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
Savour seasonal bounty as our coast and countryside reveal their autumnal treasures. Sumptuous produce, locally caught fish and seafood, luscious ripe fruits, artisan made pies, piping hot soups, spicy preserves, Kent produced wines and local ciders and beer.
Gather local specialties at the monthly, award-winning Cliftonville Farmers’ Market, or Broadstairs Farmers’ Market or pick up fresh seafood and gourmet deli items at Quex Barn. For international flavours, the Margate International Food Centre provides a wonderful array of Mediterranean and Asian ingredients.
Relax at one of the isle's welcoming micropubs, or taste fresh local brews directly from the taproom at Gadd’s The Ramsgate Brewery.
Adding to Thanet's culinary reputation, The Wellington, Margate and Aster, Broadstairs both earned a place in the prestigious 2026 Michelin Guide. Joining Sargasso Margate, Kebbells, Broadstairs and Quince, Westgate amongst many Michelin recommended places to eat.
And of course if we are talking about delicious food, we can’t forget the iconic seaside favourite, fish and chips! There are many fish and chip shops in and around Thanet so don’t miss out, grab yourself some freshly fried fish and crispy chips, add lashings of vinegar and tuck in. Just watch out for the greedy gulls!
Broadstairs Food Festival. Credit Harding – Lee Media
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
Cultural Coast
The isle is known for Dickens and TS Eliot but for one October weekend Margate Bookie ‘friendly litfest by the sea’ (16-18 October) 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.
Ramsgate Festival of Sound. Credit Mike Goldwater
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
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.
Visit Hold in Ramsgate and see eighteen vintage Sindy toy caravans in The Caravan Show, Field of Dreams. An exhibition where familiar objects transform into something quietly unexpected. Part sculpture, part landscape and part theatre.
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.
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.
Visitor Information Centre The Droit House Stone Pier Margate Kent CT9 1JD Te: 01843 577577 Email: visitorinformation@thanet.gov.uk www.visitthanetbusiness.co.uk