23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Margate (Kent, England)

Margate is a seaside town located on the north coast of Kent in Southeast England. The population of the town in the 2011 census was 61,223. 

Margate has been an important maritime port since the Middle Ages. The town became a famous place for holidaymakers in the 18th century due to easy access through the Thames and, later on, with the advent of the railways. 

Popular attractions of the town include the Dreamland Amusement Park and Sandy Beaches. 

Are you planning to explore Margate? Here are some of the best and fun things to do in Margate, Kent.

Things to Do in Margate

1. Westbrook Bay

Westbrook Bay is located close to the west of the MainSand beach and is a fantastic place to enjoy a day out on the sea. 

The beach is approximately 200 meters and has a pleasant promenade along which you can take a walk. 

This attraction is an incredibly famous beach for those visiting the town with children and is a lovely family beach. Westbrook Bay is a much-loved location for people who enjoy water skiing. 

There is a mini golf on the promenade, and you will find tennis and bowling amenities close by. Additionally, there is a restaurant on the promenade with snacks, so you can stop there and get something to eat. 

The Viking Coastal Trail Cycle close by is a good excuse to ride along the coast from beach to beach, so you can spend a day exploring it if you are not interested in beach activities. 

There are several facilities at Westbrook Bay, including deck chairs for hire, a beach chalet, a beach shop, and a toilet. 

There’s also access to the beach for disabled people and toilets running during the summer. 

Address: 12 Royal Esplanade, Westbrook, Margate CT9 5DW, United Kingdom

2. Margate Caves

Margate Caves was discovered in 1863, some decades after the popular Shell Grotto was uncovered. 

Margate Cave is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Margate, Kent. The Margate Caves were built during the inning of chalk. They remained shut down for more than 100 years before they were rediscovered and converted into a tourist attraction. 

Between 2011 and 2019, the caves were restored, and it has been attracting visitors who are excited to learn about the cave’s past. 

The main features of this attraction are informative exhibits about the region’s unique landscape and geology and its effect on the local population. 

Additionally, a shop and a café are situated on the on-site visitor center, and there’s also a lovely garden free for visitors to enjoy. 

Address: 1 Northdown Rd, Margate CT9 1FG, United Kingdom

3. Old Kent Market

Old Kent Market is located near Margate Main Beach. The Market lies upon an old cinema, and this bright red building has been refurbished to house numerous local vendors under one roof. 

Aside from loquacious, helpful vendors offering products from unique vinyl records to craft and artwork, there are several great food vendors that you can sample. 

These vendors offer delicious snacks, including Greek dishes, original Italian pizza, baked goods, and sweet treats. 

Address: 8 Fort Hill, Margate CT9 1HD, United Kingdom

4. Turner Contemporary

Turner Contemporary celebrates Margate’s deep link to one of Britain’s most distinguished painters, Joseph M.W. Turner. 

Joseph M. W stayed in the town for about 20 years, and when he was not seen in London, his world was frequently seen in local landmarks. 

Turner Contemporary was opened in 2011, and for the past years, it has seen an influx of visitors, solidifying its reputation as one of the top art galleries in the country. 

Within that same period, the art gallery featured more than 100 visiting exhibits from different groups of artists, making sure that there’s always something current to see when people visit. 

Aside from supporting local and national artists, Turner Contemporary holds several ale programs, workshops, and events for visitors of all ages. The Turner Content building is seen as an artwork as well. 

UK architect David Chipperfield designed the building. The building is on the very spot where the previous guesthouse visited by Turner once stood. It gives an excellent view of the sea. 

Address: Rendezvous, Margate CT9 1HG, United Kingdom

5. Margate Tudor House

Margate Tudor House is Margate’s oldest and most stunning building. It was built in 1525 in what was known then as “Meergate.” It was then a prosperous farmer’s house and displayed various features unique to the period. 

Many of these features, including its two-story layout, were relatively advanced at that time. 

