Margate - The Original Seaside

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 the Turner Contemporary - an acclaimed international art gallery where collections range from edgy and challenging to accessible and fun. 2021 marks the 10th anniversary of it opening. 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, adventure golf, unique theatres, strolls on the sand and romantic sunset skies. In fact, the things that have delighted for generations, re-invented with a retro vibe. Take a trip in the newly reopened Margate Caves

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