Margate is a seaside town located in the county of Kent, UK and is well known for its sandy beach and its easy access from London, only 1 hour 20 by train, makes it a great day trip out of the city. Margate’s small lanes mixed with its up and coming artsy vibe has lots for you to explore on your next day trip.
Want another day trip from London? Check out Our Whitstable, UK Travel Guide: A Charming Day at the Seaside from London
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How to get to Margate?
Margate is located 80 miles to the East of London. To drive from London to Margate it would take you between 2 – 2.5 hours. The fastest way to get to Margate however is by train. The trains leave from London Victoria or St Pancras International and take around 1 hour and 20 mins to reach Margate. All your tickets can be booked through Tranline here.
Once you arrive in Margate it is around a 5 minute walk from the station to Margate Beach otherwise it is only a 10 minute walk into the centre of Margate itself. This makes getting to Margate from London super accessible for your day trip.
Want a weekend away instead? Check out Our Best Romantic Weekend Breaks from London: UK Getaways by Car or Train
What to do in Margate?
Turner Contemporary Museum
Located a 12 minute walk from the train station the Turner Contemporary Museum is a great place to visit in Margate no matter the weather. JMW Turner, British painter, whom the museum was named after is thought to have frequented the area which inspired several of his artworks of the sea. The museums has no permanent collection however regularly rotating artists.
It has a large focus on being able to bring art and the creatives to everyone with their large children area and workshops throughout the year. They run several weekly activities for children as well as during school holidays along with running adults workshops through their large event spaces.
Onsite there is also a cafe operated by Staple Stores a local company operating in the Thanet area. They serve a large range of pastries, drinks and other lunch specials so that you don’t have to move far from the Museum.
The Turner Contemporary Museum also has lockers for a fee of £1 where you are also able to store all your belonging while you enjoy your day in Margate.
Dreamland
Dreamland is a small amusement park located along the seafront in Margate. The park has a small indoor area for ticketed games along with several outdoor rides that are idea for younger children. It is free to enter Dreamland however rides and arcade games are individually priced.
The park is also host to Banskys “Valentine’s day mascara” which was moved from a property nearby in Margate and put on display in the park. Dreamland also hosts several music concerts and festivals throughout the year on their outdoor stage.
The Old Kent Market
The building which was once home to a cinema is now home to a range of eclectic stalls, street food and local produce. The Old Kent Market is a charming and vibrant hub of creativity located just back from the Turner Contemporary Museum. Whether you’re looking for somewhere for lunch or just to stop in and have a wander then The Old Kent Market is worth checking out.
Shell Grotto
Found in 1835 the Shell Grotto in Margate is made up of intricate mosaics crafted entirely from seashells. These 21 meters of winding passages are made up of over 4.6 million shells. The exact reasoning or significance of this Shell Grotto is still a mystery. It is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday between 10 -5pm and tickets can be purchased on arrival.
Want to explore Kent further? Check out Our Guide to 1 Day in Canterbury, UK: Exploring Historic Kent, England
Beaches in Margate
Margate beach
Margate main beach is the first beach that anyone thinks of when they head to Margate for a swim. It is a sandy beach full of children rides, ice-cream shops and crowds galore. If you get there early enough you can get a nice spot towards the front of the beach so that all the entertainment from the street behind doesn’t ruin your peaceful day. Also make sure to check the tide times as the time can be right out in the middle of the day meaning you would have to walk a fair way to reach the water.
Westbrook bay
If you’re looking for a quieter day at the beach and you have bought all your own things for your days set up then head to the neighbouring beach of Westbrook Bay. The smaller beach lined with beach huts has less of the entertainment and amusements on offer however it is our favourite of the beaches in Margate.
Where to eat in Margate?
There has been an exploding in Margate of new locally owned cafes and resturants opening up. Make sure to spend some time wandering through the town to find all of its hidden gems.
Our favourites in Margate include:
Curve Coffee
Coffee
The Greedy Cow
Brunch & Lunch Cafe
Modern Provider
Bakery
The Bus Cafe
Cafe
Sargasso
Seafood Restaurant
Wildes
Bar
Dorys
Seafood Restaurant
Little Swift
Bar
Xylo Brewing
Microbrewery
Ramsay & Williams Ice Cream Bar
Icecreamery
Looking for another day trip from London? Check out Our Guide to Day Trips from London: Best Places to visit by Train from London
Where to stay in Margate?
Selina
£
Fort Road Hotel
££
No 42 by Guest House
£££
Looking for another day trip? Check out Our 1 Day Guide for Things to do in Brighton & Hove: A Day trip from London
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4 Comments
I would love to experience the seaside town of Margate in Kent. And the train from London makes it a perfect day trip!
A traditional english seaside village is always a treat and an easy day trip for London. Interesting to learn about the Shell Grotto.
Shell Grotto seems like such an interesting place! Would love to explore Kent!
Would love to visit a traditional English seaside village. It could easily be a day trip from London.