Fancy a break but need inspiration? Check out our Insider’s Guide to Margate film and start planning your 48-hours in this vibrant coastal town, famous for Turner Contemporary. 

Mix ‘n’ match contemporary and retro shopping with browsing eclectic galleries as you wander the cobbled streets of Margate’s Old Town. Enjoy freshly brewed seasonal coffee and deliciously tempting treats at cosy cafes, a leisurely lunch at a quality eaterie or pop into the Old Kent Market and see what gets your mouth watering.

Time the tides right, to see Antony Gormley’s ANOTHER TIME sculpture emerge from the sea behind Margate’s Turner Contemporary or head inside to marvel at their latest exhibition.

Grab your skates and whizz around Dreamland’s Roller Room or embrace a walk across Margate’s Main Sands 

Explore Margate’s two amazing underground experiences - Margate Caves, which were originally dug as a chalk mine in the 18th century and feature creative murals and the mysterious subterranean wonder of the Shell Grotto with walls covered in 4.6 million shells. Can you solve its mystery?

What better way to end the day than with fish and chips beach side, people watching or waiting for a famous Turner sunset (perfect for an Insta post) before heading to a local bar for a drink or catching a gig at one of the town’s music venues.

How about starting day two with an award winning breakfast at the Bus Cafe - a double-decker bus right on the promenade? Then hire a bike and follow the Viking Coastal Trail to the neighbouring resorts of Broadstairs with its spectacular coastline and two famous 1950s ice cream parlours and Ramsgate which boasts the only ‘Royal’ harbour in the country and where you can sit along the cosmopolitan waterfront and feel as if you were in Marseilles!

You could be in Margate in under 90 minutes from London with Southeastern’s highspeed rail service - so what are you waiting for?

Tempted to see more? Take a look at our experiences and browse our accommodation to extend your stay

Thank you to artists Zoe Murphy and Charlie Evartisto-Boyce