Margate

A rejuvenated seaside town famous as a retro beach holiday destination with a charming sandy beach, traditional fairground attractions, and the impressive Turner Contemporary art gallery. The town combines nostalgic seaside appeal with a thriving creative community and excellent seafood restaurants.

Things to do

• Turner Contemporary — World-class contemporary art gallery housed in a striking glass and steel building overlooking the seafront with rotating exhibitions and permanent collections.
• Margate Main Beach — A wide, sandy Blue Flag beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying traditional seaside entertainment with beach huts and promenade attractions.
• Dreamland Amusement Park — Historic fairground featuring vintage rides, roller coasters, and nostalgic arcade games alongside modern attractions and live entertainment venues.
• The Shell Grotto — An underground chalk cave adorned with intricate mosaics made of over 2,000 shells, a mysterious 18th-century curiosity open for guided tours.
• Margate Pier and Amusement Arcade — Victorian-era pier offering arcade games, funfair rides, and panoramic views of the Kent coast from its viewing platform.
• Old Town Heritage Walk — Explore charming Georgian terraces, independent shops, and galleries in Margate's historic quarter lined with colorful vintage storefronts and street art.

Food to try

• Fresh Catch Fish and Chips — Locally-sourced fish landed at Margate's working harbor prepared in crispy batter, a quintessential seaside experience best enjoyed on the beach.
• Whitstable Oysters — Sweet native oysters sourced from nearby Whitstable, served fresh and briny at upscale restaurants and seafood bars throughout town.
• Seafood Platter at Harbor Restaurants — Mixed platters of local crab, prawns, scallops, and seasonal catch showcasing the Kent coast's maritime bounty.
• Margate Rock Candy — Traditional seaside confectionery with the town's name running through pink and white sticks, sold at seafront kiosks since the Victorian era.
• Sunday Roast at Local Gastropubs — Hearty traditional British roast dinners with Yorkshire pudding served at charming pubs like The Artillery or The Walpole's Court.

Local customs & good to know

• Visit in summer for seasonal liveliness — Margate thrives during school holidays and summer months when the beach buzzes with families, events, and extended opening hours; quieter in winter but still atmospheric.
• Embrace the retro aesthetic — The town celebrates its 1950s-60s nostalgia through independent boutiques, vintage cafes, and murals; dress code is casual and vintage-inspired clothing fits the vibe perfectly.
• Support independent and creative businesses — Margate's revival is driven by independent galleries, makers, and restaurants rather than chains; local pride runs high so patronizing small venues is appreciated.
• Check tide times before beach visits — The beach's enjoyment varies significantly with tides; consult local tide tables as low tide reveals more sand while high tide can limit beach space substantially.