Margate City
Coastal resort town in Kent, England
A Kentish seaside town, Margate draws art-minded visitors to Turner Contemporary and weekend crowds to Dreamland’s vintage rides. The Old Town hosts cafés, secondhand shops and fish-and-chip counters; chalk cliffs and tidal pools line nearby stretches.
PlacesNeighbourhoods and where to base yourself
Neighbourhoods of Margate#
- Old Town: Cultural seafront quarter with galleries and cafés, ideal for gallery-hopping afternoons.
Dining: Cafés Nightlife: Chill Shopping: Galleries Stays: Boutique- Turner Contemporary: Major modern art gallery on the seafront, worth visiting for contemporary exhibitions.
- Margate Old Town galleries: Independent galleries, antique shops and cafés, great for browsing and coffee.
- Shell Grotto: Mysterious subterranean passage decorated with shells, intriguing to explore.
- Harbour Arm: Compact lively waterfront for casual food and sunsets, good for relaxed evenings.
Dining: Street Food Nightlife: Bars Shopping: Pop-ups Stays: Mid-Range- Margate Harbour Arm: Converted pier with pop-up kitchens, summer events and sea views.
- Margate Harbour: Working harbour with fishing boats and colourful harbourfront scenes.
- Harbour cafés: Small seafood and coffee spots along the quay, ideal for casual bites.
- Dreamland & Cliftonville: Playful, nostalgic seafront with rides and budget stays, suited to families and leisure seekers.
Dining: Casual Nightlife: Family-friendly Shopping: Vintage Stays: Budget- Dreamland: Retro amusement park with nostalgic rides and seasonal gigs, for family fun.
- Margate Main Sands: Wide, shallow beach popular with families, good for paddling and sand play.
- Cliftonville promenades: Classic seafront terraces offering budget stays and independent shops.
At a GlanceKey facts, why go and what's on now
Margate at a Glance#
Costs: $80-140 / day - covers cafes, coastal attractions, and mid-range B&Bs in a trendy seaside town.
Safety: Mostly safe, some evening issues - improving safety and regeneration, though occasional evening anti-social behaviour exists.
Best Time: May-September - best for beaches, art openings and retro seaside vibes.
Margate is a revived Kent seaside town known for the Turner Contemporary gallery, retro Dreamland amusement park and a bohemian Old Town. It draws visitors for beaches, contemporary art, vintage shops and a lively café scene.
Getting around: Walk between the Old Town, Turner Contemporary and Margate Main Sands; use Southeastern trains to Ramsgate and London, Stagecoach buses around Thanet, local taxis for late journeys.
Infrastructure & convenience: Vibrant but compact: independent shops and cafés on Northdown Road and King Street, decent Wi‑Fi in cafés, clear signposting, busy summers and limited parking.
Local tips: Enjoy gallery culture-respect quiet in Turner Contemporary, queue politely at Dreamland, dress for changeable weather, and explore retro shops in the Old Town.
Dining: Old Town cafés and Harbour fish shacks serve crab, plaice and seasonal seafood; try Margate’s artisan bakeries and book weekends at Harbour restaurants.
Why Visit Margate?#
Margate mixes retro seaside fun with a modern arts scene that draws creative travelers and beachgoers alike. Turner Contemporary gallery anchors the cultural life, Dreamland amusement park revives classic seaside entertainment, and the Old Town is full of independent shops, cafes and pastel-fronted houses. Wide sandy beaches and local seafood make it an appealing spot for a combined art-and-beach break on the Kent coast.
Who's Margate For?#
Margate’s Old Town galleries, Turner Contemporary and beachside cafés create a great vibe for couples. Strolls along the sands, sunset at Dreamland and cosy supper spots combine culture and seaside charm for weekend breaks.
A lively food scene has independent cafés, seafood-focused restaurants and weekend street-food at the harbour. You’ll find creative small plates and good fish-and-chip spots alongside artisan bakeries in the Old Town.
Dreamland amusement park, sandy beaches and paddling areas give families plenty of activities. Child-friendly galleries and seasonal events keep kids engaged while older family members enjoy cafés and seaside walks.
Margate’s nightlife mixes pub culture, live music venues and seasonal club nights, particularly around the harbour and Old Town. It’s more indie and laid-back than big-city clubbing, but lively during summer weekends.
Beaches, tidal pools and nearby coastal walks offer good low-effort nature time; birdwatching on the shore and short cliff strolls are easy. It’s a good base for exploring the Thanet coastline and nearby Ramsgate.
