Margate Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, stay, and eat in Margate, England. Learn about the local culture and customs, transportation options, nearby destinations, and more.


Introduction to Margate

Margate is a charming coastal town located in Kent, South East England. Known for its sandy beaches, fun-filled amusement parks, and rich cultural heritage, Margate is a popular tourist destination for both locals and visitors from around the world.

Once a traditional seaside resort, Margate has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, attracting a new wave of artists, designers, and entrepreneurs who have breathed new life into the town. Today, Margate is a unique blend of old-school charm and contemporary cool, offering something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Margate

Whether you’re looking to soak up some sun on the beach, explore the town’s rich history and cultural heritage, or indulge in some retail therapy and delicious local food, Margate has something to offer. Here are some of the top places to visit in Margate:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Turner Contemporary: Named after the famous artist J.M.W. Turner, the Turner Contemporary is a fantastic contemporary art museum located on Margate’s seafront. The museum hosts numerous exhibitions of both well-known and emerging artists and offers stunning views of the sea. It also has a fantastic cafe and a well-stocked gift shop selling local artisanal gifts and souvenirs.
  • Margate Museum: Learn about Margate’s fascinating history and heritage at this charming museum located in the Old Town. The museum houses a vast collection of objects, photos, and memorabilia dating back to the town’s earliest days.
  • The Shell Grotto: Discover an amazing underground world of mosaics and mosaic art at the Shell Grotto, a subterranean passageway adorned with millions of shells. Said to date back to the 19th century, the grotto is a unique and mysterious attraction that continues to puzzle visitors and historians today.

Natural Attractions of Margate: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Margate Main Sands: With its golden sand and clear waters, Margate Main Sands is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon swimming, sunbathing, or building sandcastles. The beach is fully accessible and has plenty of amenities, including toilets, showers, and cafes.
  • The Viking Coastal Trail: Get your hiking or biking shoes on and explore Margate’s stunning coastline with the Viking Coastal Trail. This scenic trail runs for 27 miles, starting in Margate and ending in Broadstairs, and offers breathtaking views of the sea, cliffs, and countryside.
  • Botany Bay: Located just a short drive from Margate, Botany Bay is a beautiful, secluded bay famous for its impressive chalk cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The beach is popular with surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers alike and has a beachside cafe serving delicious local food.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Margate

Margate is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore. Here are some of the top routes:

  • The Viking Coastal Trail: As mentioned earlier, the Viking Coastal Trail is a scenic 27-mile trail that runs along Margate’s stunning coastline. The trail is mostly flat and easy to navigate and offers plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks, as there are few amenities along the way.
  • The Thanet Coastal Path: The Thanet Coastal Path is a 32-mile trail that follows the coastline around the Isle of Thanet, including Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate. The trail is well-marked and offers stunning views of the sea, cliffs, and countryside. It’s a great option for those looking for a longer hike or bike ride.

Best Things to Do in Margate: Activities and Tours

There is no shortage of fun activities and tours to enjoy in Margate. Here are some of the best options:

  • Dreamland: Margate’s iconic amusement park, Dreamland, has been entertaining visitors since the 1920s. Today, the park features a range of thrilling rides, vintage attractions, and live entertainment, making it the perfect destination for families and thrill-seekers alike.
  • Margate Old Town Walking Tour: Take a guided walking tour of Margate’s charming Old Town and discover its rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage. The tour includes stops at the town’s most significant landmarks, including the Town Hall, Market Place, and Harbour Arm.
  • Sunset Sea Safari: Experience the stunning beauty of Margate’s coastline from the water with a sunset sea safari. This exhilarating boat tour takes you on a journey along the coast, offering scenic views of the sea, cliffs, and wildlife. Be sure to bring a camera and dress warmly, as it can get chilly on the water.

Week-Long Itinerary for Margate

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Margate, here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

Day 1: Arrive in Margate and check into your hotel or guesthouse. Spend the rest of the day exploring the Old Town and visiting the Turner Contemporary.

Day 2: Start the day with a sunrise hike along the Viking Coastal Trail. Afterward, head to Margate Main Sands for an afternoon of sunbathing and swimming.

Day 3: Visit the quirky Shell Grotto in the morning and then head to Dreamland for a fun-filled afternoon of rides and attractions.

Day 4: Take a day trip to nearby Canterbury to explore its historic cathedral and charming medieval streets.

Day 5: Spend the day hiking or biking the Thanet Coastal Path, taking in the stunning views of the sea and countryside.

Day 6: Take a sunset sea safari and then enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Margate’s many local restaurants, sampling some of the town’s signature dishes.

Day 7: Depart Margate, taking with you fond memories of your wonderful trip.

Food and Drink Scene of Margate

Margate has an exciting and diverse food and drink scene, with plenty of options to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kentish Ragstone Cheese: This delicious local cheese is made from raw milk and has a distinctive tangy flavor. Try it on a cheeseboard or in a sandwich for a true taste of Kent.
  • Seafood Platter: As a coastal town, Margate is famous for its fresh seafood. Sample a range of locally caught fish, crab, and prawns in a seafood platter, served with crusty bread and a range of sauces.
  • Gypsy Tart: This sweet, rich tart is a Kentish specialty and is made from evaporated milk and muscovado sugar. It’s the perfect dessert to round off a meal.

