Explore the vibrant seaside town of Margate on the Kent coast. Discover its rich cultural scene, iconic Turner Contemporary art gallery, and the historic Dreamland amusement park.
Known for its sandy beaches, historic attractions, and cultural offerings, Margate has been a popular seaside destination for tourists and locals alike.
Where is Margate
Margate is a coastal town in the county of Kent, located in south-eastern England. Margate is approximately 70 miles (113 km) east of London and about 15 miles (24 km) north-east of Canterbury.
What to do in Margate
Margate offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are the top attractions:
Dreamland, Margate
Visit the historic amusement park, Dreamland, for a nostalgic experience for all the family. Located opposite Margate’s Main Sands and is easily accessible from the town centre.
Seasonally open, the park hosts ticketed live music events with renowned artists and bands along with vintage rides, pop-up entertainment, art installations, and street food.
The park is free to enter, with rides operating on a pay-per-ride basis. Experience classic thrills on the UK’s oldest wooden roller coaster, the Scenic Railway, and enjoy family-friendly attractions like the Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster and Margate Express miniature railway. Explore a reimagined Mirror Maze, try your hand at crazy golf, and enjoy seaside fun at the Roller Disco and Amusement Arcade.
Check Dreamland for opening times and event details.
Margate Beach
Margate Main Sands stretches along the coastline of the North Sea, and is a popular destination for visitors seeking sandy shores and seaside activities.
Where is Margate Beach?
Margate Beach is easily accessible from the town centre, with the main sands and promenade offering a picturesque setting for relaxation, walks, and water-based recreation.
Further on around the coastline are other family-friendly beaches to discover:
- Palm Bay: A dog-friendly sandy beach, not far from the town centre. Postcode: CT9 3GH
- Botany Bay: A short drive from Margate, this beautiful sandy beach is great for fossil hunting and a spot of rock-pooling. Dogs aren’t allowed between 1st May to 30th September.
Turner Contemporary
Explore the contemporary art gallery named after J.M.W. Turner and built on the site of the boarding house where Turner stayed whenever he visited Margate. Enjoy modern exhibitions, and a scenic seafront view.
- For more visitor information check out Turner Contemporary.
What else to see in Margate
In addition to the main visitor attractions that are synonymous with this regenerated seaside town, there are lots of other things to see and do:
- Margate Old Town: Wander through the charming Old Town area, filled with quirky shops, cafes, and galleries. Don’t miss the Shell Grotto, an underground passageway adorned with intricate seashell mosaics.
- Margate Harbour Arm: Explore the harbour area, lined with cafes and shops, and enjoy views of the sea and the Turner Contemporary.
- Margate Museum: Learn about the town’s history with exhibits on local maritime history and Victorian life.
- WonderWorks: If you’re interested in model railways, visit this family attraction, which is an immersive experience featuring hobby brands like Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix, Corgi and Pocher.
- Margate Arts Club: Check out the local arts scene by visiting this venue, which hosts a variety of events, exhibitions, and performances.
Margate Walk: The Viking Coastal Trail
Walk or cycle the well-marked Viking Coastal Trail from Margate to Broadstairs and you’ll pass both Joss and Botany Bays (the name of the latter is believed to allude to the fate of smugglers sentenced to deportation to Australia). Low-cruising gulls mew overhead, while the chalk grassland of the cliff top is bright with wildflowers.
Just beyond the Captain Digby pub lies the slightly improbable bulk of Kingsgate Castle, built in the 1760s for the folly-loving Henry Fox, 1st Baron Holland, but has now been transformed into flats. More conventional in form is North Foreland lighthouse, which, until its automation in 1998, was the last manned lighthouse in the UK.
Once you’ve passed North Foreland it’s on to Broadstairs and the last stop on the trail: Charles Dickens’s house (admission charges apply).
This is where the author wrote David Copperfield and his study, with its enviable sea view, has been preserved. But, in its former guise as Fort House, this place was also a coastal observation station used to keep watch on suspicious vessels. A smuggling museum, complete with life-size models of Snelling and co, now occupies the building’s surprisingly extensive cellars.
- For more details and maps check out All Trails.
Where to eat in Margate
Margate offers a variety of dining options catering to different tastes and preferences. Here are some popular places to eat in Margate:
- Buoy and Oyster: A seafood restaurant with a stylish interior, offering fresh seafood dishes and scenic views of the sea.
- Peter’s Fish Factory: For the perfect F&C’s experience on the beach, head to Peter’s Fish Factory. Expect queues, but it’s worth the wait.
- Oast: Delicous home-cooked bakery in Cliftonville.
- The Sun Deck: Seaside seafood and drinks.
- Luigis: Traditional and modern Italian food.
Where to stay in Margate
Whether it’s a self-catering cottage, hotel or bed and breakfast, Margate has plenty of options:
- The Reading Rooms: Boutique bed and breakfast a stone’s throw from Margate Main Sands and Dreamland. Check availability and book on TripAdvisor.
- The George and Hart: Former Coaching Inn in the heart of the Old Town. Check availability and book on Booking.com.
- Margate House: Smart and stylish guest house in boho Dalby Square. Check availability and book on Booking.com.
For self-catering cottages, check out Skyes Cottages, Bramley & Teal, Holiday Cottages, Simply Sea Views and Booking.com.
Useful information
How far is Margate from London?
The journey by car typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
If you prefer to travel by train, the high-speed train from London St Pancras International to Margate takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours as well, depending on the specific train service.
The trains to Margate usually depart from London St Pancras International or London Victoria stations.
Train services are operated by Southeastern Railway, and the journey provides a scenic ride through the Kent countryside. Check train times and book tickets on The Train Line and Omio.
Parking Margate
Margate provides various parking options for visitors. Here are some parking areas in and around Margate:
- Mill Lane Car Park: Near the Old Town, this pay-and-display car park is convenient for exploring the historic district. Postcode: CT9 1JU
- Harbour Arm Car Park: Close to the Margate Harbour Arm, this parking area is suitable for those enjoying the seafront and attractions in that area. Postcode: CT9 1JD
- Droit House Car Park: Near the Turner Contemporary art gallery, this car park is convenient for visitors exploring the gallery and the nearby seafront. Postcode: CT9 1JD
- Dreamland Car Park: If you are visiting Dreamland Margate, there is a car park nearby for your convenience. Postcode: CT9 1XG
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