Weekend in Margate: Best Things To Do In Margate

ByKelsey Heinrichs Hours

Located just 90 minutes from London on the southeast coast of England, Margate is a vibrant and quirky seaside town known for its sandy beaches, charming old town, and contemporary art scene.

In this guide, I’ll take you through the best things to do in Margate over a weekend. From the iconic Dreamland amusement park and the Turner Contemporary art gallery to the hidden gems of the Margate Old Town and the scenic beauty of Botany Bay, there’s something for everyone in this charming coastal town.

While Margate is great for young families, with plenty of free activities to keep the little ones entertained, it’s also the perfect destination for a romantic couples’ trip or a fun girls’ weekend with lots of amazing cocktail bars and restaurants to discover.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

things to do
restaurants
bars
brunch spots & cafes
shops
best hotels
how many days in margate
how to get to margate
map of margate

  • A charming street scene in Margate's Old Town, showcasing a row of colorful buildings housing cafes and shops, including The Margate Coffee Shed. The street is adorned with vibrant flowers in the foreground, and classic street lamps add to the picturesque setting. Outdoor seating and clear skies create a welcoming and lively atmosphere.

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Best things to do in Margate

  • A colorful Ferris wheel at Dreamland in Margate, seen through a field of blooming lavender flowers. The Ferris wheel is adorned with multicolored gondolas and surrounded by strings of vibrant triangular pennants, set against a bright blue sky. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by the cheerful decorations and blooming flowers.
  • An aerial view of Dreamland amusement park in Margate, featuring a classic carousel with a red and yellow striped canopy in the foreground. The park includes a wooden roller coaster and several buildings with "Margate Amusements" and "Casino Slots" signs. The beach and ocean can be seen in the background, along with a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

Dreamland Margate

Spend a few fun hours at this iconic retro amusement park. Entry to the theme park is free while rides cost £3 a turn or you can purchase a pack of 20 tokens/rides for £40 and really go to town.

There are vintage rides, arcade games, a roller disco and various events in the summertime like live music concerts and drag parties. No trip to Margate is complete without visiting Dreamland and a ride on the Ferris wheel is a must for amazing sea views.

  • The modern, sleek exterior of the Turner Contemporary art gallery in Margate, featuring its distinctive geometric architecture with a glass facade. A sign near the entrance reads "Turner Contemporary - Free admission" along with the website and Arts Council England logo. The building is set against a backdrop of a clear blue sky with a few clouds, emphasizing its contemporary design and inviting atmosphere.

Turner Contemporary

Explore contemporary art exhibitions in this stunning gallery named after the famous landscape painter, J.M.W. Turner. Entry to all exhibitions at Turner Contemporary is free and the gallery is located right on Margate Harbour, you can’t miss it!

  • A hand holding a soft serve ice cream cone with a chocolate flake, set against the backdrop of a sandy beach and the ocean. The sky is partly cloudy, and there are a few people in the distance enjoying the beach. The scene captures a quintessential seaside moment, evoking a sense of summer relaxation.

Margate Main Sands

Unwind at Margate’s main beach, famous for its golden sand and bustling promenade filled with bars and traditional amusement arcades. I recommend grabbing some fish & chips from Beach Buoys or Peter’s Fish Factory and perching on the steps down to the beach – this is the best spot to watch the sunset!

  • The storefront of Breuer & Dawson, a vintage goods shop, featuring a green facade with gold lettering. The display includes vintage clothing items such as overalls, jackets, and hats, arranged on mannequins and hangers outside the store. The entrance and windows showcase more items, inviting customers into the cozy, nostalgic atmosphere.

Vintage Shopping

Take a stroll down King Street in Margate and you’ll find a treasure trove of unique and eclectic boutiques offering retro clothing, antique furniture, and quirky collectables. I recommend checking out Breuer & Dawson, Madam Popoff Vintage and Handsome Freaks.

