Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness! Autumn in Thanet

As summer's vibrant energy moves into the softer golden light of autumn, Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate welcome a gentler, more unhurried rhythm.

Autumn is an ideal time to rediscover our coast where the sea breeze is refreshing and every sunset offers its own breathtaking display.

Embrace the change in seasons with soul-stirring beach walks and invigorating sea air.

Whether you are exploring our world-class galleries, diving into rich local history, or simply taking time to unwind, autumn in Thanet provides the space to wander, breathe, and experience our coastline at your own peaceful pace.

Your seasonal adventure is closer than you think!

Hop on the high-speed train and escape from London to Margate, Broadstairs or Ramsgate and you'll be breathing in the fresh salty air in around 80 minutes. It’s the perfect getaway for those looking to swap the Tube for the tide without the long-haul hassle.

Seasonal Flavours and Local Produce

Celebrate the incredible culinary scene on the Kent coast with Margate Restaurant Week! From 2 – 6 November 2026, local restaurants are offering exclusive three-course menus for just £20.26. It’s the perfect excuse to shake off the autumn blues and finally visit that spot you’ve been eyeing. Tables fill up fast—get in touch with individual venues and book yours today!

Seasonal Flavours

Beyond Restaurant Week, autumn brings a bounty of sumptuous produce, freshly caught seafood, artisan pies, and locally brewed beer, wine, and cider.

Pick up local specialties at the award-winning Cliftonville or Broadstairs Farmers’ Markets, stock up on gourmet deli items at Quex Barn, or browse international flavors at Margate International Food Centre.
Sip fresh local brews at welcoming micropubs or directly from the taproom at Gadd’s The Ramsgate Brewery.

Michelin Starred

Thanet’s dining scene continues to shine. Newly added to the prestigious 2026 Michelin Guide are The Wellington (Margate) and Aster (Broadstairs), joining acclaimed favorites like Sargasso (Margate), Kebbells (Broadstairs), and Quince (Westgate).

Classic Fish & Chips

No trip to the coast is complete without iconic fish and chips! Grab a piping-hot portion, load it up with vinegar, and enjoy—just keep an eye out for the greedy gulls!

Gothic tales and dark secrets in Ramsgate

Ramsgate is embracing its darker side this autumn with the launch of the first Ramsgate Autumn Festival, bringing more than 80 events to the town over ten days from 23 October – 1 November.

A celebration of the town’s heritage, gothic architecture, literary connections and creative spirit. Expect live music, exhibitions, workshops, walks, talks, Halloween happenings, the Raven Trail, Dark Deals from local businesses and plenty more.

Margate Bookie

The Isle is known for Dickens and TS Eliot but from 16 - 18 October, Margate Bookie ‘friendly litfest by the sea’ takes over. Join authors such as music journalist Sylvia Patterson, acclaimed poet Rebecca Perry and broadcaster and writer Gemma Cairney for a programme of readings, talks and workshops.

Delve into the Isle’s Rich and Varied History

Inspiring, quirky, historic, innovative: small and large, Thanet’s museums and attractions are full of surprises.

Discover the did-you-knows of Charles Dickens’ seaside life, explore underground mysteries in caves and tunnels or go on African and Asian adventures in a museum at a stately home. We even have a museum dedicated to the crab!

Experience what it would have been like to be a Spitfire or Lancaster pilot, interact with Britain’s best-loved toys or test your skills on vintage computer games: We have them all.

Please remember to check autumn opening times directly with attractions.

Margate Caves

A Coast for All Seasons

There’s nothing quite like the refreshing autumnal nip of the seaside air to bring your senses alive.

Autumn is exactly the crispy, fresh, toe-tingly time to pull on your hiking boots and re-energise in the great outdoors. Share a bracing stroll along our open, sandy beaches with your four-legged friend, or cycle the stunning Viking Coastal Trail.

Wind down in one of our saunas' with great sea views - high fives if you brave the chilly tub or a dip in Walpole Bay Tidal Pool.

Warm your hands around a mug of hot chocolate; stop off at a cafe or fortify yourself with something stronger at one of our cosy coastal pubs. Simply watch the white horses roll in or snuggle down at sunset to savour the special seasonal richness of our ‘Turner skies’.

Creative Coast

If you are feeling creative, you can fire your imagination at more than 30 artistic spaces and galleries. From the internationally renowned to small independents, these venues captivate with contemporary and historic art, sculptures, paintings and photography.

Be among the first to view Turner Contemporary’s latest exhibition, ‘Sophie Calle: Something Missing?’ (opens 3 October), bringing together works spanning photography, film and installation, exploring themes of memory, disappearance and longing.

Meet the people behind the works, as local artists, makers and galleries take part in East Kent Artists’ Open Houses (10/11,17/18 and 24/25 October).

Creative Workshop

Cultural Coast

Visit Carl Freedman Gallery for Lures (27 September – 8 November), a solo exhibition by Scottish-Iraqi artist Emii Alrai, exploring the relationship between desire, geography and the body.

Check out Lido Stores for The Long Memory (19 September– 25 October), a solo exhibition of new paintings by Robin Dixon

Tracey Emin’s TKE Studios presents Brogan Bertie’s portraits in NO MOON TONIGHT (Just the light from other people’s windows) revealing a human desperation to capture a moment where every mark made measures the moment passing.

In Broadstairs don’t miss Gallery@37, a contemporary art gallery in the centre of the town, providing a space for over 34 artists and makers to show and sell their work.

If you are up for learning something new or expanding your creative skills, how about a leather workshop, pottery session or cocktail making masterclass, learn from the Isle's most creative and exciting artists.

Planet-Friendly Adventures

Like to tread lightly on days out? We have planet-friendly ideas for sustainable adventures exploring our beautiful Isle.

Sit back and enjoy the scenery by bus and train. Walk or cycle our lovely network of trails.

Become a Coastal Explorer in tune with our marine environment, with these fascinating family activity packs of equipment, fun activity cards and trails to discover Thanet’s heritage and coastline.

Coastal Explorer Packs

With its unique blend of cultural events and coastal landscape, Thanet offers a compelling destination for an autumnal day trip. For overnight stays and longer breaks visitors can choose from a wide range of seafront hotels and cosy cottages to boutique B&B’s and rural retreats.