Budget guesthouses, hostels and a compact town make Margate suitable for backpackers looking for culture, beaches and cheap eats. It’s popular with weekend travellers rather than long-term backpacking but keeps costs down.
Plan Your Visit to Margate#
Things to DoTop sights, bucket list and day trips
Best Things to Do in Margate#
Margate Bucket List#
Turner Contemporary - Contemporary art gallery in a converted harbour-side building with Turner exhibitions and views.
Dreamland Margate - Retro amusement park with vintage rides, arcade games, and seasonal live events.
Margate Main Sands - Wide sandy beach popular for paddling, kite-surfing, and long summer promenades.
Margate Old Town - Narrow streets lined with independent shops, antique stores, cafes, and street art.
Shell Grotto - Underground passage lavishly decorated with millions of shells forming mysterious mosaics.
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool - Victorian tidal pool that offers calm seawater swims at low tide.
Tom Thumb Theatre - Tiny professional theatre hosting fringe plays and community-focused performances throughout the year.
Margate Museum - Local history displays covering seaside culture, archaeology, and Margate’s maritime past.
Westbrook Bay - Quieter sandy stretch west of town, favored for dog walks and sunsets.
Canterbury Cathedral - Majestic medieval cathedral with Norman architecture, stained glass, and Pilgrims’ history.
Whitstable - Charming harbour town famous for oysters, independent shops, and pebble beach.
Dungeness - Otherworldly shingle headland with a lighthouse, unique flora, and art installations.
Leeds Castle - Moated castle set in landscaped gardens offering historic rooms and seasonal events.
Dover Castle - Extensive medieval fortress overlooking the White Cliffs, with wartime tunnels to explore.
Nearby Cities #
When to GoSeasons, weather and festivals
Best Time to Visit Margate#
Visit Margate between late spring and early autumn (May-September) for the warmest, sunniest days, beaches and the bustling cultural calendar. Margate’s mild maritime climate is changeable-aim for May-June or September for pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and better deals.
December - February
2-8°C (36-46°F)
Quiet, blustery beaches and brisk walks; many attractions run reduced hours, but cheap rooms and dramatic skies make it rewarding for photographers and solitude-seekers.
March - May
6-15°C (43-59°F)
Fresh, changeable days with early blooms and fewer crowds; ideal for cycling, beachcombing and catching the first open galleries before summer surge.
June - August
15-22°C (59-72°F)
Warmest, sunniest stretch - lively seafront, festivals and busy arcades; pack for variable weather and expect crowds, but perfect for paddling and outdoor dining.
Margate's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (537 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 7° | 0° | 45 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.2h |
| February | Acceptable | 2° - 7° | 1° | 31 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.8h |
| March | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 3° | 36 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.6 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Good | 5° - 12° | 5° | 39 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 5.2 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.7h |
| May | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 38 mm | overcast | 83% | 5.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 15.4h |
| June | Good | 11° - 19° | 15° | 44 mm | overcast | 83% | 4.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.3h |
| July | Very Good | 13° - 21° | 17° | 38 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 4.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 15.9h |
| August | Very Good | 14° - 21° | 18° | 39 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.4h |
| September | Very Good | 12° - 19° | 15° | 56 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 5.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 9° - 15° | 12° | 61 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.5h |
| November | Acceptable | 5° - 10° | 4° | 60 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 50 mm | overcast | 89% | 6.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
Getting There & AroundAirports, trains and local transport
How to Get to Margate#
Margate is easiest reached by rail - Margate station links the town to London and other parts of Kent - while several London airports serve as international gateways. If you fly in expect a change in London and a further rail leg; coaches are cheaper but slower.
London Gatwick (LGW): Gatwick is a common choice for international arrivals. From Gatwick take Thameslink or Gatwick Express to London (Victoria or London Bridge) and change for Southeastern services to Margate (arriving at Margate station); door-to-door travel typically takes about 2-2½ hours. Expect combined fares in the region of £30-£60 depending on advance tickets and time of day.
London Heathrow (LHR): From Heathrow, take the Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line into central London (Paddington or via the Elizabeth Line to central stations) then change onto Southeastern services to Margate. Journey times are usually around 2½-3 hours and combined fares commonly range from £35-£70 depending on ticket types.
London City (LCY): London City is the closest airport geographically to east London/Canary Wharf. From LCY take the DLR to Bank/Canning Town and connect into national rail services (usually via London St Pancras or London Bridge) to Margate; total travel time is often about 2-2½ hours, with fares typically between £25-£50.
