A Guide to Margate

A long-standing seaside icon, the town of Margate reaches back to the Middle Ages, when it was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Meregate,” meaning a pool or gap in the cliffs. With a storied past that has remained constantly connected to the sea, Margate once formed part of the Cinque Ports confederation and even gave its name to one of the final naval clashes of the Hundred Years’ War. 

Today, Margate is still defined by its maritime past, but has become a hub of creativity, exquisite food and exciting events. In a bustling stretch of around two miles, you can enjoy the latest exhibition at the Turner Contemporary, venture below ground into the Margate caves, ride the UK’s oldest operating rollercoaster and delight in a drinking and dining scene comparable to London or Copenhagen. To ensure you make the most of every single square inch, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do, see, eat and drink in Margate below.   

Getting to Margate

Margate is easily accessible, particularly if you’re based in London and you’re seeking a weekend break at the coast. There are frequent high-speed trains to Margate from London operated by Southeastern, which take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Hop on at St Pancras International, London Victoria or Charing Cross and enjoy an effortless, direct journey. If you’re visiting with a car, getting to Margate by road is equally easy – from either the M20 or M25, take the M2 eastbound before joining the A299 and finally the A2 (or Canterbury Road), which takes you to the centre of the town.  

Where to park in Margate

If you’re visiting Margate by car, there are some areas with free street parking, but these will often be limited to just 1 hour and are usually occupied by residents living in the area. Whether you’re visiting for a short or long duration, here are some spacious, easily-accessible carparks in Margate: 

• Margate Station Car Park (CT9 5AP) – Outdoor parking with 148 spaces
  Convenient location next to the train station, perfect for long stays. Prices from ~£3.60/day, with multi-day passes available via the APCOA app.
• Mill Lane Car Park (CT9 1LB) – More outdoor parking with 139 spaces, free on Saturdays and has a central location, making it ideal if you’re just popping in for a day of shopping and sightseeing. 
• Market Street Car Park (CT9 1EU) – Another outdoor parking option with 67 spaces. Right in Margate’s Old Town, close to galleries, vintage shops, and the seafront. Open until 10 pm. Costs around £3.40 for 2 hours.

Where to stay in Margate 

Promising beachfront bliss and life-affirming sea air, our collection of Margate holiday cottages is perfect for a weekend or longer trip to the Kent coast. For a big-group trip or a reunion with family and friends, Whitecliff is a larger property in the neighbouring town of Birchington-on-Sea with a stunning seafront position.  

What to do in Margate

Margate is the perfect destination for a variety of things to do. Some of our favourites include:  

• • Getting lost between the game consoles and grabber machines of the amusement arcade that spans from 36-42 Marine Terrace. Nothing awakens your inner child (or entertains your actual children) more than the gleaming promises of penny machines. 
  • The vintage rides and roller discos at Dreamland, a vintage-style events and amusements venue that regularly plays host to major music acts and more.  
  • Browsing, buying and book-clubbing at Margate Bookshop, a traditional independent bookshop in the old town. Serving tea and coffee, this scenic spot has a (much-deserved) cult following and is a great Instagram follow for all things literary.   
  • Enjoying a walk, sunbathe or swim at Margate Beach, or instead opting to dunk in the UK’s largest tidal pool, Walpole Bay Tidal Pool. Be sure to check the tide times to plan your visit to perfection.  
  • Mooch, meander and marvel your way through the town’s vintage and antique stores. Junk Deluxe, Old Stable Antiques and Paraphernalia are firm favourites. 
  • Enjoy the wealth of independent clothing, art and homeware shops. While there are too many to mention them all, we love Asobi, No.32 Margate, Margaux, The Store Collective, Les Animaux, Harbour & Tide, Albion Store and Positive Retail.  
  • Admiring the ever-changing exhibitions at Turner Contemporary, an iconic seafront gallery showcasing contemporary and historical art in a striking modernist building. Free to enter and always thought-provoking.
  • Descending into the mysterious Margate Caves, a network of 18th-century chalk caves featuring murals, folklore and history, plus a charming community café and visitor centre above ground.
  • Sweating it out in a wood-fired barrel sauna with sea views at Sea Scrub Sauna, located on Margate Main Sands. Offering both private and communal sessions, it’s a reinvigorating way to soak up the seaside.
  • Whiling away some hours wandering around the food, craft and drinks stalls of the Old Kent Market – it’s housed in a beautiful old cinema building and is home to ‘The Little Prince’ – a famously small 6ft pub.
  • Stretch your legs with an easy 5-mile out-and-back walk along the seafront to Westgate on Sea. It follows the seafront for the entire journey and is lovely and flat.  
  • Eating, eating and more eating. Margate is a serious foodie haven – we’ve rounded up some of the top spots for food and drink below. 

Where to eat in Margate

Margate is an epicentre of epicurean delights. Put simply, there are some really good places to eat and drink. Whether you’re searching for the best bakery for breakfast goodies or you want to experience authentic local seafood fresh from the fishermen, here are the best spots to seek out. 

