Come and Explore Margate

Margate keeps all the picture-postcard promises for golden childhood holidays, timeless sandy seaside appeal, bucket-and-spade fun, candyfloss, and fish and chips. It's also fizzing these days with cultural renaissance in the beautiful Old Townwith its galleries, quirky shops and trendy new café scene.

The artist JMW Turner loved the town's sparkling light and rich simmering sunsets, and Turner Contemporary, the landmark art gallery, is sited on the seafront just where he used to stay - now's the time to come and be inspired, too!

Wander along the newly upbeat Margate Harbour Arm to browse artists' studios or relax in the restaurant or bar. Maybe flex your cultural muscles a little more on a four-mile Turner & Dickens Walk to Broadstairs.

All your traditional favourites are still in Margate, of course: seafood stalls, cream teas, arcades and paddling, plus exciting modern watersports for those who dare. And you can enjoy the nostalgia of Britain's best-loved toys in the Hornby Visitor Centre. More indoor activity can be found in the 70ft of winding underground passages at the mysterious Shell Grotto

2011 saw the Winter Gardens celebrates its 100th birthday, and there's diverse entertainment at the venerable Theatre Royal (Britain's second oldest theatre) and tiny Tom Thumb Theatre. Continuing developments at Dreamland also promise a unique amusement park for Margate. A visit to the Margate Museum will offer up the nostalgia of Margate's rich heritage.

To find out more about Margate and how it is changing

Margate has made it into the Rough Guide Travel Top Ten Travel Destinations for 2013