Margate
Sands is a boutique hotel with 20 modern rooms and offers amazing views.
Take in a little comedy, cinema or live music at the Tom Thumb Theatre, which has been transformed from a Victorian coach house into one of the smallest theatres in the world.
If you want some vintage goodies to take away with you, have a spin around Junk Deluxe, which is full of modern, quirky and one-of-a-kind designs.
Going to Margate and not going to Dreamland is like going to Margate and not going to the Turner Contemporary…it’s pretty much mandatory. Restored to all its retro glory, it’s got a helter skelter, a roller disco, a chair-o-plane, a big wheel…even the rickety old Grade-II listed scenic railway has survived…so turn back the clock and have some good old-fashioned fun at the fair.
If you’re looking for something weird and wonderful, head to the Shell Grotto. It’s exactly what it says on the tin…winding underground passageways and chambers covered in around 4.6 million shells. No one knows exactly how the grotto came to be there or what it was used for, but that’s all part of the fun isn’t it?
The town also happens to be home to the swishy Turner Contemporary; one of the best galleries in the country. Not only does it feature bloody good contemporary art, it also hosts major exhibitions on the guy it’s named after. You’d be a fool not to go and have a look. And make sure you take in the seafront view…you might get a little inspired after looking at the sea and sky that caught Turner’s eye.
Margate is all about the art – when you’ve got connections like JMW Turner and Tracey Emin that’s not surprising. There are plenty of places to take in works by up-and-coming local artists and the Pie Factory is a great example. No pastry-based snacks in sight though, unfortunately…
The Harbour Arms has board games and a pub piano to keep you entertained, plus bangin’ views across the harbour.
Margate is overflowing with micropubs but The Two Halves is an example that stands out from the crowd. Serving up some of the best cask ales around this place is all about the booze and good chat with no music or TV to distract you – it’s the perfect place to grab a pint and make some new friends.
Grab a scoop from Melt Gelato – which is hands down some of the best ice cream in town. The only problem you’ll have is choosing from their 32 flavours!
The doorstop sandwiches from The Greedy Cow Deli make the place live up to it’s name. Go hungry, leave VERY satisfied.
Chips aren’t the only thing that Margate does well and it’s worth grabbing a slice of the action at GB Pizza.
No trip to the seaside is complete without fish & chips and even though Margate has been spruced up a bit, it doesn’t mean you can’t find a good ol’ fashioned chippie, just check out Peter’s Fish Factory opposite the harbour.