Growing up in a land locked state in the US has made me a bit obsessed with British seaside towns. Margate has this eclectic vibe thanks to a bit of regeneration whilst maintaining its charm.
A friend called it Shoreditch on the Sea, but please do not let that put you off your visit. Let’s say its the best parts of Shoreditch on the Sea.
There are great coffee shops, quirky boutiques, quality restaurants and brilliant fish and chips. What more could you ask for? A restored Funfair is what. Dreamlands makes for a a brilliant afternoon out. With it being a 90 minute train journey from London it makes for a grat day out or a lovely weekend by the sea.
Where to Sleep: Clifton Townhouse
Tucked away in a quiet residential spot in the heart of Cliftonville, well away from the late night noise of central Margate and the sounds of ‘trains, planes and automobiles’.
The townhouse is gloriously furnished to a high standard, with restored fireplaces, four-poster beds, marble, vintage furnishings, and freestanding baths. It is LUXURY. It does not end there; look at this breakfast spread.
The property is situated in Cliftonville (hence the name) of Margate. The main promenade is about a 10-minute walk away.
Where to Eat: Angelas
It’s a small and chic place with a bistro-feel and open views to the teeny kitchen for a bit of cooking theatre. An ever-changing menu is scribed on aer fish and vegetables are in their prime. Th huge chalkboard based on whateve flavours are simple and uncomplicated, using ethically sourced and MSC certified seafood.
My starter and mains were cooked perfectly and quite filling. So filling that I almost did not order a dessert. But the almond and rhubarb cake on the chalkboard menu kept winking at me. I’m so glad I did. It was so much more than just a cake. It was one of the most buttery slabs of almond cake with rhubarb and creme fraiche.
I was lucky to get a walk-in table, so it’s best to book. They also have a great little lunch deal, so check that out.
Address 21 The Parade, Margate CT9 1EX
Website Angela’s Margate
Where to Eat:: The Bus Cafe
A short walk from Margate train station, this converted double-decker bus is parked near the sand. Open from the morning to lateays a week (closed on Tuesdays), it serves breakfast, coffee, afternoon six d and cake.
Their signature dish is their Mounds, which are basically architecturally stacked breakfasts on grilled sourdough bread. I went for the hangover mound , which includes baked beans, mumbled eggs, peppered mushrooms, crisped bacon lardons, and butterflied gluten-free sausage served with homemade tomato ketchup on a bed of spinach. If I had been hungover, this would have been the cure!
Address Royal Crescent Promenade, Margate CT9 5AJ
Website http://www.thebuscafe.co.uk
Eat:: Melt Gelato
What more could you want by the seaside than fish & chips. Everyone recommended this and from the queues outside all of Margate loves Peter’s Fish Factory. Deffo the best chippie in Margate.
Eat :: Mannings Seafood Stall
Mannings Seafood Stall is a family business which has been part of the Margate experience for generations. Whether you want a small portion of cockles, mussels or a dozen oysters and some champagne to sip on the marina this is your place. It’s a no-frill shack that serves decent fresh seafood.
Address The Parade, Margate Harbour, Margate CT9 1DD, England
Address The Parade, Margate Harbour, Margate CT9 1DD, England
Eat :: Petes Fish Factory
What more could you want by the seaside than fish & chips? Everyone recommended this and from the queues outside all of Margate loves Peter’s Fish Factory. Perfect seafront treat to eat and enjoy the waves crash against the sea. Deffo the best chippie in Margate.
Shop: Haeckles
I’ve been a fan of Haeckles for a while, but I’m obviously not a big enough fan to know that it is based in Margate. I was over the moon when I walked past and found the chic little shop.
Haeckles started out creating simple, hand-crafted skin care products showcasing local ingredients, such as sea buckthorn and willow bark.
I know they are all about skin care, but I adore the candles. The scents are very emotive, long-lasting, and soy-based.
Address 18 Cliff Terrace Margate CT9 1RU
Website https://haeckels.co.uk
Do: Turner Contempory
I love a good museum and The Turner Contemporary does not disappoint. Finished in 2011 and designed by David Chipperfield, it was built on a bit of land that Turner once lived; the 3-storey gallery garnered criticism for looking ‘alien, brutal and bleak’. Whoever said that clearly has no taste. The building catches and plays with the ever-changing light, making it a spectacle. Not a spectacle like the Guggenheim in Bilbao, but a smaller spectacle.
Entry is free, so it would be rude not to visit.
Address Rendezvous Kent CT9 1HG
Website https://www.turnercontemporary.org
Do: Dreamlands
This site has had amusement rides since 1880 but was not christened Dreamlands until 1920. Like most seaside towns, it began to fall into disrepair in the late 1990s. After a series of false starts with regeneration, a refurbishment and relaunch took place in 2017.
It was complete with a roller disco, restored vintage rides, a mirror maze, dodgems, arcade games, and some pretty good food. I loved the candy floss trader.
It’s free to enter, and they have been operating a pay-per-ride system since 2022. Rides are individually priced and you can find out more at https://www.dreamland.co.uk
Address 49-51 Marine Terrace, Margate, Kent, CT9 1XJ
Website
Leave a Reply