The Kent town has been crowned the UK’s prettiest seaside town and is celebrated for its thriving arts scene, beautiful beaches, award-winning restaurants and perfect weekend getaway potential
Once a quiet coastal town, Margate has experienced quite the renaissance, transforming into a fashionable and culturally rich destination for a peaceful weekend getaway.
Time Out has unveiled its annual list of the finest seaside towns across the UK, and claiming the coveted top spot was none other than the much-loved Margate.
The publication described it as “old-school seaside kitsch meets East London cool”, a sentiment that its growing stream of visitors and new residents would undoubtedly echo.
Many are drawing comparisons between the seaside town and Hackney in East London, a neighbourhood renowned for its lively and eclectic atmosphere, yet Margate has a distinct character entirely its own.
The town’s appeal lies in its idyllic stretch of sand along the Kent coast, complemented by the energy of arcades, thriving arts scene and a reliably impressive food and drink offering.
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Whether you’re planning a day trip within Kent or making the journey from further afield, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained and tempt you back for more.
Things to see
Naturally, as a seaside town, Margate boasts several beaches, and it’s this winning combination of sand, sea and sunshine that attracts visitors throughout the summer.
For many, Margate beach offers a sense of tranquillity; even outside peak tourist season, it remains a rewarding spot for a stroll and soaking up the natural surroundings.
One TripAdvisor reviewer of Margate Beach wrote: “I lived in Thanet for 10 years, most of that time in Margate, and Margate Main Sands was always my favourite place to go for a walk.
“This beach has a unique atmosphere – wide, open, and calming, especially outside the busy summer season.
“I spent countless hours here walking along the shore, watching the sea, and clearing my head. The combination of the sandy beach, the sound of the waves, and the changing light throughout the day makes it a special place, not just for tourists but for locals too.”
Beyond the seafront, the town’s most visited attraction is the Margate Caves. The caves were initially excavated as a chalk mine during the 18th century, before being abandoned and left undisturbed for more than a century.
Today, they’ve been renovated to create an attraction that explores the caves’ rich heritage, featuring exhibitions and offering an informative family outing.
After visiting the caves, one guest commented: “Absolutely loved it! It isn’t a huge place but sooooo worth a visit.
“Everyone who works there, be it at the ticket office, the cafe or the enthusiastic and brilliant guide down below, really pulls out all the stops to make one feel welcome and have a great experience.”
Embracing its creative character, there’s a weekly market held at weekends called the Margate Old Town Market, in the town centre, nestled behind the parade.
With stalls opening from around 10am, visitors can uncover local produce, trinkets, clothing and much more as they meander through. One visitor described it as a ‘gem of Margate’, noting it makes for a wonderful wander on a pleasant day, but advising to ‘make sure you stop to drink and eat’.
Eating out
It’s fair to say there’s no lack of restaurants, pubs and cafés, making it a true paradise for food lovers, while its vibrant streets provide the ideal backdrop for chancing upon a new dining spot.
Time Out highlighted two venues as unmissable, one being The Good Egg, renowned for a cracking brunch. The other was Sargasso, where diners can enjoy delectable seafood and small plates accompanied by a fine selection of wines.
For those seeking something a touch more upmarket, Angela’s is a Michelin-starred seafood establishment, described as a “friendly neighbourhood restaurant” that delivers stunning cuisine without any of the stuffiness.
One diner shared: “We loved Angela’s delicious food and drink in a great atmosphere – super staff too. Prices were reasonable for such good quality food and cooking.”
Beyond seafood, and a coastal visit wouldn’t be complete without it, Olivo stands out as a highly regarded Italian restaurant boasting impressive TripAdvisor ratings. Nestled in the heart of the town, it serves up authentic Italian cuisine and has accumulated nearly 300 ‘excellent’ reviews.
Margate is brimming with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, and for those living in Kent or the South East, a day trip there this year is an absolute must. Many would say the journey is more than worthwhile, even from further afield.
