Margate, a seaside town on the Kentish coast, has been described as the 'coolest' seaside town in England, offering a blend of traditional seaside charm and modern attractions that make it an ideal destination for a weekend break.
Known for its spectacular beach, lively atmosphere, and thriving food scene, Margate has evolved significantly since childhood visits of decades past. The town now boasts an impressive culinary scene and a vibrant arts community while retaining its nostalgic British holiday appeal, providing the best of both worlds for families, couples, and friends.
Celebrity Appeal and Property Prices
Margate has become a magnet for celebrities and Londoners, who are pushing property prices ever higher. Visitors might spot well-known faces such as Lily Allen, Sam Mendes, Olivia Colman, and certain cast members from EastEnders, according to Kent Live.
The town's Cliftonville district has been hailed as one of the 'coolest' in the UK, and TimeOut has named Margate as one of the best places to visit. The Boutique Handbook has also described it as the 'coolest' seaside town in England.
Attractions and Beaches
Margate Main Sands is a must-visit, home to some of the softest, golden sands along 19 miles of breathtaking Kentish coastline. Key attractions include Margate Museum, the eccentric Crab Museum, the captivating Shell Grotto, and the subterranean appeal of Margate Caves. The delightful Margate Old Town is a haven of charming museums and quirky boutiques, providing everything from vintage treasures to modern gifts.
Proudly celebrating its seaside roots, Margate has all the classic coastal attractions: plenty of fish and chip spots, ice cream vendors scattered along the promenade, waterfront pubs, and traditional crazy golf courses. A short distance from the beach sits Dreamland, the nostalgic amusement park that remains a popular destination for family entertainment. The park features traditional fairground attractions, live music performances, and the Scenic Railway—Britain's oldest wooden rollercoaster.
Dining and Cultural Highlights
For fish and chips, Peter's Fish Factory at 12 Royal York Mansions in Margate comes highly recommended. For a more refined dining experience, Margate also has restaurants like Angela's and Bottega Caruso, as well as emerging venues such as Sargasso and Fort Road Hotel.
Sargasso, with its breathtaking ocean views, has been acknowledged in SquareMeal's Top 100 UK restaurants for 2023, a compilation that honours the "highest calibre of restaurants" nationwide. Alternatively, Bottega Caruso offers an authentic Italian atmosphere, with cuisine obtained directly from the owner's family village in Italy, along with fresh pasta, homemade tomato sauce, and other Italian specialities. They also host pasta-making classes and arrange Supper Club evenings.
For those with a taste for the arts, the Turner Contemporary gallery is an absolute must-visit, boasting a diverse array of exhibitions that give London's cultural offerings a genuine run for their money. Guests can take part in guided tours and workshops or simply relax in the café overlooking the picturesque harbour.
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool and Relocation Recognition
Margate's breathtaking four-acre tidal pool, situated just 1.4 miles from Margate Main Sands, is not to be overlooked. The Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, loved by year-round swimmers and families, is not only Britain's largest but also features "fresh water springs rising from the beach" within its boundaries. It's the perfect spot to soak in the coastal atmosphere, whether you fancy a swim or simply wish to relax beside the water.
Last year, Margate was also crowned the best seaside town to relocate to in My Baggage's 2025 Coastal Relocation Index. The winner was decided using criteria such as house prices, average earnings, weather conditions, transport links, and local amenities. Paul Stewart, CEO of My Baggage, commented: "Margate leads convincingly as the UK's premier coastal relocation destination for 2025. Its first-place ranking in our Coastal Relocation Index demonstrates the perfect balance of affordability, quality of life and seaside charm."