Train: Margate is served by Margate station on the Southeastern network. High-speed services from London St Pancras International provide the fastest rail route (journeys commonly around 1¼-1¾ hours), while classic services from London Victoria/Charing Cross take longer (about 2-2½ hours). Typical single fares from London vary widely by advance/off-peak/peak tickets - roughly £15-£40 for most journeys.
Bus: National Express and other coach operators run services between London and the Thanet area (Margate/Westgate-on-Sea/Ramsgate); coaches are cheaper but slower than trains (expect about 3-4 hours depending on traffic). Local buses around the Thanet peninsula are operated primarily by Stagecoach East Kent, useful for short trips between Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate (single fares usually a few pounds).
How to Get Around Margate#
Margate is best navigated by train for intercity travel and on foot or by local bus for short trips within the town. Taxis and a car are helpful for convenience or reaching outlying spots, but walking and cycling are the most pleasant ways to explore the seafront and Old Town.
- Trains (Southeastern) (£15-£40) - Southeastern operates the mainline and high-speed services to Margate. The high-speed route from London St Pancras is the quickest rail option into Thanet; services from London Victoria/Charing Cross are slower but run direct at regular intervals. Book advance tickets for the best prices and check peak/off-peak differences - trains are reliable and the best choice for day trips to and from London.
- Coaches (National Express and others) (£6-£20) - National Express and other long‑distance coach operators serve Margate and the wider Thanet area from London coach stations. Coaches are inexpensive and useful when travelling on a budget, but journeys are significantly slower than trains and subject to road congestion - expect longer door-to-door times, especially at peak hours.
- Local buses (Stagecoach East Kent) (£2-£4) - Stagecoach East Kent runs local routes across the Thanet peninsula linking Margate with Broadstairs, Ramsgate and surrounding villages. Buses are handy for short hops where trains don’t run and for late-evening travel when rail frequencies drop. Have small change or buy tickets via the operator app for convenience; single fares are usually a few pounds.
- Taxi & private hire (£6-£30) - Taxis and private-hire apps operate in Margate and are the most convenient door-to-door option, especially late at night or with luggage. Short in-town rides typically cost modest amounts (£6-£15 depending on distance); trips to nearby towns or the station will be higher. Pre-book for airport transfers if you need a fixed price or larger vehicle.
- Car & parking (£3-£20 per day) - Driving gives flexibility for exploring the coast and nearby Kent countryside; Margate is reached via the A299 (Thanet Way). There are several pay-and-display car parks and on-street parking areas-expect daily parking fees that vary by location and season. Traffic can be busy in summer weekends, and a car is less useful for journeys into central London.
- Cycling (£0-£15 per day) - Margate is compact and reasonably cycle-friendly with flat sections along the seafront and quieter lanes inland. Bring your own bike for the best value; local hire options may be available seasonally from private shops. Cycling is excellent for short sightseeing trips and getting around the seafront without parking hassles.
- Walking - The town centre, Old Town, Turner Contemporary and the beachfront are all easily explored on foot. Walking is often the fastest and most enjoyable way to see Margate’s attractions up close - wear comfortable shoes for pebbled promenades and uneven lanes.
Where to StayThe best areas to base yourself
Where to Stay in Margate#
Seafront / Old Town - $40-100/night
Margate has an array of budget B&Bs and affordable seafront hotels, especially outside summer. Expect characterful rooms and easy beach access.
Walpole Bay Hotel (budget rooms available off-season) - Historic seafront hotel with simple rooms
The Sands Hotel - Classic marginally priced seafront rooms
Old Town / Seafront - $90-170/night
Mid-range boutique hotels in the Old Town and seafront provide design-led rooms, breakfasts and short walks to galleries and beaches.
Local mid-range hotels (listings) - Comfortable stays near attractions
Various boutique mid-range options (listings) - Good value boutique choices
Old Town / Seafront - $150+/night
Luxury options are mostly boutique guesthouses with character. For full resort-style luxury, consider nearby Canterbury or coastal escapes further afield.
Boutique luxury guesthouses (local) - Upscale rooms and personalised service
Top boutique hotels (listings) - Limited full-luxury options locally
Old Town / Harbour - $50-160/night
Stay in the Old Town or seafront for the best access to Margate’s beaches, Turner Contemporary and cafes. Easy walking to main sights and galleries.
