Nestled on the outermost corner of Kent, Margate is a historic seaside sensation that’s worth shouting about. Not only does this staycation favourite boast numerous beaches, including one right in the thick of it, but also a whole load of attractions, from mysterious, subterranean passageways mosaiced with shells to restaurants that need to be on your bucket list. Go on, take a look at our guide to the best Margate things to do – you know you want to.
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Dreamland Margate
- Location: Hall by the Sea Rd, Marine Terrace, Margate, CT9 1XJ
- Price: unlimited rides for adults are £24.99 and £12.99 for kids, though gig tickets and street food prices vary
- Why we recommend: one of my favourite things about Dreamland Margate is that it can take you from day to night, with fun for the whole family. I highly recommend heading here early to enjoy the vintage rides (make sure to go on the Rock 'n' Roller for some high-speed action and great sky-high views of the town) and some slices by DOD pizza before catching one of their legendary outdoor music gigs
A hub of entertainment, Dreamland Margate is an amusement park reminiscent of traditional seaside funfairs, which comes as no surprise, considering the site initially was one in 1880, when its Grade II-listed Scenic Railway wooden rollercoaster first opened. Since those days, the site has undergone numerous refurbishments, relaunching yet again in 2017. N
Today, it iisn’t just a place to get your adrenaline pumping on rides, it’s also home to a roller room, art installations and a range of food and drink vendors, with festivals and gigs on throughout the year too.
Revel in all the fun of the fair at this rollicking spot.
The Shell Grotto
- Location: 33 Grotto Hill, Cliftonville, Margate, CT9 2BU
- Price: £4.50 for adults, £4 for concessions and £2 for children (ages 4 - 16). Family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) are £10
- Why we recommend: on my first ever trip to Margate, The Shell Grotto was the highlight; the unique, subterranean gem was unlike anything I'd ever seen before, with impressive designs and an alluring air of mystery, and is a perfect example of Margate's delightful quirkiness. The gift shop is also definitely worth a visit (my shell-shaped compact mirror continues to be a treasured possession)
Though discovered way back in 1835, to this day, no one is quite sure of the origins of Margate's Shell Grotto. Was it a place of worship? A secret meeting place? Regardless, the mystery certainly adds to the charm of the subterranean passageway, which is honestly a sight to behold. Its cavernous walls are decorated with a mosaic of 4.6 million shells (yes, you read that right), including mussels, cockles and oysters, featuring unusual symbols and swirling patterns. Open from 11am to 4pm, Thursday through Sunday (with tickets ranging from £2 - £4.50), The Shell Grotto is an essential visit for any trip to Margate.
This is certainly one of the more unusual things to do in Margate.
Relax On The Beach (With A Pint And Fish 'N' Chips)
- Location: anywhere you fancy getting fish and chips and a pint (although we highly recommend Peter's Fish Factory and The Two Halves)
- Price: around £11 for fish and chips, and £5 - £7 for a takeaway pint
- Why we recommend: any of my friends will tell you I'm a fish and chip obsessive, so when I tell you that I still dream about the food from Peter's Fish Factory, it really means something. Friendly service, freshly prepared traditional fish and chips and an ideal location on the promenade makes it an unbeatable spot. Pair that with an ice-cold, takeaway draught pint from The Two Halves (a 2 minute walk away), and you have the ultimate feast to enjoy on Margate's lovely sandy beach
It would be almost sacrilege to visit Margate and not hit up the beaches. The Main Sands is, as you'd assume, the main beach here, offering a long stretch of soft, inviting shoreline, where you can soak up the sunshine while getting lost in your book or enjoy a refreshing dip in the water (weather permitting, of course).
Although we do believe that a trip here is in fact best complemented with an ice-cold takeaway pint courtesy of The Two Halves, not to mention a larger-than-life portion of fish and chips from our very favourite spot - Peter's Fish Factory.
Don't miss out on the sandy shores of this beloved seaside town.
Turner Contemporary
- Location: Rendezvous, Margate, CT9 1HG
- Price: free
- Why we recommend: I love the Turner Contemporary because it's more than just an art gallery showcasing cutting-edge exhibitions that's ideal for seasoned art lovers, it's also a beautiful glass-fronted building that reflects the sea and sky (if you don't fancy going in, I recommend you at least go look at it), with workshops and hands-on experiences available for kids too
For those of you who fancy a bit of culture, there’s no better place to scratch that itch than at the Turner Contemporary. Designed by David Chipperfield Architects, everything from the buildings to the art installations and paintings that line the walls are quite the sight.
And the best bit? Entry is totally free (although you may still need to book a ticket in advance), with regularly changing exhibitions available for perusing from Wednesday to Sundays between 10am and 5pm.
