Margate, a quintessential British beach town.
An old amusement park, sandy beaches, cute pubs, plenty of vintage shops and endless Mr. Whippy. A++
In June, I ventured out to Margate for a day spent seaside. With direct trains running hourly from King’s Cross, getting to/from Margate is incredible easy. And, if you want to make a full day of it, you could also stop at Whitstable on your way back to London.
What’s there to do in Margate, you ask?
Plenty.
- Start by walking along the shoreline, unlike the pebbly beaches in the south of England, Margate’s are real sand
- Pop into Dreamland, a renovated amusement park that locals know as one of the happiest places on earth. Vintage games, a roller rink, lots of rides and so many flavours of candy floss. Reversion to childhood, complete
- Rummage around some of the town’s best vintage shops, a few favourites: Paraphernalia, Junk Deluxe, and Handsome Freaks
- Admire art at the Turner Contemporary, an art gallery on the site of where JMW Turner once lived- a man devoted to capturing the expanse of the skies surrounding Margate (Bonus: The gallery is free to visit)
- Stop at The Curious Cupcake Cafe or The Greedy Cow for a spot of tea or sweet treat. Highly recommend the mocha at The Greedy Cow, and the Victoria sponge at the Cupcake Cafe
- Lounge in the late-afternoon, watching people play on the beach at BeBeached or Mala Kaffe. The menu at BeBeached is great too- so many awesome vegetarian options
- Pop into any of the town’s pubs for a pint. Loved the Lifeboat for their craft drafts
- Eats wise, The Greedy Cow is awesome for breakfast, and GB Pizza Co is great for lunch or dinner- a pizzeria with prosecco on tap? Sign me up
- Finally, don’t forget to grab a Mr. Whippy from any of the beachfront vendors. Classic part of the British seaside experience 🙂
Have you ever been to Margate? Or any British seaside towns you loved?
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