Creative, characterful and proudly independent, Margate blends classic seaside charm with a bold artistic edge. From the golden sands of Main Sands to the cobbled streets of the Old Town, the town pairs big skies and sea views with galleries, vintage shops, natural wine bars and some of Kent’s most exciting restaurants. Whether you’re visiting for art, food or fresh coastal air, Margate offers a seaside experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly current.
Creative, characterful and constantly evolving, Margate has transformed itself into one of the UK’s most talked-about seaside towns. Once a classic Victorian resort, it has re-emerged with a bold artistic edge, a thriving independent food scene and a renewed appreciation for the simple joy of sea air and big skies.
At its heart is a wide sandy beach framed by the iconic Turner Contemporary, celebrating the town’s long relationship with light and landscape. Just behind the seafront, the Old Town hums with vintage shops, galleries, wine bars and unexpected finds — from the wonderfully eccentric Crab Museum to small artisan bakeries tucked down cobbled lanes.
Beyond the main sands, dramatic chalk formations at Botany Bay and quieter neighbouring beaches offer a more natural, windswept contrast. Margate balances nostalgia and modern creativity with ease — traditional amusement arcades sit alongside natural wine bars, and fish and chips share space with refined Mediterranean small plates.
What makes Margate special isn’t just the beach or the galleries — it’s the atmosphere. There’s an openness here: expansive skies, confident creativity and a proudly independent spirit that gives the town its energy.
Whether you’re visiting for art, food, coastal walks or simply a change of pace, Margate offers a seaside experience that feels both timeless and refreshingly current.
Margate has become one of the most exciting food destinations on the Kent coast. From harbour-side seafood restaurants to natural wine bars, neighbourhood Italians (which are frequented by A listers!) and laid-back cafés in the Old Town, the town’s dining scene is creative, independent and full of personality. Expect seasonal menus, locally sourced ingredients and confident cooking — all served with the relaxed, slightly offbeat energy that defines Margate itself. Whether you’re planning a long lunch, sunset supper or spontaneous dinner after the beach, Margate offers something for every appetite.
Why not find out more about eating out in Thanet on our Eating Out Guide