Soak up the culture while on your staycation.
Angela’s
- Location: 21 The Parade, Margate, CT9 1EX
- Price: around £100 for two
- Why we recommend: I came here with a date and we were blown away by the fresh produce, delightful flavours and sustainable practices. Angela's is one of the top restaurants in Margate, boasting a Michelin Green Star, and is a culinary must-visit. If it's on the menu when you visit, make sure to order the Dover sole, you won't regret it
All this sightseeing is of course going to work up an appetite, so make sure to take advantage of one of the town’s very best restaurants, Angela’s. The neat and petite seafood spot not only sources many of its vegetables and fruits from their own farm, but they also work closely with local fishermen.
Swing by for a lineup of simple yet beautifully executed dishes, like Dover sole with green sauce as well as monkfish accompanied by clams and bisque, all in a relaxing, laid-back setting.
One of the best things to do in Margate for couples? Enjoy a luscious lunch together.
Tom Thumb Theatre
- Location: 2A Eastern Esplanade, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2LB
- Price: free - £20
- Why we recommend: if you're staying for the weekend, you can't miss catching a show at this unique and intimate venue. I managed to see a hilarious comedy show here, but they also host live music, burlesque and theatre, with an in-house cocktail bar, Lazy Fin, for post-show debriefs. I honestly think this is one of Margate's top local gems and really gives you a sense of Margate's creative and unique character
Once a Victorian coachhouse, Cliftonville’s Tom Thumb Theatre is now one of the smallest theatres in the world, boasting a unique blend of Alpine and Japanese design.
The family-run venue curates a programme showcasing the town’s up-and-coming creatives, from comedy and poetry to film, music and, of course, theatre. Make your way over and grab a drink at the charming bar before sitting down for a brilliant night of entertainment.
You can catch all kinds of brilliant shows at this long-running favourite.
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool And Museum
- Location: Walpole Bay, Hodges Gap, Margate, CT9 2JN
- Price: free
- Why we recommend: if, like me, you sometimes need a bit of peace and quiet away from the main peach - Walpole Bay Tidal Pool offers a more tranquil, scenic spot for swimming in an enclosed space with freshwater springs. While you're there, you have to check out the nearby hotel, a treasure trove of quirky character, vintage items and other remnants of early 20th century life frozen in time
But for those of you looking for outdoor attractions in Margate? Head along to the Walpole Bay Tidal Pool. Famed as the UK’s largest saltwater pool (covering a whopping four acres), this scenic space is now Grade II-listed and a popular place for swimming.
Just around the corner, you’ll also find the Walpole Bay Hotel Margate, which has been restored back to its original glory after being built in 1914 by the Budge family. Not only can you enjoy its five floors of exhibits, which take you on a trip back in time, but you're also welcome to stay the night in one of it's retro rooms.
Enjoy a dip before exploring the quirky museum.
Margate Caves
- Location: 1 Northdown Rd, Margate, CT9 1FG
- Price: £5 for adults, £4 for concessions, £2.50 for children and £12 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 kids)
- Why we recommend: I found the Margate Caves, in the same way as The Seashell Grotto, to really showcase what Margate's quirky and arty history. I really enjoyed meandering around the atmospheric caves and admiring the historic murals - they also host interesting events and experiences, like limited-edition exhibitions, sound healing workshops and summer holiday craft sessions
Another underground adventure, the Margate Caves offer a fascinating look at the coastal town’s heritage and history, blending tales of anthropology, geology and more.
Reached through a small chalk tunnel, this magnificent marvel showcases restored murals and cave paintings that date all the way back to the Georgian era, when it was originally dug out as a chalk mine. Since then, it’s been used for all manner of things, from a recreational den to an air raid shelter, and now a local tourist attraction.
They also host fun events, like local history fairs and flea markets.
Lovelys Gallery
- When: 248 Northdown Rd, Cliftonville, Margate, CT9 2PX
- Price: £25 entry
- Why we recommend: as Kent's oldest art gallery, Lovelys Gallery gives you an insight into Margate's famous creative scene. Though they don't always have exhibitions on (make sure to check ahead of time), you're welcome to visit the shop regardless and buy art materials as you please
Fancy checking out some local artwork while you're here? Then you’ll need to make a trip to Lovelys Gallery. Located on Northdown Road, this is Kent’s oldest art gallery, running since 1891.
Not only do they host all kinds of exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing a diverse range of art from East Kent and Thanet-based artists, but there are also all kinds of prints and artworks to purchase as a fancy souveneir, including limited-edition prints, original paintings and lino cuts.
Head to Lovelys Gallery for an insight into the town's creative community.
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