Travel Guide: Margate, Kent

Margate:

Margate is the largest of the three towns in East Kent comprising the Isle of Thanet. It’s a popular seaside resort that became fashionable during the 19th century and this is still evidenced today by its splendid Georgian seafront terraces.

The resort’s hey day continued with the arrival of the railway bringing hordes of tourists from London into the town, continuing until the 1960’s when cheap overseas package holidays took their toll not only on Margate but on British seaside resorts in general. Fast forward to 2011 with the opening of the Turner Contemporary and the town’s fortunes changed. Swish new hotels, cosy cafes, indie boutiques and a vibrant art scene have put Margate firmly back on the tourist trail.

Getting there:

By car: from the M25, take the M2 which leads into East Kent until it becomes the A299 (Thanet Way). From there, follow signs into Margate. For rail travellers, Margate is just 75 minutes from London by the high speed service with Southeastern from St. Pancras. Other services also operate from London Victoria and Charing Cross. We arrived by car and parked in the railway station car park which is very reasonably priced with all day parking at weekends costing no more than £3.50. The car park is just a short walk from the centre making it very convenient.

Top things to see and do in Margate:

Turner Contemporary

Margate has long been a source of artistic inspiration for many including J.M.W. Turner who famously painted the town’s stunning landscapes and sunsets.

The world class art gallery is located in a cutting edge building overlooking the harbour on the town’s seafront and is a tribute to the British artist. Admission to most exhibitions is free and it’s a great place to visit. Turner Contemporary.

Margate Caves

Initially dug as an early 18th century chalk mine, Margate Caves were first opened as a tourist attraction in 1863. After a period of lengthy closure the caves re-opened to the public in 2019.

Explore the caves and enter a world of mystery and myth up to 50ft below the ground. As the caves are cool all year round I recommend wearing a jumper and sensible footwear due to uneven floors and be aware of the need to stoop occasionally under low ceilings.

Gaze in awe at the original paintings of hunt scenes and soldiers. Margate Caves

The Shell Grotto

The Shell Grotto was discovered by chance in 1835 and opened to the public three years later. It is thought to be one of the most extensive and stunning displays of shell mosaics in Britain and ranks amongst the most intriguing and mysterious structures worldwide.

The grotto comprises a series of underground tunnels decorated with an estimated 4.6 million shells forming patterns of everything from trees to goddesses without anyone knowing the true origins of this unusual attraction.

To date, no documents relating to the grotto pre-dating its discovery have been found although numerous theories about its origins abound. The shell patterns may possibly be interpreted as various things from a Regency folly to a secret shrine. Irrespective of its reason for being created, the Shell Grotto is a definite ‘must see’ with its intricate patterns of cockles, mussels and oyster shells adorning its underground walls. A treat for the entire family. Shell Grotto

Crab Museum

An intriguing small museum where you can discover some bizarre facts that connect crabs with science, history, climate change and philosophy. Please note that although you may expect to see some live crabs there actually aren’t any in the museum. (Free entry, open weekends only). Crab Museum

Dreamland

Located along the seafront, Dreamland is a long established funfair that has drawn visitors to the town since 1920. After major renovations the attraction reopened in 2015 retaining its delightful seaside nostalgic with its star attraction being its wooden scenic railway rollercoaster that’s one of the oldest in the UK.

Dodgems, Dreamland, Margate — Dodgems, Dreamland

The pleasure park is free to enter so if you’re not a thrill seeker you can still wander around viewing the action and seaside fun. The site is also home to summer concerts and festivals attracting star studded casts. Dreamland

Explore the old town

Take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Margate’s Old Town located just behind the promenade. Discover vintage clothes shops galore, bookstores and charming small squares with their outdoor cafes and bars giving the town a continental feel during the summer months.

Look out for the blue plaque dedicated to Turner on the side of one of the buildings. Close to the Turner Contemporary pop into Harbour & Tide for a beautifully designed coastal memento to take back home.

Margate Harbour

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the seafront leading on to the Harbour Arm. The walk starts from Droit House, home to the Margate Tourist Information Centre. View the small boats bobbing about in the harbour as you walk along the harbour wall. A stroll to the end will rewarded by viewing the interesting ‘Mrs. Booth the Shell Lady’ statue.

Mrs. Booth, The Shell Lady Statue, Margate Harbour

Looking back to the beach there’s a lovely view of Margate’s sweeping bay and golden sandy beach. Climb the steps up to the small lighthouse from where you can gaze out to sea. Several of the old fisherman’s huts have been converted into food outlets, galleries and artisan’s studios and with a couple of pubs overlooking the harbour, there’s plenty to choose from. Back at the shore end, call into the RNLI lifeboat station to view Margate’s lifeboat and take a look in the small gift shop next to it.

The best way to end your day at the seaside is in traditional style by sitting on the sea wall with fish and chips from one of the seafront takeaways. Blissful!