The house was an excellent example of the change that was taking place from the medieval hall-style home to picking several smaller rooms. 

Other features of the house that would have been seen as contemporary at that time were an early form of double glazing and its twin chimneys. 

Margate Tudor House was rescued from demolition in the 1930s and refurbished using methods from the Tudor Period. 

A lovely period garden now surrounds the house. Guided tours of the building are available. 

Address: 60 King St, Margate CT9 1QE, United Kingdom

6. Margate Museum

Among the top things to do in Margate is to learn about the town’s history at Margate Museum.

Margate Museum is situated in Old Town Margaret, a block from the beach. The Museum offers a fascinating and educational look into Margate’s rich past. 

The Museum lies in the former town hall, once used as a police station. 

A significant highlight is a glimpse into the magistrate court and the old Victorian prison cells. 

The Museum has a wide range of exhibits of about 5,000 years of history, including photos, artifacts, and paintings. 

Additionally, there are intriguing exhibits based on the early days of the town becoming a resort town, including information about the old machines that carried people out into the water to bathe. 

Guided tours are available and are free, and you can schedule in advance. 

Address: Market Pl, Margate CT9 1EN, United Kingdom

7. Hornby Visitor Centre

Among the top things to do in Margate, Kent, is to visit Hornby Visitor Center. This tourist attraction is a little distance from the beachfront.

Hornos Visitor Center is an adult-friendly facility. It features toys and model trains produced by the popular Hornby brand, along with an exciting look at the company’s long past. 

The establishment was founded in 1901. It was known for manufacturing boy’s toys for decades, and in 2010, the Hornby Visitor Center was formed. 

The collection has grown since then and has gotten a lot of interest from people and visitors of all ages who flock there to view the first-rate toys and model train layouts.

Other highlights of the Hornby Visitor Center are toys from close Hornby brands, including Corgi, Airfix, and Scalexric. Additionally, a well-stocked shop is situated on the premises. 

Address: Westwood Industrial Estate, Westwood, Margate CT9 4JX, United Kingdom

8. Shell Grotto

One of the best things to do in Margate, Kent, is to view the magnificent Shell Grotto. 

Shell Grotto was discovered in the early 1800s, and this fascinating attraction has drawn guests to Margate. 

One of the things that make this place appealing is that not much is known about it, leaving guests to imagine for themselves how it came into existence. 

Shell Grotto comprises an underground passageway whose surface has been nearly coated with ornate patterns of seashells. 

Several explanations for this attraction include a hidden hideaway for the Knights Templar, a pre-Roman-era astronomical calendar, and a Victorian-era hobbyist wanting to create an extraordinary folly. 

When you visit Shell Grotto, you will learn about these and many other possible theories in the small on-site Museum.

In addition, you will have an opportunity to look at the almost five million shells used in constructing it on a close level, including the ones used to make something that looks like an altar. 

Address: 33 Grotto Hill, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2BU, United Kingdom

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9. The Bus Café

The Bus Café may just be the provider of the best street food in Margate. You should visit this place and sample the mouthwatering food served out of or inside the retro 1980 Bristol VR double-decker on the town’s seafront. 

The meals are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and creative ideas from around the world. 

The café serves meals such as Hashed Mounds, consisting of a potato rosti topped with native and seasonal ingredients. 

Address: Royal Cres Promenade, Westbrook, Margate CT9 5AJ, United Kingdom

10. Theatre Royal Margate

Among the fun things to do in Margate, Kent, is to catch a performance at Theatre Royal Margate. 

Theatre Royal Margate was built in 1787. The theater was designed by architect J.T Robinson. 

Although the exterior of the theater is mostly still the same as the time it was built, the interior underwent a major renovation in the 1870s and is of historical importance. 

You should plan an overnight visit to this theatre and catch a performance. Some popular shows include music concerts and frequent family-based entertainment. 