Best for breakfast/brunch 

• Forts Cafe on Cliff Terrace is a regular mention when it comes to coffee and delicious breakfast/brunch dishes. It’s also a good spot for lunch, but be aware that the kitchen closes at 3 pm. 
• Giant Coffee is another beloved community hub in Margate Old Town with great coffee and delicious plant-based bakes. You can’t miss the stunning bright blue shopfront. They also host ‘Friday lates’ with live music and drinks, so keep an eye on their socials to spot the next one.  
• The Greedy Cow (also located in the old town) has a far-reaching reputation for breakfast buns bursting with the good stuff – we’re talking bacon & stuffing, halloumi & guacamole and sausage & chutney. Get there before 11:45 am to secure yours, or stay for lunch and choose from the lunch menu. 
• HOFFS on Marine Drive describes itself as an ‘all-day hangout’ but is loved for its moreish brunch dishes. 
• While not in Margate itself, STAPLE is well worth the two-mile trip for baked goods that would make any Parisian boulangerie proud.  

Best for lunch 

• Peter’s Fish Factory is an iconic local institution, with another shop in Ramsgate nearby. Known as serving the ‘best fish & chips in Kent,’ this is where you go for your ultimate seaside ritual. Best enjoyed sitting on the harbour wall. 
• With a sister venue in Lisbon, Palms Pizzeria is an award-winning homage to the New York pizzeria. With toppings like pepperoni, stracciatella, hot honey, basil and black pepper, it’s a foodie’s dream.  
• Louie on Sea is the eatery attached to the Turner Contemporary, acting as a cafe by day with supper clubs & chef residencies by night. A glorious sun trap with sparkling sea views, there is also aperitivi & music to enjoy in between.
• Manning’s Seafood Stall is another long-standing local favourite. Take a seat opposite the stall on one of the picnic benches and enjoy oysters with white wine as you gaze out over the ocean. Perfection.
• Another pizzeria that draws inspiration from classic Neapolitan techniques, The Pickled Fox occupies a gorgeous spot in the old town, serving pizzas with beautifully blackened crusts and only the finest, freshest Italian ingredients.  
• DIVE is a true locals’ spot, serving tacos and other Mexican-inspired bites on the harbour arm. If you like what you see here, make sure to experience their big sister branch, HIGH DIVE, on the High Street. 
• Another popular Margate eatery with a sibling venue, Dory’s is a seafood bar serving raw, pickled, cured and baked seafood and vegetable dishes alongside natural wines with views of Margate Main Sands.  

Best for dinner 

• Sargasso is a coastal-inspired wine bar with Michelin’s Bib Gourmand under its belt. An intimate eatery located on the stone pier, the menu is a celebration of local, seasonal flavours.   
• The big sister to Dory’s, Angela’s is a beautiful, uncomplicated bistro with a Michelin Green Star. With an elegantly pared-back environment, they really let their fish and vegetable dishes do the talking.   
• Bottega Caruso is another intimate affair, bringing the full flavours of sun-drenched southern Italy to the table. Go here for candlelit dinners and welcoming warmth. 
• Colina is the restaurant of Margate’s Fort Road Hotel, where the sea stretches across every window pane. A truly iconic building, it’s crammed with character dating back to JMW Turner’s time in the town.  

Best for something sweet 

Partial to something sweet? Lulus Gelato brings authentic Italian craftsmanship to contemporary flavours like mojito, while Ramsay & Williams offers artisan ice cream and baked goods alongside antiques and curiosities. 

Where to drink in Margate  

Margate has a lively evening scene, making it a great weekend destination for both rest and play. Head to Little Swift for expertly crafted cocktails, natural wine and a deli counter or the Rooftop Bar at No.42 for panoramic views of sparkling sunsets. Speaking of sunsets, The Sun Deck is the place to be for great coffee, cocktails and even sundaes as the sun goes down. 

Speaking of views, the characterful Margate Off License boasts stonking views of the Lido tower, while The Shakespeare is a striking, contemporary answer to the classic pub aesthetic. Pomus is a charming small plates and wine bar worthy of a visit (and also great for dinner dates,) while Where Else is known for its live music and events calendar.  

Alternatively, if you want somewhere that doubles as both a co-working space and somewhere to grab cocktails post-workday, Faith in Strangers is the perfect spot, and it even has a bowling alley next door.  

What to see in Margate

Tight on time? Just want the quintessential Margate experience? Here are our non-negotiables on what to see in Margate: 

• The original 1920s neon lights of Dreamland. The iconic entrance building and the rides beyond it are something quite special, particularly against the changing colours of an evening sky. Alternatively (or in addition!), the Lido Tower has equal appeal.    
• Shell Grotto. A mesmerising mystery, nobody knows the origin of this ornate underground chamber, which was discovered purely by chance in 1835. 
• Your favourite cocktail at sunset. Margate is teeming with seriously great bars, and its west-facing position makes sundowners a must. Head for DIVE on the harbour arm, Little Swift on the seafront or The Rooftop Bar at No.42 for scenery that will stay with you long after you leave. 
• Art. The town is bursting with creative genius. No trip could be complete without admiring some of it for yourself at the Turner Contemporary, Carl Freedman Gallery and the Pie Factory, which is also the home of Europe’s only Crab Museum. 

Best beaches near Margate

Margate is well-known for being the quintessential British beach resort, with its very own sandy beach (Margate Main Sands) backed by amusement arcades, boutique shops and even a vintage fairground with an events venue. However, if you’re looking for a more remote or rugged beach experience, Westbrook Bay is a local, quieter option, while Botany Bay, Kingsgate Bay, and Joss Bay are just a 10-minute drive away. 

Take a look at our guide to Kent’s best beaches here.