Recent research commissioned by VisitEngland suggests UK millennials are being held back from taking a gap year or career break due to financial restraints and asks the question, 'Could microgapping - a short break that offers gap year style experiences, be the answer?'

Gap year style experiences could be anything from embracing a challenge to supporting a good cause, from learning a new skill to experiencing local culture.  We've taken this idea to come up with a mini-break suggestion for Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate to help millennials discover what's on their doorstep whilst crossing off some of those key experiences.

Perhaps not just for millennials, these suggestions can be equally appealing to older age groups who like to 'travel with attitude'.

Learn a new skill

Take the plunge and learn a new skill - try surfing or stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding - or both.

The closest surfing beaches to London are in Broadstairs and two of them, rural Joss Bay and the town's main bay, Viking Bay, have surf schools and teach stand-up paddle boarding.

Joss Bay Surf School, established in 1998, has given thousands of lessons to young, old, abled and disabled and pride themselves on delivering professional and friendly surf sessions.

Surf lessons last two hours (1 hour 30 minutes contact time, 30 minutes free practice) and include all equipment.  Lessons are as part of a group up to a maximum of 16 people. £40 for 1 lesson, £75 for two lessons and £100 for three lessons. Private surf lessons for one or two people, or a family, from £120.

SUP lessons last two hours (1 hour coaching contact time, 1 hour free practice) and include all equipment.  Lessons are as part of a group up to a maximum of 10 people. Prices as above, with the addition of five lessons for £150.  Book online at www.jossbay.co.uk

Kent Surf School, a family run business, has a driving passion to share their enthusiasm for the ocean with the next generation and are totally dedicated to helping people learn new skills.  

Surf lessons last for two hours starting with a beach based lesson then water time, equipment is provided.  £25 junior (8+ and can swim 50 metres), private lessons are available for under 8s, £35 adult (16+). £80 private one to one lessons, £120 couple's lesson, £130 family lesson (4 people) plus £30 per additional person.

SUP lessons last for two hours starting with a beach based lesson then water time and equipment is provided.  £25 junior (12+), £35 adult (16+). £80 private one to one lesson, £120 couple's lesson, £130 family lesson (over 12s advised).

Private body-board lessons also available, £80 for two hours including equipment.

Further information and booking on www.kentsurfschool.co.uk

Embrace a challenge

Embrace a challenge and discover the Isle of Thanet coastline with a cycle ride along the 32-mile Viking Coastal Trail.

The Isle of Thanet coastline represents 20% of the UK's and 12% of Europe's coastal chalk. In fact, it has the longest continuous stretch of chalk cliffs in Britain.  Dotted along this coastline are 16 beautiful, sandy beaches and bays each with its own charm and character. Seven boasting Blue Flag Awards and seven with Seaside Awards.

The Viking Coastal Trail, which forms Regional Route 15 of the National Cycle Network, takes in all of these, with much of the route along traffic free promenades with stunning, highly Instagramable, coastal views, before crossing inland through pretty rural villages.

If you prefer a lesser challenge, the route can be easily broken down into smaller chunks and there are plenty of places to stop for a leisurely lunch or quick 'pit stop'.

www.visitthanet.co.uk/attractions/viking-coastal-trail-2823/

Several local outlets offer cycle hire, including some who will deliver and collect bikes:

Viking Coastal Trail Bike Hire, Minnis Bay, Birchington - www.vctbikehire.co.uk

Ride… The Bike Shed Kent, Margate - www.thebikeshedkent.co.uk

Harbour Bikes, Ramsgate www.harbourbikes.co.uk

Tick-off a bucket list experience

It may not be an immediate thought for a bucket list experience, but how many people get the opportunity to enjoy a guided sea canoe safari to view seals in their natural habitat?

This canoe safari, part of the Active Ramsgate raft of things to do, is suitable for all abilities.  The safari takes you through one of the country's most important protected bird sites, Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve and is a wonderful opportunity to see seals (and wetland birds) in their natural environment.

The guided canoe safaris are led by a specialist canoe operator and necessary equipment is provided.  Plus, sit-on-top kayaks along with double sit-in kayaks are available and you don't need to be experienced to take part.

The safaris last 3 hours and cost £50 per adult.  2019 dates are 9 and 21 June, 5, 14 and 21 July, 6, 12 and 22 August, 6, 22 and 29 September and 11 and 26 October.  www.ramsgatetown.org/activeramsgate

Indulge a passion

Those who love the sea and coastline, with a little bit of heritage thrown in, can indulge these passions and release their inner child with a Coastal Explorer Pack.

These packs will help you explore local culture and the links between our stunning coastline and rich maritime heritage. Learn how to forecast the day's weather - compass, cloud chart, wind scale chart and binoculars are included. Follow step-by-step instructions to make a sundial and see if the time you can tell from it, is the same as on your watch or mobile. Or compare an old picture postcard to the same area today, how the transport, buildings and people you see differ, and try to guess how many years ago the picture was taken.

Different elements can be found in the packs depending on your location - Margate, Broadstairs or Ramsgate - which reflect the differences of these seaside resorts.

For just £5 (plus proof of ID) enjoy all day hire. Packs can be picked up from points in each of the three towns.

www.visitthanet.co.uk/coastalexplorers

Time permitting, support a good cause and help the environment with your own 2-minute beach clean.  The Isle of Thanet coastline has 2-minute beach clean stations on all the main beaches - giving everyone the chance to join in on their own quick clean up.  Just grab a litter-picker and a bag from one of the A-boards and off you go.

www.thanetcoast.org.uk/how-to-help/beach-cleans/2-minute-beach-clean/

Experience local culture

Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate are three towns close in proximity but miles apart in character and offering and as such the experience at each differs.

Margate is now the trendy younger sister, full of quirky shops, galleries and budding creatives, it is often referred to as 'Shoreditch-on-Sea'.  Broadstairs is the coastal jewel in the Isle's crown with its amazing coastline and seven stunning beaches and bays to explore. Ramsgate is full of amazing architecture and boasts the only Royal Harbour in the country, with a waterfront that can make you feel like you're in the Meditterean.

Nightlife and events

There is always something going on around the Isle, whether it be a gig or club night at the intimate 130 capacity Ramsgate Music Hall (www.ramsgatemusichall.com) or a top band or sunset session at Dreamland Margate (www.dreamland.co.uk).  For a coastal music festival with a difference check out Wheels and Fins, which takes place at beautiful Joss Bay in Broadstairs (www.wheelsandfins.co.uk).  For other events in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, go to www.visitthanet.co.uk/whats-on

The Isle of Thanet can be reached in just 75 minutes from London's St. Pancras International with Southeastern's high-speed rail service.

Accommodation in the area ranges from quality hotels and boutique B&Bs to friendly camping and caravan parks, so there is something to suit all budgets and there's certainly enough to do to justify staying over.

For further information and details on accommodation and attractions go to www.visitthanet.co.uk

ENDS

General press enquiries:

Please contact Julie Edwards at Thanet Tourism - julie.edwards@thanet.gov.uk or 01843 577671

Assistance can also assist be given with digital images, reader competitions and press trips and bespoke packages can be arranged, including accommodation and sightseeing for journalists with commissions