Margate, Kent – Love Travelling Blog

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Margate:

Margate is the largest of the three towns in East Kent which form the island of Thanet. It is a popular seaside resort which became popular during the 19th century and is still evidenced today by its magnificent Georgian seaside terraces.

The resort’s golden age continued with the arrival of the railway, which brought hordes of tourists from London to the town, which continued until the 1960s, when cheap foreign package holidays took their toll not just on Margate but British seaside resorts in general. Fast forward to 2011, with the opening of the Turner Contemporary, the town’s fortunes changed. Luxurious new hotels, cosy cafes, indie boutiques and a vibrant arts scene have firmly established Margate amongst tourists again.

getting there:

By car: From the M25, take the M2 which heads towards East Kent until it becomes the A299 (Thanet Way). From there, follow the signs into Margate. For rail travellers, Margate is only 75 minutes from London by high speed service South 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 and all day parking at weekends costs 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 JMW Turner, who painted the town’s stunning landscapes and sunsets.

The world-class art gallery is housed in a state-of-the-art building overlooking the harbour on the city’s waterfront and is a tribute to the British artist. Admission is free and it’s a great place to visit. Turner Contemporary,

Margate Caves

Dug out as a chalk quarry in the early 18th century, Margate Caves was first opened as a tourist attraction in 1863. The caves re-opened to the public in 2019 after a long period of closure.

Explore the caves and enter a world of mystery and myth 50 feet below ground. As the caves are cold all year round, I recommend wearing a jumper and sensible footwear due to the uneven floor and be aware of the need to occasionally crouch under low ceilings.

Be awestruck by the original paintings of hunting scenes and soldiers. Margate Caves

Shell Grotto

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

The cave consists of a series of underground tunnels decorated with an estimated 4.6 million shells carved with figures ranging from trees to gods and goddesses, but no one knows the true origin of this unusual attraction.

To date, no documentation has been found relating to this grotto that predates its discovery, although many theories abound about its origins. The shell patterns could potentially be interpreted as many things, from a Regency folly to a secret temple. Regardless of the reason for its construction, the Shell Grotto is certainly ‘worth a visit’, as its underground walls are adorned with intricate patterns of cockles, mussels and oyster shells. A gift for the whole family. Shell Grotto

Crab Museum

An interesting little museum where you can discover some quirky facts that link crabs to science, history, climate change and philosophy. Please note that although you might expect to see some live crabs, there are none actually in the museum. (Free admission). Crab Museum

Mind wave

Dreamland, located along the seafront, is a long-established funfair that has been drawing visitors since 1920. The attraction reopened in 2015 after a major refurbishment but retains its idyllic beachside memories, with its main attraction being the scenic wooden railway rollercoaster, which is the oldest in the UK.

Dodgems, Dreamland, Margate — Dodgems, Dreamland

Entry to this pleasure park is free, so even if you’re not a thrill seeker, you can still wander around enjoying the action and beach fun. The site is also home to summer concerts and festivals that bring in a bevy of star performers. Mind wave

Explore the Old Town

Take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Margate’s old town, which lies just behind the promenade. Check out the vintage clothing stores, bookstores and charming little squares lined with outdoor cafés and bars, which give the town a continental feel in the summer months.

Look for the blue plaque dedicated to Turner on the side of a building. Pop in to the nearby Turner Contemporary Harbours and tides A beautifully designed coastal souvenir to take back home.

Margate Harbor

Take a leisurely stroll along the beach leading to the Harbour Arm. This walk starts at Droit House, which is home to the Margate Visitor Information Centre. Watch the small boats bobbing in the harbour as you walk along the harbour wall. A walk to the end will be rewarded with a view of the interesting ‘Mrs Booth the Shell Lady’ statue. The statue was named Mrs Booth because she was Turner’s landlady and later girlfriend/partner.

Mrs Booth, The Shell Lady Statue, Margate Harbour

Looking back towards the beach there are beautiful views of Margate’s vast bay and golden sandy beach. Climb the steps up to the little lighthouse from where you can look out to sea. Many of the old fisherman’s huts have been converted into food shops, galleries and artisans’ studios and there are a few pubs along the harbour front, so there’s plenty to choose from. Back on shore, visit the RNLI lifeboat station to see Margate’s lifeboat and have a look at the little gift shop next to it.

The best way to end your day at the beach is by sitting on the sea wall in traditional style and eating fish and chips from one of the beach takeaways. Delightful!