This seaside town in Kent has a sandy beach, the Turner Contemporary art gallery, and a restored 1920s amusement park. The Shell Grotto's mysterious underground tunnels date to the 1830s.
Margate, a seaside town in Kent, has become one of England's most creative coastal communities. You can spend your day on the wide sandy Main Sands beach, wander through the Shell Grotto's underground tunnels lined with 4.6 million shells, or see contemporary exhibitions at the Turner Contemporary gallery. The restored Dreamland amusement park runs its 1920s wooden roller coaster, while the Old Town's streets are lined with independent shops, artist studios, and galleries.
Swimming and Beaches
Margate Main Sands stretches along the town center with clean, shallow waters ideal for swimming. The Grade II listed Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, built in 1937, extends 450 feet into the sea. The pool covers four acres, making it one of the largest seawater pools in England. You'll find changing facilities, lifeguards during summer months, and several beachfront cafes serving hot drinks and snacks. Many locals swim here year-round, and cold-water swimming groups meet regularly at this historic spot.
Art at Turner Contemporary
The Turner Contemporary gallery stands next to Margate's harbor, hosting major exhibitions throughout the year. Recent shows have included works by Tracey Emin, Paula Rego, and Barbara Walker, alongside pieces from international artists. The gallery's name honors painter J.M.W. Turner, who lived in Margate and painted its seascapes. Large windows look out to the North Sea, and you can join free guided tours every Thursday.
Exploring Dreamland
Dreamland has been part of Margate since 1920, with the Scenic Railway - Britain's oldest wooden roller coaster - at its heart. The park closed in 2006 but reopened in 2015 after local residents campaigned to save it. You can now ride restored vintage rides and attend music events throughout summer. The 1930s cinema building, which appeared in the film 'Empire of Light', maintains its original Art Deco facade and interior details.
Unique Places
The Shell Grotto, discovered in 1835, contains underground passages covered with intricate mosaics made from over 4.6 million shells. Researchers continue to study its origins and purpose. The Crab Museum, the only museum in Europe focused on decapods, explains marine science with humor. In the Margate Caves, you can explore former chalk mines and see Victorian graffiti and wartime shelter remains.
Getting Around
High-speed trains from London St Pancras reach Margate in 90 minutes, while regular services from Victoria take about two hours. Most places in town are within a 20-minute walk of each other. Stagecoach buses connect Margate to nearby towns like Canterbury and Ramsgate. Mill Lane and Harold Road car parks are free on Saturdays.