Address: Addington St, Margate CT9 1PW, United Kingdom

11. Northdown Park

Northdown Park was initially part of Northdown House, a Georgian house that can still be seen at the park’s edge and housed the Friends Family, who were local owners for more than 500 years. 

This attraction has formal walled gardens near the house and open areas with natural woodlands and a kid’s play area toward the north. Additionally, the Park contains two areas where public access is prohibited. 

There’s an old nursery area in the southeastern corner, and the site contains a series of ornamental and vegetable planting beds. Still, it is only opened occasionally to the public. 

Also on the grounds of the Park is the Secret Jungle Garden, provided for disabled kids and their families in the community. The general public is not allowed to access this land. 

Address:Northdown, Margate CT9 3JX, United Kingdom

12. Margate Main Sands

Before the coming of the railway in the mid-1800s, Margate was drawing tourists from places such as London. 

However, when the railway connection was made, Margate Main Sands, the town’s main beach, became the location in Kent for those seeking sea air and sunshine. 

Margate Main Sand is 200 meters in length and a curving stretch of land that stays partly on top water at high tide, unlike other famous beaches in Kent. 

If you visit the beach early to take a spot at the top of the beach close to the promenade, the chances of you staying there all day are pretty high. 

In addition to being a family-friendly beach for its safe swimming and mildly sloping sand, there are many close distractions as well. 

Food vendors are in numbers, such as the Peter Fish Factory offering Fresh-Caught seafood that lands daily at the opposite harbor. 

The beach also has many arcades and rides for children of all ages, including several at the Dreamland Theme Park. Even the Promenade is a terrific way to view the seafront. One of the fun things to do in Margate, Kent, is to play on the Margate Main Sands. 

Address: Droit House, Stone Pier, Margate CT9 1JD, United Kingdom

13. The Walpole Bay Hotel

You shouldn’t be looking for what to do in Margate, Kent, when you’re yet to get a roof over your head for the duration of your stay; Walpole Bay Hotel is a good option.

From the minute you step into the Walpole Bay Hotel and Museum, you go back in time to the aura of a bygone era, as the Walpole Bay Hotel was built in 1914 

This family-operated hotel tries to achieve a civil home-from-home environment mixed with a cozy and endless elegance. 

The Walpole Bay Hotel offers a cozy flower-decked terrace with a view of the sea and an Edwardian-Style restaurant. 

To make your stay here more memorable, you should ride the 1927 Otis trellis gated lift that works for every floor. Walpole Bay Hotel will offer you a warm and friendly experience. 

Address: Fifth Ave, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2JJ, United Kingdom

14. Margate Old Town

This attraction has a maze of narrow and cobbled streets filled with well-preserved buildings that served as small inns, B&B, and guesthouses but are now housing numerous retail and dining options. 

Located side by side with elegant art galleries are modern boutique shops, antique shops, and several restaurants and café all worth visiting depending on whether you want to shop or eat. 

Some highlights include the Old Kent Market with different local vendors and Marketplace with its striking old Georgian-era townhomes. 

Other highlights of this destination are the 16th-century Tudor House, Margates’ oldest home, and the Margate Museum, located in an abandoned police station and jail from the 1850s. 

Address: Margate Old Town, Kent, United Kingdom

15. The Clockwork Cocktail Company

The Clockwork Cocktail Company is one of the best places to visit in Margate, Kent, if you want to enjoy a quality cocktail. From a traditional Martini to its creative mix, all the drinks served here are offered the same attention to detail and are produced with the freshest and finest ingredients. 

From home-crafted syrup and infusion to freshly pressed citrus, there will be a perfect cocktail to enjoy. 

If you can’t find what you are looking for, you can demand any traditional cocktail, and the bartenders will try their best to make it for you. 

You can also register for a cocktail class at the Clockwork Cocktail Company. The experienced bartenders will teach you how to make mouthwatering cocktails of your choice and give you the knowledge to remake them the next time you throw a party. 

You will be given a chance to jump behind bars and be taught how to make excellent concoctions. 

