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Take a walk of discover around Margate's Cliftonville

Did you hear the news - Cliftonville was named 8th in Time Out’s Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World 2022

Just a short walk from Margate town centre and seafront you’ll find Cliftonville. Take a wander along Northdown Road to discover galleries, independent shops, bars and cafes rich in character.

From on high to underground, Cliftonville’s richness extends beneath the surface, with the wondrous Shell Grotto, adorned with 4.6 million shells, all in astounding patterns. A few streets away, at Margate Caves, you can glimpse the covert life of 19th century aristocrats, who used this old chalk mine cavern as a party palace! Got your curiosity going?

Immerse yourself into the world of challenges at not one but two Escape Room venues to crack the clues in time. That is not all with Margate Leisure Centre home to axe throwing, roller skating and pétanque.

Head to the monthly Cliftonville Farmers Market to pick up local and regional produce or answer those tummy rumbles and thirsts at bars, cafes and restaurants - Forts Coffee, Lillie’s Tapas Bar, Streets, The Tap Room. Can you complete the Dalby Cafe big breakfast? Take in the international food scene with grocery stores offering foods from a variety of cuisines.

RG Scott Furniture Mart is an aladdin's cave of everything antique, old fashioned and unusual. Browse the vinyl at Cliffs before enjoying coffee, or head to Haeckels for beauty products made from the local sea.

Stock up on artist supplies at Lovelys Gallery whilst browsing their latest exhibition or create your own masterpiece at Clayspace Studios. 

A packed exhibition programme cane be found at The Lido Stores, Salon, Liminal Gallery and more.

If it's entertainment you are after, catch a performance at the Tom Thumb Theatre, learn a new skill at Rosslyn Court’s workshops or head to the bandstand for an afternoon of music. 

September 2023 saw the newly refurbished former Margate synagogue now Ark Cliftonville's Cultural Space open presenting music, plays and talks.

Cliftonville's The Oval bandstand not just a place for sunday summer concerts but also outdoor cinema, markets and seasonal events.

Take a dip in the invigorating Walpole Bay Tidal pool - a 100-metre wide, 1930s leisure pool where the locals love to go. (*Please follow all safety guidelines for sea swimming here)

Rosslyn Court

Every day something new appears, and it’s here that you can scratch the surface of some of the town’s artistic community.

Don’t take our word for it, see what Time Out suggests for their perfect day out - Wake at the iconic Walpole Bay Hotel and walk along the beach to the Dalby Café for the town’s best fry-up. From there, head underground to explore the Margate Caves and the mesmerising Shell Grotto before grabbing an epic focaccia sandwich at Forts. Browse Northdown Road’s vintage shops and galleries, stopping for drinks at Margate Off License and Daisy, before a boogie at Margate Arts Club.

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Contact Us
Visitor Information Centre
The Droit House
Stone Pier
Margate
Kent CT9 1JD
Te: 01843 577577
Email: visitorinformation@thanet.gov.uk
www.visitthanetbusiness.co.uk
Official website of Visit Thanet, Thanet District Council.