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Margate
City hotel guide

Margate

Margate is a historic seaside town on the north coast of Kent, England, once part of the Cinque Ports confederation. Today, it blends its Victorian heritage with a revitalized cultural scene, anchored by landmarks like Dreamland amusement park. For frequent hotel travelers, Margate offers a charming short-break destination just northeast of Canterbury. The town has undergone significant regeneration after late 20th-century decline, making it an interesting base for exploring Kent’s coastline. Accommodations range from Cliftonville’s boutique options to areas near the sandy beaches, catering to those seeking a mix of relaxation and local exploration.

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🕐 Europe/London · 💱 GBP

Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Getting there & around

LGW airport guide (official info · terminals · lounges) →

🚆 Margate railway station🚆 Westgate-on-Sea railway station🚆 Broadstairs railway station🚆 Ramsgate railway station

Before choosing where to stay

Where to Base

Stay in Cliftonville for a vibrant, artsy atmosphere close to cafes and attractions, or choose beachfront areas for direct access to the sands and Dreamland. Both districts offer convenient bases for exploring the regenerated town center and enjoying the coastal breeze.

Getting Around

Margate is well-connected by rail to London and Canterbury, making it accessible for weekend trips. The town’s compact layout, covering about 3 kilometers along the coast, means key sites like the beach and Dreamland are easily reachable on foot, ideal for travelers preferring to explore without a car.

Best Season

Summer is the ideal time to visit Margate, offering pleasant weather perfect for relaxing on the sandy beaches or visiting outdoor landmarks like Dreamland. As a traditional holiday destination since the 18th century, the town comes alive during warmer months, providing the best experience for leisure travelers seeking a classic British seaside escape.

Nearby attractions

Dreamland Margate

Dreamland Margate

Park581 m

Seaside amusement park in Margate, England

Scenic Railway

Scenic Railway

Landmark515 m

roller coaster at Dreamland Margate, in Kent, England, UK

Dining

Sargasso

RestaurantBib Gourmand££Veg540 m

Housed inside a former boat shed on the harbour wall, Sargasso really does have the perfect seaside location. Watch the tide come in as you sit back and enjoy the seasonally changing menu, which – just like sister restaurant Brawn in London – puts quality produce front and centre. In this case, that means a bounty of delicious fresh seafood, offering clean, powerful flavours in each smartly pared-back dish. The menu is designed for sharing, allowing you to try as much as possible, while the wine list leans towards natural and biodynamic options.

🕐 Mo-Sa 12:00-21:30; Su 12:00-16:30

Website

Bottega Caruso

Restaurant££290 m

A former pub plays host to this sweet little osteria offering southern Italian fare, often using ingredients from the chef-owner's home region of Campania. There's a homespun charm to the place, so it's only right the hand-made pastas form the core of the menu. The rest of the simple, rustic cooking consists of small plates and snacks; look out for the 'polpette di pane al sugo', where bread has been used to fashion a 'meatball' of sorts. The same team run a deli a few doors down, which transforms into a wine bar at weekends that's ideal for a drink before or after dinner.

Website

Angela's

Restaurant££Veg329 m

Set just off the esplanade is this understated little bistro with a fiercely local, responsible ethos – even the tables are made of compressed recycled plastic. With no meat on the menu, dishes are centred around well-sourced seafood, be it Dover sole with 'green sauce' or hake with tomatoes and capers. Simplicity is the key to the cooking, with the quality central ingredients allowed to shine thanks to just a few, well-judged accompaniments. The friendly service creates a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere.

🕐 Tu-Sa 12:00-14:30,17:45-22:00

Website

Sète

Restaurant££1.0 km

A characterful, bow-windowed former sweet shop is the home for this lovingly run restaurant located on the road between Margate and Broadstairs. In a fairly small space, the passionate team have managed to combine a restaurant, a wine bar and a bottle shop. The kitchen fuses some classical French techniques with a distinctly British, produce-driven approach, where nothing is overworked and the natural flavours of a few key ingredients are the driving force. The blackboard-written menu is ever-changing, but expect the likes of sea bass with creamy leeks, almonds and soy-pickled chilli.

Website

Quince

Restaurant££3.2 km

Two alumni of The Goods Shed in Canterbury are behind this unfussy modern bistro, which is a hit with locals and tourists alike. The simple dish descriptions on the concise seasonal menu belie the depth of the dishes, which are made with high quality ingredients and come with distinct flavours and textures. Smooth service adds to the experience.

Website

Kebbells

Restaurant££5.2 km

Located right on the coast, in an area known as the jewel in Thanet's crown, this is the perfect spot for a seafood restaurant. The dining room is bedecked with a multitude of mirrors, a large open counter and shelves filled with jars of preserved goods and house-made chilli sauce. As with all good seafood eateries, the menu changes with the daily catch; all the prime ingredients are well-cooked and delivered in carefully balanced combinations. The cheery, relaxed staff run the place wonderfully, giving everything a personal touch.

Website

Attraction data from Wikidata (CC0) and open sources, ranked by notability and distance — for reference.

See all guide-listed restaurants in Margate (Michelin / Black Pearl) →

Airport lounges (LGW)

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Most-covered hotels in Margate

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Margate — hotel loyalty & guest reports | FlyerKey