Margate
· GB

Margate

Margate, Kent, United Kingdom

Margate: Where Seaside Charm Meets Retro Cool Escape to Margate, a vibrant seaside town on the Kent coast where Victorian grandeur collides with a modern artistic buzz. Once a classic British seaside resort, Margate has…

#Seaside town#Tourist destination#Beach#Historic#Entertainment
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Margate.

Top Hotels in Margate

Top Flights to Margate

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Margate.

Tours

Exploring Margate's Rich Art Scene

Discover the blend of modern and classic art spread throughout Margate's art galleries and studios.

Historical Architecture Walk

Take a walking tour to view Margate's historical architectures and learn about its past.

Visit to Shell Grotto

Explore an ancient subterranean passageway lined with millions of seashells.

Shopping

Shopping Experience in Margate Old Town

Explore unique boutiques and shops in the charming Margate Old Town.

Seaside Shopping at Westwood Cross

Visit a popular shopping center for a mix of large retailers and small shops.

Outdoor

Outdoor Adventures at Dreamland Margate

Enjoy the mix of thrilling rides, traditional seaside amusements, and green spaces at Dreamland Margate.

Margate Beach Day

Relax on the sandy beaches and enjoy the sun by the Margate seaside.

Nature Walk at Monkton Nature Reserve

Enjoy a peaceful walk and discover flora and fauna in this beautiful nature reserve.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Margate.

Currency
£ | GBP | Pound Sterling
Population
Not Available
Languages
English, English
Average weather
Margate
Jan
cloud
7°2°
Feb
cloud
7°2°
Mar
rain
10°4°
Apr
cloud
13°6°
May
sun
16°9°
Jun
sun
19°12°
Jul
sun
22°15°
Aug
sun
22°15°
Sep
cloud
19°13°
Oct
rain
15°10°
Nov
rain
11°6°
Dec
cloud
8°3°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Margate.

What people love

Margate, located in Kent, United Kingdom, offers a unique blend of historical charm, coastal beauty, and cultural attractions. Here are some pros of traveling to Margate:

  1. Seaside Charm: Margate is a quintessential British seaside town with sandy beaches, a picturesque harbor, and stunning coastal views. Visitors can enjoy relaxing strolls along the promenade, sunbathe on the beach, or try water sports activities like surfing and paddleboarding.

  2. Cultural Attractions: Margate is home to several cultural attractions, including the Turner Contemporary art gallery. This award-winning gallery showcases contemporary art exhibitions and has stunning views of the sea. Additionally, the Old Town area of Margate is filled with independent shops, galleries, and cafes, perfect for leisurely exploration.

  3. Historical Significance: Margate has a rich history dating back centuries, with landmarks such as the historic Margate Shell Grotto, a mysterious underground passageway adorned with intricate shell mosaics. Visitors interested in history can also explore the Tudor House, a well-preserved 16th-century building showcasing local heritage.

  4. Family-Friendly Activities: Margate offers a range of family-friendly activities, such as the Dreamland amusement park. This vintage-style amusement park features rides, games, and attractions for all ages. Families can also enjoy mini-golf, arcades, and the sandy beach for a fun-filled day out.

  5. Food and Drink: Margate boasts a vibrant food and drink scene, with an array of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving delicious local cuisine. Visitors can sample fresh seafood, traditional British dishes, and international fare while enjoying views of the seafront.

Overall, traveling to Margate offers a delightful mix of seaside beauty, cultural experiences, historical intrigue, and family-friendly fun, making it a charming destination in the United Kingdom.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Margate, Kent, United Kingdom, may include:

  1. Weather: Margate can experience unpredictable weather, with frequent rain and cooler temperatures, particularly outside of the summer months. Visitors should be prepared for varying weather conditions.

  2. Crowds: During peak tourist seasons, Margate can become crowded with visitors, especially on weekends and during popular events. This may result in longer wait times at attractions and restaurants.

  3. Limited public transportation: While Margate does have public transportation options, they may not be as extensive or convenient as in larger cities. Visitors may need to rely on buses or taxis to get around, which could be more expensive and time-consuming.

  4. High prices: Like many tourist destinations, prices in Margate can be higher than in other parts of the UK, particularly during peak travel times. Accommodation, dining, and attractions may be more expensive than expected.

  5. Limited activities: Margate is a smaller town compared to larger cities like London, so visitors looking for a wide range of activities and attractions may find options limited. However, Margate does offer beautiful beaches, historic sites, and cultural experiences for visitors to enjoy.

  6. Seasonal closures: Some attractions, restaurants, and shops in Margate may have limited hours or be closed during the off-peak season, which could impact a visitor's experience depending on the time of year they choose to travel.

It's important to note that experiences can vary depending on individual preferences and circumstances, so it's a good idea to research further and consider personal preferences when planning a trip to Margate.

Margate, located in Kent, England, has a rich and varied history as a coastal town that has evolved through the centuries. Here’s a detailed overview:

Early History

  • Name and Origins: The name Margate is thought to derive from "Meregate," meaning a pool gate or gap in the cliffs where pools of water form.
  • Medieval Period: In the medieval era, Margate was part of the Cinque Ports confederation, a series of coastal towns in Kent and Sussex that were strategically important for defense and trade. Margate was a limb of Dover, which meant it supported Dover in providing ships and men for the crown.

18th and 19th Centuries

  • Tourism Development: Margate was one of the first seaside resorts in England. The arrival of sea bathing in the 1730s and the building of the first wooden pier in 1815 marked the beginning of its development as a holiday destination.
  • Thanet District: Margate became a part of the Isle of Thanet, an area known for its fertile land and strategic position.
  • Marine Infrastructure: The construction of the Royal Sea Bathing Hospital in 1791, one of the first of its kind, highlighted the town's growing reputation as a health resort.

Victorian Era

  • Railway Expansion: The arrival of the railway in the 1840s made Margate more accessible to Londoners, leading to a boom in tourism. This period saw the construction of many hotels, guest houses, and entertainment facilities.
  • Dreamland: In the late 19th century, Dreamland, one of the UK's oldest amusement parks, was established. It became famous for its scenic railway roller coaster.

20th Century

  • World Wars: During both World Wars, Margate was affected by military operations due to its coastal location. The town saw an influx of troops and was used for training and convalescence.
  • Post-War Decline and Revival: After World War II, like many British seaside towns, Margate experienced a decline due to the rise of affordable foreign travel. However, efforts to rejuvenate the town have been ongoing since the late 20th century.

Recent Developments

  • Cultural Renaissance: In the 21st century, Margate has experienced a cultural revival. The opening of the Turner Contemporary art gallery in 2011, named after the artist J.M.W. Turner who was inspired by Margate’s skies, has been pivotal in this transformation.
  • Regeneration Projects: Efforts to restore Dreamland and other historic buildings have been part of broader regeneration initiatives to attract visitors and new residents.

Important Landmarks

  • Turner Contemporary: This modern art gallery has become a central cultural hub.
  • Margate Old Town: Known for its historic streets, independent shops, and vintage markets.
  • Shell Grotto: A mysterious subterranean passageway adorned with millions of seashells, discovered in 1835.
  • Margate Clock Tower: Erected to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887.

Notable Figures

  • J.M.W. Turner: The renowned painter who frequently visited Margate and found inspiration in its seascapes.
  • Tracey Emin: A contemporary artist who was born in Croydon but grew up in Margate, known for her provocative works.

Margate continues to balance its traditional seaside charm with a vibrant contemporary arts scene, making it a unique town with a rich historical tapestry.