Since moving back to the UK in 2021, I’ve been pretty useless at exploring my home nation. Aside from several trips to the Cotswolds and a weekend in Winchester, life revolves around chauffering children and family commitments. My sister and I were determined to have a weekend off the dance run and pencilled in a minibreak. Where would we go? Enter England’s original seaside destination, Margate.
Visitors have been flocking here since the 18th century to sample the sandy beaches and visit the shell grotto. I had read about the opening of the super cool Fort Road Hotel, revived back to life from its origins as a boarding house in the 19th century. Coupled with the Turner Contemporary, eclectic boutiques and plentiful restaurants, Margate was calling our name.
How did we get there?
We booked the high-speed Southwestern train from St Pancras International to Margate. The journey took about 80 minutes and the trains were clean and comfortable. Alighting at Margate, we walked about 20 minutes to the Fort Road Hotel.
Fort Road Hotel
This 14 room hotel is the perfect place to stay in Margate. You are a stone’s throw from the Old Town and the Turner Contemporary. There are thoughtfully chosen artworks (including a Tracy Emin) and sleek furnishings throughout. The Restaurant has a lovely menu although we only sampled it for breakfast. The Fort Road Bar provides a cosy spot for after dinner cocktails.
We stayed in the Sea View room and it was beautifully decorated and spotless. I love the small touches like the art books dotted around and fresh herbal teas.
Things To Do In Margate
- Visit the Turner Contemporary, inspired by the life and work of JMW Turner. There are rotating exhibits, so check out in advance what’s on. Just in front of the Museum visible three hours before low tide, you’ll find one of Sir Anthony Gormley’s cast iron sculptures.
- Explore Margate Old Town with its selection of niche and vintage shops, independent galleries and cafes. We especially loved the Margate Bookshop.
- Stroll along the stone pier, the Harbour Arm, where you can get a great view of Margate. Home to a number of restaurants, bars and galleries, the Dive serves delicious magaritas.
- For a taste of old school funfair, visit Dreamland. At night there are events with some great bands playing. It could be worth planning your visit around this.
- Keep your eyes peeled for events. There was a food and wine festival right in front of the Fort Road Hotel during our stay.
- There are a few niche museums in Margate including the Shell Grotto and the Crab Museum. For those seeking a bit of history, try the Margate Museum.
- Enjoy the coastal walks. Part of Kent’s Viking Coastal Trail, you can walk the chalky cliffs and beaches towards Broadstairs. The walk took us a good few hours on a beautiful sunny day in June. We rewarded ourselves with an icecream on the beach! It’s easy to take the train back from Broadstairs to Margate.
Where to Eat in Margate
- Book a table in advance to eat at famed Angela’s Of Margate. The menu changes daily and we had a sublime fish dinner. If you can’t get into Angela’s, try its sister restaurant, Dory’s.
- Cocktails at the pretty Wildes, nestled in the heart of the Old Town.
- The Old Kent Market is an old cinema turned community hub with a number of food and drink vendors.
- The Cafe at the Turner Contemporary, offers up fantastic coffees, pastries and salads.
