Margate in Kent has been hailed as one of the UK's finest seaside destinations, offering a blend of sandy beaches, retro amusement parks, and eccentric attractions. Despite being frequently overlooked in favour of larger resorts like Brighton and Blackpool, the town boasts cosy pubs, craft breweries, independent shops, and a generous stretch of sand ideal for paddling.
A standout attraction is the Shell Grotto, a subterranean passage adorned with over 4.6 million shells, described as something from a fantasy novel. For thrill-seekers, Dreamland Margate offers free entry and a range of vintage-inspired rides, including the Scenic Railway, the UK's oldest rollercoaster. Visitors pay per ride using tokens.
Margate has also earned the nickname 'Shoreditch-on-Sea' due to an influx of creatives from East London. The Turner Contemporary art gallery, designed by Sir David Chipperfield, opened in 2011, and nearby Fort Road Hotel, a converted 1820 guesthouse, adds to the town's artistic appeal. J. M. W. Turner once praised the local skies as 'the loveliest in all of Europe'.
