Thanet in Autumn: Heritage, Culture, and the Taste of the Coast

As summer fades into autumn the isle takes on a relaxed pace, with cultural charm and coastal calm, crisp sea air, invigorating beach walks, and fresh seasonal produce in award winning restaurants.

Autumn promises to inspire with a programme of events showcasing the uniqueness of the isle. From the ‘Everyday Histories’ stories of Heritage Open Days and the latest art exhibition at Turner Contemporary to the spectacle of Ramsgate Festival of Sound and Broadstairs Food Festival with over 100 stalls to tickle your taste buds.

Your seasonal adventure is closer than you think! Escape the city and hop on the high-speed train from London to Margate, Broadstairs or Ramsgate and you'll be breathing in the fresh salty air in just 80 minutes. It’s the perfect getaway for those looking to swap the Tube for the tide without the long-haul hassle.

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.

Ramsgate Festival of Sound. Credit Mike Goldwater

Take a step into History

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.

That’s not all. Discover more at our museums. Explore underground mysteries in caves and tunnels, experience what it would have been like to be a Spitfire or Lancaster pilot or go on African and Asian adventures. We even have a museum dedicated to the crab!

Margate Caves

Autumn Feasts

Take fresh sea air, sprinkle generously with sumptuous seasonal produce from the Garden of England. Locally caught fish and seafood, luscious ripe fruits and pies, piping hot soups, crispy bakes, ciders and ales: Autumn’s harvest from our coast and countryside is here.

Browse local goodies at the monthly award-winning Cliftonville Farmers’ Market, or Broadstairs Farmers’ Market set within the ground of Bleak House. Head to Quex Barn for deli delights, fresh seafood, fruit, veg and scrumptious bakes.

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, all situated on the town’s Victoria Gardens overlooking the beach.

Broadstairs Food Festival. Credit Harding – Lee Media

Artistic Coast

Fire your imagination at more than 30 artistic galleries and spaces across the isle. From the internationally renowned to small independents, venues captivate with contemporary and historic art, sculptures, paintings and photography. Discover public art on foot or join a fun guided bike art tour.

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).

If this leaves you feeling creative there are plenty of workshops to try your hand at from leather, candle, painting workshops and more.

Creative Workshop