Clockwork Cocktail Company is perfect for birthdays, dates, team building, hens, and evenings, just a fun night out. The classes are available from Thursday to Sunday. 

Address: 68-70 High St, Margate CT9 1DT, United Kingdom

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16. Lovely Gallery

Lovely Gallery and Art Shop was opened in 1881 by Mr. Edward Lovely, and up till now, it has been owned and operated by the Lovely Family.

Edward Lovely established the first shop on Margate High Street. Lovely Exhibits stocks many famous art materials brands, such as Sennelier, Pebeo, Derwent, and Pro Arte. The Gallery also sells watercolors, canvases, oil paints, and inks. 

Lovely Art Gallery features an extensive range of classical and modern artwork from more than fifty local and internationally recognized artists, including link cuts, etching, authentic paintings, and limited edition prints. 

You will also get different quality gifts, including sculptures, ceramics, glass, wood-turning, and hand-crafted items from local craftspersons. 

You are guaranteed a pleasant welcome at Lovely Gallery with professional, friendly advice all the time. The Gallery opens six days a week. 

Address:248 Northdown Rd, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2PX, United Kingdom

17. The Eclectic Art Gallery

The Electic Art Gallery is a welcoming and civil modern art gallery located in Margate’s Old Town, displaying the different talents of some Kent-based artists. 

The Gallery contains several gorgeous artworks ranging from crafts to paintings to sculptures by local artists at fair prices. 

Visitors will like the original acrylic, watercolor, oil painting, prints, ceramics, jewelry, photography, and textile. 

There are also greeting cards and postcards. The staff at The Eclectic Art Gallery are friendly. 

Address: 6 Broad St, Margate CT9 1EW, United Kingdom

18. Crab Museum

Among what to do in Margate, Kent, is Crab Museum. This Museum is the only crab museum in Europe. 

Crab Museum is located in Margate Old Town and has been quietly gaining a cult following across the globe. 

Ned Suesat William, Bertie Terilliams, and Chase Coley were devoted to starting the Museum here, spending a year gathering funds to make their vision come to pass. 

Visitors come from all parts of the world to see this Museum and to enjoy its take on science, history, and problems like climate emergency. 

When you enter this Museum, you will realize that it is not like a typical museum since its walls are decorated with cartoons showing the history of the world and laugh-out-loud captions. 

This family-friendly museum was illustrated by an artist called Ed Stockham. It is filled with exciting and shocking facts about crabs and how they belong to the ecosystem, historical societies, and some stories to keep the visitor’s attention.

This family-friendly museum has illustrations by artist Ed Stockham. It is packed with fascinating information about crabs and how they fit into our ecosystem. There are so many historical stories and a few tall tales to ensure visitors pay attention. 

A small group of volunteers supports the owners of the Crab Museum, and they are determined to keep the museum free so everyone can access it. 

Address: 9 Broad St, Margate CT9 1EW, United Kingdom

19. Junk Deluxe

Junk Deluxe is owned by Benjamin, who has a soft spot for anything metal and industrial, and Hayley, who is good at noticing quirky and off-the-wall items. 

This antique store was founded by Benjamin Scott in May 2006, who dreamed of reinventing the classical junk shop for people like him. 

Junk Deluxe focuses on cheap contemporary design, especially in lighting and furniture. 

The shop features items from the modernist 1930s to the luxuriant 1980s and every other place in between. Additionally, the shop frequently restores old furniture to give the worn-out pieces a fresh look. 

You can find Junk Deluxe hidden deep inside another shop in a residential area. When you find the shop, you will be shocked that it does not contain simple mid-century designs but a wide variety of unique and new items that you have never seen before and probably won’t. 

These items were obtained from different places from far distances, and the owners took trips to Belgium, Holland, and Germany to search for things. 

They also buy items from different sources in the United Kingdom, such as churches, schools, engineering plants, and hospitals. 

Junk Delux works hard to stay steps ahead of trends; this means that they can indulge you in all your old-school whims at reasonable prices. 

