A two-day seaside break in Margate

Kick things off at Dreamland, one of the UK’s oldest amusement parks. Strap in for vintage thrills on colourful bumper cars, soar sky-high on the big wheel, ride Britain’s oldest surviving wooden rollercoaster and go for a spin at the neon-lit roller disco. Refuel with street food from one of the independent vendors such as T’s Tacos, Rad Burger and Asian fare from Beastie Bao’s. Before you leave, make sure to snap a photo for the gram against some of Dreamland’s vibrant murals and retro signs and décor.  

The Old Town is packed with independent stores, making a treasure trove for finding handmade homeware, records and vintage clothing. Search the racks at Breuer & Dawson to find your next wardrobe staple or pop into Transmission Records to pick up your favourite album on vinyl. Stop for aesthetically-pleasing coffee and cake at the brilliantly blue Giant Coffee. Don’t miss The Centre too, Margate’s colourful shopping district where you’ll find cocktail bars and plant shops. 

Tucked away beneath the streets lies Margate’s mysterious shell grotto. This Grade I- listed charming hideaway is adorned with over 4.6 million shells. Their artistic arrangement resemble traditional tile mosaics you’d expect to find in a palace, however, still nobody knows of its origins.  

Don’t miss Dory’s seafood restaurant, it serves small, coastal inspired dishes paired with hand-picked natural and biodynamic wines. You can never predict exactly what you’ll be served when dining at Dory’s thanks to their sustainable menu approach, shaping the dishes around the catches of the day and what is currently available from the nearby farms.  

Nothing sends you to sleep quite like fresh sea air. Rest your head at No.42 by Guesthouse, a beachside boutique hotel that offers sweeping bedroom views of the Margate coastline. The Victorian hotel has been fully refurbished with all the modern amenities while still preserving original details. Make sure you make use of the onsite spa facilities and book in for a wellness treatment while you’re here too!  

Don’t miss The Margate Pride Festival which is held every August and welcomes famous acts like the Sugababes, Self Esteem and Jodie Harsh, plus movie screenings, panels, theatre workshops and more. Pride isn’t a one-off occasion here in Margate though. You can celebrate all things LGBQT+ throughout the year with some of Margate Pride’s events. Discover local queer artists on The Pride Art Map, a walking arts trail which loops through the town, or attend Mx Margate, an alternative beauty pageant or hit the party at the Cockles and Muscles club night.

Start your day on the right footing aboard The Bus Café, a double-decker come eatery which is permanently parked on Margate’s seafront. Sit upstairs for sweeping sea views while you tuck into one of their award-winning brunches and sip on a flat white. 

Head over to the Turner Contemporary, Margate’s stand-out seafront gallery named after J.M.W Turner who was heavily inspired by the natural landscapes of the area. The gallery showcases a range of ever-changing exhibitions from global contemporary artists and entry is free (although donations are welcomed). Soak up the shifting sea and sky views that Turner once painted through the gallery’s floor-to-ceiling windows and be sure to check out the shop for stylish souvenirs.

Hop across to the nearby Carl Freedman Gallery, a local space inside a repurposed printworks to discover more contemporary art and sculptures before heading to King Street Gallery where you can see work from up-and-coming local creatives. 

Nothing beats a traditional pub lunch, and thankfully The George and Heart is  a stone’s throw from many of Margate’s art galleries. The Grade II listed building oozes with charm, featuring cosy saloon dining room and a leafy pub garden where you can enjoy something to eat.

Relax at Daisy, the neighbourhood’s relaxed cocktail bar that serves quirky specialty cocktails such as the woodnotes of ‘Thyme After Pine’ and vegetable infused ‘Beetroot Yourself’. Pair it with dinner from their resident smoked meat masters, Snake Oil Barbecue, who serve up glazed BBQ platters, Charred Pickles and even Sunday roasts.

End your Margate weekend with a night at the Fort Road Hotel, a chic boutique hotel located a few moments from the turner Contemporary Gallery. The property is a former boarding house with 14 individually designed rooms to pick from. No need to stray far for dinner either as it is home to the Colina Restaurant known for its Mediterranean small plates and local wines.  

If the British weather is playing ball, head over to DIVE at the end of the harbour arm for alfresco dinner at DIVE tacos and margaritas. Combined with their sister restaurant, High Dive, on Margate high street, brings the flavours of contemporary Mexican LA flavours. Tuck into fresh fish tacos or cheesy corn Quesadillas with a margarita as you watch the sunset behind the horizon.