Westgate-on-Sea

Stone Bay, Broadstairs

Tankerton

Westbrook Bay, Margate

Beaches to walk your dog on in Kent

Beaches across Kent