The Shell Grotto

Discover an astonishing underground network of tunnels adorned with over 4.6 million seashells meticulously arranged in intricate patterns and designs. The Shell Grotto was discovered by accident in 1835 when a labourer was digging in a field, nowadays this mysterious and enchanting grotto continues to captivate visitors to Margate. Tickets cost £4.50 to enter this magical site.

  • A woman in a white off-the-shoulder dress stands on a sandy beach between towering white chalk cliffs. The beach extends towards the calm sea in the background, with the sun casting a warm glow on the cliffs and sand. The scene is serene and picturesque, with the natural beauty of the coastal landscape on display.

Botany Bay

Enjoy a 1-hour long coastal walk from Margate Harbour to Botany Bay, a serene and picturesque beach with golden sand surrounded by stunning white chalk cliffs. Alternatively, it’s a 10-minute drive from Margate with plenty of free parking available in nearby streets.

The Crab Museum

Yet another free activity to do in Margate, this is a quirky, fascinating and downright hilarious museum dedicated to the diverse world of crabs and marine life. Throughout the exhibition, you’ll find interactive displays and dioramas depicting crabs in various political history scenarios while wearing tiny crab-sized hats and holding miniature props. My advice is to go in with zero expectations and you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

  • A woman wearing a white top and a yellow skirt walks along a pathway by the beach, lined with colorful beach huts. The huts are painted in various vibrant colors and are situated at the base of a steep, grassy cliff. The sandy beach extends to the left, with a clear blue sky overhead.

Stone Bay

Located just a 15-minute drive from Margate, Stone Bay is another easily accessible beach with plenty of free parking. Known for its postcard-worthy stretch of colourful beach huts and wide stretches of golden sand, you’ll forget you’re in England when visiting this popular spot in Broadstairs.

  • A cozy dining setup at Pearly Cow in No. 42 Margate, featuring a round table with an assortment of delicious dishes. The table is set with plates of salad, fries, seafood, and other gourmet items, accompanied by glasses of white wine. The setting includes a comfortable green sofa with decorative pillows and a warm, inviting atmosphere enhanced by natural light streaming in from the window.
    Pearly Cow

Best restaurants in Margate

£

  • DIVE (Tacos)
  • Palms Pizzeria
  • Picnic Deli (Quick bites)
  • Beach Buoys (Fish & chips)
  • Peter’s Fish Factory (Fish & chips)
  • Lilie’s (Tapas)
  • George & Heart (British pub)

££–£££

  • Sargasso (Seafood/Modern Cuisine)
  • Angela’s (Seafood)
  • Buoy and Oyster (Seafood)
  • Pearly Cow (Seafood & Steak)
  • Bottega Caruso (Italian)
  • Sète (Modern British)
  • Colina (European)
  • Mori Mori (Japanese)
  • A beautifully set table at Angela's Margate Seafood Restaurant, featuring an array of seafood dishes. The table includes plates of oysters, a grilled fish fillet in a rich sauce, a fresh salad, and a dish of seasoned potatoes. Each dish is meticulously presented, accompanied by glasses of white wine, creating an elegant and appetizing dining experience.
    Angela’s Seafood Restaurant
  • A round table at Colina Restaurant in Fort Road Hotel, elegantly set with a variety of gourmet dishes. The meal includes a Greek salad with feta cheese, a bowl of pasta, a plate of green vegetables with sesame seeds, nachos with dip, and a dessert platter. Two colorful cocktails complement the spread, set against a backdrop of green-tiled walls, creating a cozy and sophisticated dining atmosphere.
    Colina at Fort Road Hotel
  • An inviting brunch setup at Wildes in Margate, featuring a variety of colorful and delicious dishes. The table is set with a bowl of roasted vegetables and greens, avocado toast, a slice of cake, and a dessert topped with peaches and whipped cream. Two refreshing cocktails accompany the meal. The background includes cozy seating with cushions and a lush, green ambiance, creating a perfect outdoor dining experience.
    Brunch at WILDES