Address: Bath Pl, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2BN, United Kingdom

20. Dane Park

Dane Park was given to the locals of Margate in the late 1800s and was opened formally by the Lord Mayor of London. 

The central entrance to the Park is via a stunning wrought iron gate on Park Road, and there is a spectacular memorial fountain inside the gate. 

The Park has a well-equipped kids’ play area, and in the summer season, there is a refreshment kiosk. Dane Park also has a unisex and accessible toilet for people to use without payment. 

The Margate Youth Football operates a training facility within the Park. You will find a bowling club that welcomes the public during the open season. 

Dane Park and the open areas have well-balanced surface routes that are okay for visitors with wheelchairs and pushchairs. 

Address: Park Rd, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 1RN, United Kingdom

21. Dreamland Margate Amusement Park

Dreamland Park goes back to the 1860s, but the name was not incorporated until 1920 when the theme’s park First roller coaster was introduced.

After a period of a downswing between the 90s and the early 200s, Dreamland Margate was rescued from demolition by a public protest. It was instead refurbished and rebranded to focus on offering seaside entertainment through traditional historic rides and attractions. 

This family-friendly park has proven to be a huge success and provides a lot of fun for adults and children. 

The main features are the historic roller coaster, also known as a “Scenic Railway,” and several historically essential rides from other theme parks all over the country. They include a unique chairlift ride, ghost trains, and a hall of mirrors. 

This attraction is booming more than ever. You can spend an hour or two at this Park and enjoy its amenities. 

Address: 49-51, Marine Terrace, Margate CT9 1XJ, United Kingdom

22. The Tom Thumb Theatre

The Tom Thumb Theatre is a family-operated arts venue in the center of Cliftonville, Margate. 

The theatre was initially built as a coach house In Victorian times, but in 1984, it was turned into one of the smaller theaters around the globe. 

The Tom Thumb is a striking blend of Alpine and Japanese Architecture with a quirky, attractive interior of flocked wallpaper and velvet seat. 

Tom Thumb holds comedy storytelling, spoken-word nights, and burlesque. Additionally, it promotes live bands and screens indie films, DJs, and sole performers. 

The theater also has a ramshackle cocktail bar on the upper floor. 

Address: 2A Eastern Esplanade, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2LB, United Kingdom

23. Mrs. Booth

Margate has a long link with artists from the more modern Tracy Emin to the centuries-old J.M. William Turner. 

Ann Carrington created Mrs. Booth or The Shell Lady as she is well-known as a sculpture in 2008. 

This sculpture was created to pay tribute to Sophie Booth and her partner J.M William Turner. 

Sophie Booth was born to German parents in Dover in 1798. She then relocated to Margate, where she wedded a local Fisherman, John Henry Pound, in 1818. 

In 1821, her husband drowned at sea, leaving her with Daniel and Joseph, her two sons, but Joseph died before he turned six. 

Later she wedded John Booth, and they established a guest house on the town’s seafront. They conceived a son, John Pound Booth, in 1826, but he died at ten from cholera. 

In 1828, Turner began visiting Sophia’s guesthouse, and the quality of light within the area fascinated him and inspired several of his paintings. 

After the death of her husband in 1833, Sophia had once again become a widow, so she and Turner became lovers. Although they never got married, they were both referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Booth. 

The sculpture is 12 feet tall and is made of bronze. This sculpture is referred to as “The Shell Lady” because it is inspired by the shell lady souvenirs featured at gift shops across the town. 

Address: Margate Lighthouse, Stone Pier, Margate CT9 1AP, United Kingdom

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Plan Your Trip to Margate

This original seaside town in England offers many things to do, which is evident in this article.

The town has seen an influx of visitors since the 1730s due to its sandy beaches, unique attractions, and extraordinary sunsets. 

Margate’s galleries, beaches, theaters, restaurants, and shopping locations will keep you on your toes when you visit.