The 12 best things to do in Margate

Head to the Turner Contemporary for a free fix of cutting-edge art right on the seafront, in a rather spectacular building. Most exhibitions are totally free, and there’s often other kinds of events and workshops to get stuck into too. Need more? Head over to support local creatives at Kent’s oldest art gallery Lovelys. 

Then discover the Grade I-listed Shell Grotto, where 4.5 million shells make up its mosaic walls. Who created it and why? If that sparks an urge for more subterranean delights, then head to the recently reopened Margate Caves. This former chalk mine has been an air raid shelter, smugglers’ cave and a wine cella, and more recently has hosted silent discos and toddler meeting classes. As Margate as it gets.

Relish every brunchy bite on the top deck of The Bus Café, complete with sea views and the freshest ingredients from local suppliers. Or sample some seriously fresh seafood platters (or the obligatory seaside fish and chips) at seaview restaurant Buoy and Oyster.

Hot or cold, we hope you’ve bought your swimsuit, as splashing around on Margate beach is one of life’s most simple pleasures. Take a bit of a walk along the shore to avoid (most) of the crowds, and warm yourself up with a hot chocolate after from one of the shacks. 

Spend a penny at the arcades before braving the wilds of the Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, the largest saltwater pool in the UK. The swimming community in Margate is super-friendly, so you’re bound to find encouragement if the water seems too chilly. 

Once you’ve had a head-clearing dip, pop over to the Tom Thumb Theatre for eccentric productions, experimental live music and lots of fun for kids. 

Roll up to Sargasso for one of the classiest seats in Margate. Perched elegantly on Margate’s harbour arm, this scenic stop-off is a wine bar first and foremost, but you’ll want to stay for the fabulously fishy small plates too. On my last visit an exquisite line-up of salty Cantabrian anchovies laying louchely in a puddle of rosemary oil was a standout dish (you may have seen it on Instagram), but you can also nab various other smashers from the sea, including squid sandwiches, mussels, clams and smoked eel. Warning: as it’s out on the harbour, there isn’t exactly a bathroom, but there is a ‘prestige portaloo’ for guests.

📍 Couldn’t get a table? Check out our full list of the best restaurants in Margate

Ascend to hipster heaven at retro clobber store Handsome Freaks. Pick up perfume and skincare products at eco-loving store Haeckels. Its soaps and toiletries are made from seaweed foraged along the coast. What’s more, it offers free goodies to shoppers who come in armed with a bagful of rubbish collected from the beach. Do your bit for the planet and you’ll come away smelling fabulous as well as feeling good.

Top up on caffeine at the Margate Coffee Shed, which does a fine line in sweet treats too. Sip on a glass of red in eclectic surroundings at Fez and, if you’re partial to a pint of real ale, try The Harbour Arms. It’s a former fisherman’s hut with superb views of the glittering vista that inspired seascape master JMW Turner. For more excellent booze, head around the harbour arm to The Two Halves for sunset views over the beach.