Brunch Spots & Cafes in Margate

  • Forts (brunch spot)
  • Curve Coffee (brunch spot)
  • Wildes (brunch spot)
  • The Good Egg (brunch spot)
  • Big Shot (coffeeshop)
  • Giant Coffee (plant-based coffeeshop)
  • Modern Provider (bakery)
  • Oast (bakery)
  • A delightful brunch setup at Forts in Margate, featuring a cappuccino, a savory sandwich, a dish of eggs with hollandaise sauce and pickled onions, and a plate of French toast topped with strawberries and cream. The dishes are artfully presented on a light green table, with a backdrop of greenery adding a fresh and inviting touch to the meal.
    Brunch at Forts
  • A charming breakfast setup at No. 42 Margate, featuring a variety of dishes on a stylish round table. The spread includes a plate of sunny-side-up eggs with toast and sausages, French toast with syrup and berry compote, a bowl of fresh fruit, and a glass of iced coffee. The table is decorated with a small vase of dried flowers, and the soft natural light filtering through the curtains creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
    Breakfast at No. 42 Margate

Best Bars in Margate

  • Daisy (sensational cocktails)
  • The Pickled Fox (pub & pizza place)
  • Little Swift (frozen cocktails on the beachfront)
  • CAMP (queer bar)
  • Fez (retro bar)
  • Mariachi (tequila & mezcal Bar)
  • Pomus (winebar)
  • Rooftop Bar at No.42 Margate (best views!)
  • A cozy setting at Daisy Bar, featuring a wooden table with a vase of fresh flowers, a cocktail garnished with a rainbow candy, and a glass of white wine. The table also holds a menu, and comfortable seating is visible in the background, creating a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
    Daisy Cocktail Bar
  • A serene rooftop bar setting at No. 42 Margate, featuring two striped armchairs and a round ottoman facing a stunning ocean view. A small table between the chairs holds a cocktail and a glass of wine, while potted plants add a touch of greenery to the cozy, sunlit space. The clear glass railing provides an unobstructed view of the sea and sky.
    Rooftop Bar at No.42 Margate
  • The storefront of The Margate Bookshop, featuring a light blue facade with large windows displaying books and plants. The sign reads "Open Seven Days a Week" and "Tea & Coffee Served". Outside, there are colorful yellow and blue chairs and tables, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors to sit and enjoy a book or a drink. The scene is set on a sunny day with dappled light from nearby trees.

Shops in Margate

  • The Margate Bookshop
  • Breuer & Dawson (vintage clothes)
  • Madam Popoff Vintage (vintage clothes)
  • Handsome Freaks (vintage clothes)
  • AARVEN (homewares/gifts)
  • Papillon Interiors (homewares/furniture)
  • Albion Stores (clothing)
  • WerkHaus (clothing)
  • Haeckels (skincare/fragrance)
  • The interior of Breuer & Dawson vintage shop, featuring racks of colorful, eclectic clothing. The ceiling is decorated with vintage posters, adding to the retro ambiance. The room is filled with various garments, including dresses, shirts, and jackets, reflecting a diverse range of styles and eras. Bright light streams through the windows, highlighting the vibrant and nostalgic atmosphere of the shop.
    Breuer & Dawson Vintage Clothing Shop
  • The interior of Aarven shop in Margate, showcasing a variety of handcrafted goods. The walls are adorned with colorful woven baskets, vibrant wall hangings, and jewelry displays. A central table features necklaces and other accessories, while shelves hold intricate cards and decorative items. The shop is brightly lit, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere filled with unique, artisanal products.
    AARVEN – homewares/gift shop

Best hotels in Margate

A well-lit, elegant bedroom with a black four-poster bed adorned with white and brown pillows, facing a large window showcasing a beautiful ocean view. The room features light-colored walls, a beige rug, a wooden side table, a cozy beige chair, and a TV mounted on the wall.

No.42 by GuestHouse

This stunning beachfront hotel is just steps away from Margate’s main beach with sea views and beautiful interior design features throughout. No.42 Margate has a rooftop cocktail bar, a restaurant (Pearly Cow) + an Oyster Bar & spa with a signature couples treatment room.