Walpole Bay Hotel - Historic, seafront and central location
The Sands Hotel - Straightforward seafront base
Seafront / Old Town - $60-160/night
Seafront hotels and family B&Bs give easy access to beaches and family attractions like Dreamland. Book ahead in summer for family rooms.
Walpole Bay Hotel - Family rooms and beach access
The Sands Hotel - Seafront rooms close to family attractions
Old Town / Seafront - $50-150/night
Margate’s boutique hotels and cafés are attractive for remote work, especially off-season. Wi‑Fi varies; choose hotels advertising workspaces or longer-stay options.
Walpole Bay Hotel - Quiet off-season, decent Wi‑Fi
Boutique stays with workspaces (listings) - Some rooms with desks available
Eat & DrinkStreet food, restaurants, bars and nightlife
Where to Eat in Margate#
Margate has reinvented itself as a lively seaside destination with a strong independent food scene. The Old Town is the culinary hub: cosy cafés, artisan bakeries and inventive restaurants mix with traditional fish-and-chip shops on the seafront. The Ambrette is one of the better-known tables for a refined, Indian-inspired tasting experience, while smaller bistros and cafés focus on seasonal produce and relaxed dining.
It’s a town for leisurely eating - morning coffee and cake, seaside fish and chips for lunch, and thoughtful small-plate dinners in the evening. The independent nature of Margate’s scene means you’ll find creative vegetarian and seafood-forward options alongside the seaside classics.
Margate mixes classic seaside fare with a surprising number of creative independents - fresh fish and chips sit alongside inventive small-plate restaurants.
- The Ambrette - Modern Indian-inspired small plates, Margate.
- Old Town fish and chip shops - Classic seaside battered fish and chips.
- Margate Old Town cafés - Artisanal breakfasts and local cakes.
Margate’s Old Town punches above its weight with Mediterranean bistros, a handful of Asian spots and seafront cafés that focus on fresh ingredients.
- Independent bistros in Old Town - Mediterranean and European small plates.
- Casual Asian spots - Sushi, ramen and pan-Asian small restaurants.
- Seafront cafés and brasseries - Light international dishes with a view.
Vegetarian dining is well served in Margate’s cafés and small-plate restaurants - plenty of creative, vegetable-forward brunch and lunch options.
- Cafés around the Old Town - Strong vegetarian brunch and cake choices.
- Vegetarian-friendly restaurants - Small-plate menus with dedicated veggie options.
- Bakery and deli spots - Savory vegetarian pastries and salads.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Margate’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Margate#
Margate’s nightlife mixes laid-back pubs, indie bars and an arty crowd drawn by the Turner Contemporary and the Old Town. Westbrook and Harbour Arm have lively summer evenings; the Old Town hosts intimate live-music bars, retro clubs and late-night cafés. The town is small but the scene feels creative and local. Practical tips: many venues are busiest from late spring to autumn; expect lines at popular spots on weekends. Dress smart-casual for trendier bars; watch out for parking restrictions if driving.
Best Bets
- Turner Contemporary (evening events) - Gallery events and occasional evening openings with drinks.
- Old Town bars - Small cocktail bars, pubs and music nights in converted spaces.
- Margate Harbour Arm - Seasonal food-and-drink pop-ups and late-summer gatherings.
- Dreamland (events and late openings) - Retro amusement park with evening events and seasonal concerts.
- Northdown Road cafés and bars - Eclectic cafés turning into chilled evening hangouts.
- Independent music venues - Small venues hosting local bands and DJ nights.
ShoppingMarkets, malls and souvenirs
Shopping in Margate#
Margate’s shopping mixes seaside souvenir stalls, independent boutiques in the Old Town and arts‑led shops around Turner Contemporary. Dreamland and Margate’s Old Town are the places to find vintage, handmade goods and quirky homeware; food and gallery shops often stock locally made gifts. Come prepared to explore narrow streets and pop‑ups - independent sellers change frequently, so peak weekends are best for variety.
Best Bets
- Turner Contemporary shop - Selected art books, prints and local design gifts.
- Dreamland Margate - Family‑oriented spot with seasonal pop‑up shops and kiosks.
- Margate Old Town boutiques - Independent fashion, vintage and design stores.
- Shell Grotto gift shop - Quirky souvenirs beside the famous grotto attraction.
- Margate Harbour/Harbour Arm stalls - Seasonal makers and food stalls near the water.
- High Street & local independent traders - Practical shopping mixed with second‑hand and antique finds.