Empire of Light filmed in Margate 

Where beach holidays and modern art are seriously cool

In Margate, seaside kitsch is uber-cool. Visit and celebrate age-old resort-town traditions – sandy beaches, fish n’ chips, seafood stalls and shore-side rides, all with a hip new twist. Capture a famous Turner sunset whilst settled on the seafront steps or a seafront bar, cafe or restaurant. 

Tour Turner Contemporary - an acclaimed international art gallery where collections range from edgy and challenging to accessible and fun, that celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2021. Rejuvenated Margate is home to Dreamland – an iconic amusement park delivering vintage rides including the UK's oldest wooden roller coaster, plus all the fun of the festival with popup entertainment, live music, bars and restaurants to delight all generations. 2020 marked the 100th anniversary since Dreamland opened with the Scenic Railway 

All around Margate you’ll see why it deserves the title, capital of British cool: a regenerated Old Town and Harbour Arm packed with hipster hangouts, buzzy cafes and retro shops. The town so beloved by JMW Turner and Tracey Emin is now attracting waves of artists, galleries and innovative firms. 

In Margate you’ll discover a shell grotto, a Tudor House, a wealth of amazing history at the town's museum, unique theatres, plus indoor and outdoor adventure golf.  You’ll enjoy strolls on the sand and watching romantic sunset skies reflected in the sea. In fact, the things that have delighted for generations, re-invented with a retro vibe.

Newer additions not to miss include the reopened Margate Caves, where you can discover their intriguing history, including an iron age skeleton and a visionary school mistress. Delve into all things decapod at the totally clawesome Crab Museum. Immerse yourself and experience miniature worlds,exhibition pieces and displays of Hornby, Airfix, CORGI, Scalextric and Pocher at The WonderWorks, Margate. 

FREE CAR PARKING is available every Saturday at Mill Lane, Margate and Harold Road, Cliftonville

Discover more of what Margate has to offer and hidden gems with our insider's guide video

Looking for places to stay in Margate? Margate offers seafront hotels with stunning views, boutique B&Bs and guest houses to quaint seaside self catering properties

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