Just 90-minutes from London lies a lively coastal town that is adored for its nostalgic seaside attractions, iconic theme park and for having ‘the world’s best fish and chips’
A vibrant seaside town with a free-to-enter amusement park and thriving independent scene, just 90 minutes from London, is home to the ‘world’s best fish and chips’.
The UK coastline is packed with bustling seaside resorts that offer the quintessential day out, set against the backdrop of sprawling beaches and lapping waves. There are piers with amusement arcades and coastal vistas, promenades backed by colourful beach huts, high streets lined with independent shops, theme parks, ice cream carts and chippies, all promising endless nostalgic fun.
Luckily for us, London is in easy reach of some of the best coastal destinations, thanks to a plethora of direct train links. And there’s one town that has all the charm of a traditional seaside escape, alongside its trendy scene that has earned the nickname of ‘Shoreditch-on-Sea’.
Nestled along the north coast of Kent is the coastal town of Margate, home to the iconic Dreamland. It boasts stretches of wide, golden-sand beaches, shallow waters, and tidal pools, set against its retro seaside offerings and thriving independent scene.
Owing to its success as a go-to seaside destination, the town’s free-to-enter amusement park, Dreamland, features classic fairground rides and thrilling rollercoasters. Margate’s culinary delights have also been recognised as contributing to its success, and its chippies might just have something to do with it.
Found in the town’s Old Town, just opposite the harbour, is the family-fun fish and chip shop, Peter’s Fish Factory. The chippy has been a staple in Margate since it opened in 1984, and it’s not uncommon to see a line outside as locals and tourists are eager to sample its delights.
The independent fish and chip shop has received rave reviews on TripAdvisor, with many labelling it as ‘the best in the world’. One wrote in August this year: “Peters Fish Factory in Margate, quite simply, some of the best fish & chips we’ve ever had.”
A second noted: “The best fish and chips I’ve eaten. Absolutely delicious and very fast service!” A third declared: “Best in the world. WOW. Sticking my neck on the line here, Peters Fish factory, in my opinion, is the best in the world by far. Grabbed the Special, sat on the Margate steps watching the sun go down. Highly recommend.”
While another commented: “This has to be the number one fish and chip shop. With a perfect location on the seafront, we had the most amazing fish and chips at such an incredible price. The quality of the fish was outstanding and the chips amazing.
“I’ve tried fish and chips in various places around the world, but nowhere even comes near to this delicious, traditional and well-established fish and chip shop. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. Thoroughly recommend. This is the ‘plaice’ to eat.”
Aside from sampling the world’s best fish and chips, there’s plenty to explore in Margate, with its Old Town packed with independent shops. There are narrow lanes brimming with vintage clothing shops, record stores, homeware goodies, boutiques, and artisan cafés, with plenty of spots to enjoy an al fresco lunch amid its bustling ambience.
Elsewhere, there’s plenty of culinary offerings from the likes of The Bus Cafe, Olby’s Soul Cafe, Great British Pizza Company, Palms Pizzeria, Lilie’s, and Buoy and Oyster. And a visit isn’t complete without stopping by its renowned Turner Contemporary Gallery, taking a stroll along the harbour or a summer’s day spent on Margate Main Sands beach, in one of Kent’s most popular coastal escapes.
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