All guests can enjoy raiding No.42’s pantry where you can help yourself to complimentary baked goods (brownies & rocky road!), crisps, fruit, ice cream and cold drinks during your stay. 

Rooms from £150/night

BEACHFRONT location

ROOFTOP BAR

DOG-FRIENDLY ROOMS

spa facilities

free treats

view rooms at no.42
A cozy bedroom with soft pink walls and a wooden bed frame topped with white and brown bedding. The room features a large window, a small nightstand with a lamp, and framed artwork on the walls. A striped pendant light hangs from the ceiling, adding a touch of charm to the space.

Margate House

A small boutique hotel with uniquely designed and curated rooms, a stay at Margate House feels like you are staying in the home of a famous artist with an eclectic taste. All rooms come with a king-sized bed, soft linen and a rainfall shower – relax in comfort and style after a day in Margate, a quick 15-minute walk from the main harbour.

While there are currently no restaurants at Margate House (opening soon, stay tuned!) guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast in the bar downstairs or tuck into a hamper of pastries & juices from the comfort of your room.

Rooms from £145/night

15 min walk to beach

FREE BREAKFAST

view rooms at MARGATE HOUSE
A modern bedroom with a beige upholstered headboard and crisp white bedding. The room features wooden furnishings, including a built-in wardrobe and desk with a round mirror, and a wooden side table with a stack of books. The floor is made of polished wood, and the walls are painted white, creating a clean and cozy atmosphere.

Fort Road Hotel

Located just a short walk from the beach, Fort Road Hotel offers contemporary designed rooms (some with sea views) and an ideal location and base for exploring Margate. Housed in one of Margate’s oldest buildings, this hotel was recently refurbished and reopened in 2022, featuring bespoke & vintage furniture and artworks throughout the rooms – a proud nod to Margate’s historic art scene.

Make sure to dine at Colina during your stay for a spread of delectable European dishes. For drinks, head to Fort Road Bar in the basement of the building or head up to the roof terrace to watch the sunset.

Rooms from £126/night

5 min walk to beach

RESTAURANT & BAR

view rooms at fort road hotel
A vibrant and eclectic bedroom featuring a pink and green color scheme. The bed has a large pink and green headboard with patterned pillows and a purple throw blanket. The room includes a pink vanity with a green cushioned bench, a zebra print rug, and a large macramé wall hanging. A framed "Les Muses" poster and decorative items add artistic touches to the space.

The George & Heart House

Above this 300-year-old pub, you can stay in one of 8 marvellous rooms at The George & Heart House. Each room is uniquely designed by a local Margate artist, ranging from cosy snugs to a spacious luxury 2-bedroom suite completely with a roll-top bath.

Continental breakfast is included in the room rate and guests also have access to the “Zen Den” – a wellness room where you can unwind, meditate & stretch – as well as Reggie’s: an exclusive private bar.

Rooms from £95/night

5 min walk to beach

FREE BREAKFAST

view rooms at George & Heart House

How many days in Margate?

You can easily do a day trip to Margate from London and have enough time to see the best bits of this charming seaside town, however I personally recommend spending a full weekend in Margate and staying in one of the beautiful boutique hotels I’ve recommended in this post.

If you plan on staying more than 2 days here, then you could use Margate as a base to explore other nearby areas in Kent, such as; Broadstairs, Whitstable, Deal and Canterbury which is a 30-minute drive from Margate.

A lively scene in Margate's Old Town Square, featuring colorful buildings and outdoor seating. The Greedy Cow, with its bright yellow facade, and adjacent cafes create a welcoming atmosphere. The square is decorated with festive bunting and filled with tables and chairs for diners, with vibrant plants and flowers adding to the cheerful ambiance. The picturesque setting invites visitors to relax and enjoy the charming surroundings.

How to get to Margate?

One of the most popular and efficient ways to get to Margate is by train. Trains to Margate depart from London St Pancras International, London Victoria, and London Cannon Street.

The journey from London St Pancras International on the high-speed Southeastern service takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. From London Victoria, the journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.

Map of Margate

Here’s a map of all the best places to visit in Margate. 

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