The best things to do in Margate

Head to the Turner Contemporary for a free fix of cutting-edge art right on the seafront, in a rather spectacular building. Most exhibitions are totally free, and there's often other kinds of events and workshops to get stuck into too. Need more? Head over to support local creatives at Kent’s oldest art gallery Lovelys. 

Then discover the Grade I-listed Shell Grotto, where 4.5 million shells make up its mosaic walls. Who created it and why? If that sparks an urge for more subterranean delights, then head to the recently reopened Margate Caves. This former chalk mine has been an air raid shelter, smugglers’ cave and a wine cella, and more recently has hosted silent discos and toddler meeting classes. As Margate as it gets.

Relish every brunchy bite on the top deck of The Bus Café or sample some seriously fresh seafood platters (or the obligatory seaside fish and chips) at seaview restaurant Buoy and Oyster.

Spend a penny at the arcades before braving the wilds of the Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, the largest saltwater pool in the UK. The swimming community in Margate is super-friendly, so you’re bound to find encouragement if the water seems too chilly. 

Once you’ve had a head-clearing dip, pop over to the Tom Thumb Theatre for eccentric productions and experimental live music.

Ascend to hipster heaven at retro clobber stores Peony Vintage and Handsome Freaks. Pick up perfume and skincare products at eco-loving store Haeckels. Its soaps and toiletries are made from seaweed foraged along the coast. What’s more, it offers free goodies to shoppers who come in armed with a bagful of rubbish collected from the beach. Do your bit for the planet and you’ll come away smelling fabulous as well as feeling good.

Top up on caffeine at the Margate Coffee Shed, which does a fine line in sweet treats too. Sip on a glass of red in eclectic surroundings at Fez and, if you’re partial to a pint of real ale, try The Harbour Arms. It’s a former fisherman’s hut with superb views of the glittering vista that inspired seascape master JMW Turner. For more excellent booze, head around the harbour arm to The Two Halves for sunset views over the beach.

Skip over to renovated retro theme park Dreamland. Make a beeline for the scenic railway, test your balance in the colourful indoor Roller Room, spend all your loose change in the arcade and take a selfie by the Hollywood-esque Dreamland sign. You know, just to prove you were there. Keep an eye on its website for the latest on the gigs and shows that have made it even more popular in recent years.

Smack bang on the seafront, Fort Road Hotel is an artsy hideaway that’ll make you feel right at home in this proudly cultural town. The landmark building overlooks the Turner Gallery and is filled with appealing art, from Tracey Emins adorning the restaurant and basement bar to local maps and memorabilia in the corridors. The rooms are spacious and decked out with vintage furnishings and intriguing reading material (and many also come with majestic sea views). It only opened in August 2022, but already the ground-floor restaurant is buzzing: head chef Daisy Cecil whips up seasonal menus inspired by her Kent surroundings. Two words you need to remember: deep-fried mussels. Rooms from £145 per night