Time Out has unveiled its annual list of the finest seaside towns across the UK, and taking the coveted top spot is none other than the much-loved Margate. The publication described it as "old-school seaside kitsch meets East London cool," a sentiment that its growing stream of visitors and new residents would no doubt wholeheartedly echo.
Why Margate Stands Out
Many are drawing comparisons between the seaside town and Hackney in East London, a neighbourhood renowned for its vibrant and eclectic character. Yet Margate has a distinct identity entirely its own. Its appeal lies in the idyllic stretch of sand along the Kentish coastline, complemented by the lively buzz of arcades, a thriving arts scene, and a reliably impressive selection of food and drink.
Whether you are planning a day trip from within Kent or making the journey from further afield, there is more than enough to keep you entertained and eager to return.
Things to See
As you would expect from a seaside town, Margate boasts several beaches, and it is this winning combination of sand, sea, and sunshine that attracts visitors throughout the summer. For many, Margate beach offers a sense of tranquillity; even outside peak tourist season, it remains a rewarding spot for a leisurely stroll and taking in the stunning natural surroundings.
One TripAdvisor review of Margate Beach reads: "I lived in Thanet for 10 years, most of that time in Margate, and Margate Main Sands was always my favourite place to go for a walk. This beach has a unique atmosphere - wide, open, and calming, especially outside the busy summer season. I spent countless hours here walking along the shore, watching the sea, and clearing my head. The combination of the sandy beach, the sound of the waves, and the changing light throughout the day makes it a special place, not just for tourists but for locals too."
Beyond the seafront, the town's most visited attraction is the Margate Caves. The caves were initially excavated as a chalk mine during the 18th century, before being abandoned and left undisturbed for more than a century. Today, they have been transformed into a tourist attraction, showcasing the caves' rich heritage through exhibitions and offering an informative family day out.
After visiting the caves, one person shared: "Absolutely loved it! It isn't a huge place but sooooo worth a visit. Everyone who works there, be it at the ticket office, the cafe or the enthusiastic and brilliant guide down below, really pulls out all the stops to make one feel welcome and have a great experience."
Embracing its creative character, there is a weekly market held at weekends called the Margate Old Town Market, situated in the town centre, nestled behind the parade. With stalls getting set up from around 10am, visitors can browse local produce, trinkets, clothing, and much more as they meander through. One visitor described it as a 'gem of Margate', noting that it makes for a perfect stroll on a pleasant day, but advising to 'make sure you stop to drink and eat'.
Eating Out
It is fair to say there is no shortage of restaurants, pubs, and cafés, making it a true paradise for food lovers, and its vibrant, characterful streets provide the ideal backdrop for stumbling across a hidden culinary gem. Time Out highlighted two spots as absolute must-visits, the first being The Good Egg, renowned for its excellent brunch. The second recommendation was Sargasso, where diners can enjoy delicious seafood and small plates paired with a fine selection of wines.
For those seeking something a touch more upmarket, there is a Michelin-starred seafood restaurant called Angela's, described as a "friendly neighbourhood restaurant" that delivers stunning food without any of the stuffiness you might expect. One diner shared: "We loved Angela's delicious food and drink in a great atmosphere – super staff too. Prices were reasonable for such good quality food and cooking."
Away from seafood, and well worth a visit during any coastal trip, is a highly regarded Italian restaurant called Olivo, which boasts some of the strongest ratings on TripAdvisor. Serving up authentic Italian cuisine right in the heart of the town, it has accumulated nearly 300 'excellent' reviews.
Margate is bursting with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, and if you are based in Kent or the South East, planning even a day trip there this year is an absolute must. Many would argue it is more than worth the journey even from further away.