Local Beverages

  • Kentish Ciders: Kent is famous for its ciders, which are made from locally grown apples and come in a range of flavors and strengths. Try a cider sampler to taste a range of varieties.
  • Shepherd Neame Ales: Shepherd Neame is one of the UK’s oldest breweries and is based in nearby Faversham. Sample a range of their award-winning ales, including the famous Spitfire Ale.

Where to Stay in Margate: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Margate has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the top choices:

  • The Sands Hotel: This boutique hotel is located on the seafront and offers stunning views of Margate Main Sands. Rooms are stylishly decorated and feature luxurious amenities, including LCD TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and gourmet minibars.
  • The Crescent Victoria: This charming guesthouse is located in Margate’s Old Town and offers comfortable rooms decorated in a Victorian style. The guesthouse has a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the town and sea.
  • The Walpole Bay Hotel: This iconic hotel has been welcoming guests to Margate since the 1920s. Rooms are individually decorated and feature antique furnishings, plush bedding, and en-suite bathrooms.

What to Buy in Margate: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are plenty of unique and interesting souvenirs and local products to bring home from Margate. Here are some of the top options:

  • Margate Seaside Postcards: Margate is famous for its seaside postcards, which feature charming illustrations and humorous slogans. Pick up a few to send to your friends and family back home.
  • Turner Contemporary Merchandise: The Turner Contemporary gift shop offers a range of art books, prints, and souvenirs inspired by the museum’s exhibitions. Take home a piece of contemporary art to remember your visit.
  • Local Artisanal Foods: Sample some of Margate’s delicious local foods, including honey, jams, and chutneys, made by local artisans. These make great gifts for foodies.

Local Culture and Customs of Margate

Margate has a rich cultural history and is home to a vibrant community of artists, designers, and entrepreneurs. In recent years, the town has undergone a significant transformation, attracting a new wave of creatives who have breathed new life into its streets.

One of the town’s most famous cultural events is the Margate Carnival, held every summer. This colorful parade features music, dancing, and floats decorated with flowers and ribbons, and is a highlight of the town’s cultural calendar.

Best Time to Visit Margate

Margate is a year-round destination, with something to offer in every season. The busiest time of year is during the summer months, when the beaches are crowded, and the weather is warm and sunny. However, Margate can also be enjoyed during the off-season, with plenty of cultural events, museums, and indoor attractions to explore.

Do’s and Don’ts of Margate

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Margate:

Do:

  • Do bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Do try the local seafood, cider, and cheese.
  • Do explore the town’s rich cultural history and heritage.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter on the beach or in public spaces. Consider bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag to reduce waste.
  • Don’t assume that Margate is only a summer destination. There is plenty to do and see all year round.
  • Don’t forget to take in the town’s stunning coastline and natural beauty.

Safety and Health

Safety in Margate

Margate is a safe destination, with low levels of crime and friendly locals. However, visitors should take standard precautions to protect themselves and their belongings, including keeping valuables out of sight and avoiding unlit or deserted areas at night.

Health in Margate

Margate has several hospitals and medical clinics where visitors can seek medical attention if needed. The town also has several pharmacies where visitors can purchase over-the-counter medications and other health and wellness products.

Getting to Margate: Transportation Options and Logistics

Margate is easily accessible from London and other parts of the UK. Here are some transportation options to consider:

Airports Near Margate

The closest international airports to Margate are:

  • London Gatwick Airport: located approximately 77 miles from Margate.
  • London Heathrow Airport: located approximately 92 miles from Margate.

Bus Stations Near Margate

Margate has several bus stations, including:

  • Margate Bus Station: located in the town center, this bus station offers services to London, Canterbury, and other nearby destinations.
  • Westwood Cross Bus Station: located near the Westwood Cross shopping center, this bus station offers services to Ramsgate, Broadstairs, and other nearby towns.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Margate by train, with regular services running from London Victoria and Charing Cross stations. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes.

How to Get Around in Margate

Margate is a small town and can easily be explored on foot. For those looking to travel further afield, there are several taxi services and bus routes that connect different parts of the town and its surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Margate: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Margate is surrounded by several charming towns and villages that are well worth a visit. Here are some of the top options:

  • Broadstairs: Located just a few miles from Margate, Broadstairs is a charming seaside town famous for its beautiful beaches and quaint narrow streets.
  • Canterbury: The historic city of Canterbury is located approximately 20 miles from Margate and is famous for its stunning cathedral and charming medieval streets.
  • Whitstable: This picturesque fishing town is located approximately 10 miles from Margate and is famous for its fresh seafood, pretty harbor, and independent shops and boutiques.

Conclusion

Margate is a fantastic destination for those looking to soak up some sun, explore a rich cultural heritage, and indulge in some delicious local food and drink. With its stunning coastline, excellent outdoor activities, and friendly locals, Margate is a town that continues to enchant visitors year after year. Plan your visit today and discover all that Margate has to offer.

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