Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness! Autumn in Thanet

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 taprooms at Northdown Brewery and 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.

Broadstairs Food Festival (2 - 4 October) offers over 100 stalls of local and regional produce to whet your appetite alongside chef demonstrations and expert tasting.

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.

Uncover hidden stories of our Isle during Heritage Open Days (11-20 September). Explore 36 events from historic landmarks, intriguing talks and tours to churches and gardens as they open their doors for FREE. Immerse yourself in ‘Everyday Histories’ exploring daily working life through the ages.

Cultural Coast

Ramsgate Festival of Sound (10-13 September), celebrates the town’s unique
history, landscapes, architecture and people through local talent, great music, and inspirational art.

Jam packed, this immersive festival brings sound installations to unexpected locations, join The Big Gospel Sing or see the UK’s Eurovision entry from the town itself Look Mum No Computer.

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.

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.

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

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).

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.