“Cass? You still there? Our coach has just blown up!”
Sandy beaches, fresh sea air, the faint smell of seafood and the distinct brutalist skyline. It could only be one place that I’m referring to, couldn’t it? Well, maybe not, but unless you’ve been hiding under a rock for the last 18 months, you’ll know that Margate is the latest seaside destination to hit up. Just 90 minutes from London, it’s easy enough to hop to for the day, or for a slightly longer break. Most famous for its feature in Only Fools & Horses (if you didn’t get the leading reference, who even are you?), the temptation of arcades and coach trips with Rodders and Del, was too much even for me. Even after all those years, it caters for a right good jolly boys outing.
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Guide to Margate: Brutal architecture is a highlight
To Stay:
Margate is most certainly an airbnb destination town and there’s an abundance of cool homes to move into for a few days. Here’s a few purse-friendly options that still pack a punch.
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Guide to Margate: Bohemian brilliance at The Well
The Well
The Well is a “wellness residence” situated up the top of the sandy bays of Margate, directly opposite The Winter Gardens. This bohemian paradise is owned by Hannah and Adam who have gone out of their way to fill the Airbnb abode with special items sourced both locally and from their travels abroad. More like a boutique hotel, there’s a bathtub in one of the bedrooms, hi-tech appliances and all the Haeckels products you could wish for.
You can see my full review of the most relaxing residence in Margate here.
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Guide to Margate: Mid-century Modern at Atelier Tally
Atelier Tally
If bohemian paradise isn’t your thing, another great option is Atelier Tally’s Margate mid-century abode. Filled to the brim with Vitsoe and the biggest selection of chairs, this design blogger has created a pad filled with design history. If you’re visiting with a friend, this is an affordable option that will provide a great space to chill at after a long day of exploring Margate.
To Play:
There is surprisingly quite a lot to do in this rather small town, from arcades to a grotto filled with shells, here’s what to grab your explorers hat for.
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Guide to Margate: Dare to dream at Dreamland Amusement Park
Dreamland
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Guide to Margate: Play with art at Turner Contemporary
Turner Contemporary
The Turner Contemporary is likely one of the main causes for the upheaval of East Londoners to the town of Margate, providing the coastal town with the basis of an art scene and a catalyst for regeneration. The gallery, designed by David Chipperfield Architects, looks out on the coast that JMW Turner immortalised in his works citing Margate’s skies as “the loveliest”. Catch a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions and events at the gallery and embrace Margate’s creative spark.
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Guide to Margate: Lido Sands and Botany Bay are good spots for bathing!
The Beaches
Margate is a coastal town, meaning that the beach wraps around most of the area. Margate Sands in the primary beach where most tourists hit, including to sit on the ‘Sunset Steps’ for a relaxing evening, however those in-the-know will likely head to the quieter Botany Bay or Westbrook Bay. The beaches here are pure sand which is a refreshing treat from most British Seaside resorts, so don’t forget your bucket and spade.
Main Sands, Marine Terrace, Margate CT9 1XJ
Westbrook Bay, 12 Royal Esplanade, Margate CT9 5DW
Botany Bay, Marine Dr, Broadstairs CT10 3LG
To Eat:
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Guide to Margate: Cheese comas courtesy of Cheesy Tiger
The Post Office (previously known as Cheesy Tiger)
If you’ve been around here for long enough, you’ll know that I absolutely adore cheese. When I asked for recommendations on the gram, almost everyone recommended we eat at Cheesy Tiger and, my god, it did not disappoint. We tried out the Padron Peppers, the freshly-made aioli, the Mac and cheese and the legendary cheese toastie with jalapeños. Since posting this, the oh so famous Cheesy Tiger has since moved to Old Town’s Post Office so do book a table here if you’re still after the cheesy stuff. Same people, same menu, different upmarket interior. Gosh, I’m dribbling just thinking about it.
22-23 Cecil square, Margate, CT9 1BA
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Guide to Margate: Classic options of Fish & Chips and Ice Cream on Margate Sands
Pete’s Fish Factory
If you’re visiting the seaside, it would be a sin not to eat fish and chips on the seafront, right? The Well told us about Pete’s Fish Factory on their handy Margate guide and pre-warned us that there would always be a queue, but it would be well and truly worth it. We joined said queue with high hopes and the friendly staff made it a whole lot more bearable alongside the smells of freshly cooked fish. JJP and I shared a large cod, large chips and pea fritter for under a tenner, and felt full for the rest of the day. We both eat a lot, so that’s a good serving I can tell you.
12 The Parade, Margate CT9 1EZ
Pizza GB
‘You wanna pizza me?’ – Yes, you’ve probably seen the neon sign before. It belongs to Pizza GB, another highly recommended food joint on the gram. If you’re a fan of sourdough “fancy” pizza then this a great place to try out; perfect for kids and slightly larger parties and right on the seafront so you don’t have to venture too far.
14a Marine Dr, Margate CT9 1DH
To Chill:
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Guide to Margate: Analogue cool at Cliffs
Cliffs
Cliffs is situated in the depths of Cliftonville, which is an interesting little area to say the least. You can see why East Londoners dig it. The airy cafe has a retro yet minimal vibe and offers food, good coffee, vinyl, a hairdressers and yoga. Yep, what a mix. I recommend sitting upstairs for a coffee with a view and some darn good monochromatic mid-century stairs.
172 Northdown Rd, Margate CT9 2QN
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Guide to Margate: Unofficial rooftop drinks at the Harbour Arm. Photo courtesy of Natasha Nuttall, shot by Joshua John Parker
Harbour Arm
Margate is pretty chilled for the most part, but the Harbour Arm is where it’s at for sunset. Grab a drink from the actual Harbour Arms (yes, it looks like a shack but they do take card here) and head on up to the roof of the building to watch the sun go down. Don’t be alarmed if you’re joined by a few stoners too…
Harbour Arm, Margate CT9 1AP
To Shop:
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Guide to Margate: Spa bliss in Haeckels
Haeckels
Oh Haeckels, how I adore thee! This gorgeous skincare and wellness brand stocks products in a variety of concept stores across the UK, so you’ve likely come across them before, but Margate is the home of Haeckels’ fragrance-infused store. This cliff-top lab brings the benefits and textures of coastal living to daily skincare and is one of only two licensed places to harvest seaweed from the English coast. Well-designed and interesting to boot.
18 Cliff Terrace, Margate, CT9 1RU
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Guide to Margate: Don’t do drugs kids.
Old Town
&nsbp
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A Guide to Margate: Inject some colour at Little Bit Margate
Little Bit Margate
Let’s be honest, you need a little bit of colour in your life when visiting Margate, and Little Bit Margate has A LOT! The gift shop is located in Old Town and is surrounded by various other sweet little boutiques as mentioned above. Head here for stationery, gifts and more with a colourful kick and a joyful atmosphere.
1-3 Broad St, Margate, Kent CT9 1EW
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