Things to Do in Margate

Wide sandy beach right in front of the old town. Great for swimming, sunbathing, or just watching the tide come in. The Viking ship playground at the east end keeps kids busy.

🕐 Always open

💡 Arrive early on summer weekends to bag a spot near the harbour arm, which catches the last of the sun and is less crowded.

Cobbled streets, vintage shops, and independent cafés around the harbour. You can spend an hour just wandering and looking at the quirky storefronts. The Saturday market beside the station is good for local produce.

🕐 Shops and cafes generally 10:00–17:30, some closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

💡 Don’t miss the tiny alley called Market Place—there’s a brilliant second-hand bookshop at the far end, and the seafood stall under the arches does the best cockles.

Purpose-built gallery showing modern and contemporary art, with a strong focus on the sea and light that inspired J.M.W. Turner. Changing exhibitions, always free to enter. The cafe has cracking views.

🕐 Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–17:00, closed Mondays (except bank holidays)

💡 Check the website before visiting—during major exhibition changeovers the main gallery can be closed for a week or two. The ground floor shop and cafe stay open though.

Retro seaside amusement park with vintage rides, roller skating, and a huge grassed area for picnics. You only pay for rides—entry to the grounds is free. The Scenic Railway is a historic wooden rollercoaster.

🕐 Varies seasonally: generally weekends March–October 11:00–17:00, daily during school holidays. Check website for exact dates.

💡 Go on a weekday or outside school holidays to avoid crowds and get cheaper ride wristbands. Free entry means you can just walk in for a coffee or to use the loos.

Underground passageway completely covered in intricate mosaics made from 4.6 million shells. No one knows who built it or why—discovered by accident in 1835. Small entry fee, but worth every penny.

🕐 April–October 10:00–17:00 daily; November–March weekends only, 11:00–16:00. Closed Christmas–New Year.

💡 Buy tickets online in summer to skip the queue. It's small—allow 20–30 minutes maximum. Combine with a walk through the nearby Dane Park.