OFTEN dubbed Shoreditch-on-Sea, after the trendy London postcode, Kent’s arty seaside town of Margate is on the up, with new bars, restaurants and attractions.
It also has a huge golden sandy beach to tempt you.
Here, Kara Godfrey offers up the ten best reasons to visit . . .
CLASSIC SIGHT: Entering Margate, you cannot miss the Ferris Wheel of Dreamland, one of the UK’s oldest theme parks. Opening again from today, it is free to enter, with rides bought by the ticket and arcades to spend the pennies in.
It also has live acts — this summer including Craig David, All Saints and De La Soul. See dreamland.co.uk
TOP TOUR: Pick up a free town tour map from the Visitor Information Centre, and enjoy a self-guided trip around town.
With 27 spots to explore, you’ll visit the Old Town, home to quaint shops and restaurants, the Turner Contemporary art gallery and the harbour’s Shell Lady statue. See visitkent.co.uk
CULTURAL FIX: The arrival of local girl and artist Tracey Emin’s Turner gallery was the starting point for a renaissance in the town’s cultural fortunes.
There is currently an exhibition of her work at the town’s Carl Freedman gallery.
And there’s more modern art to enjoy at the striking Turner Contemporary.
Or catch a live show at the Winter Gardens. For comedy lovers, there is always something on, too. Previous acts include Ed Gamble and Nish Kumar, and there are upcoming shows by Jason Manford. Music fans can enjoy talent such as Texas. See margate-live.com.
FUN NEIGHBOURHOOD: Margate’s Old Town is a popular haunt for tourists, but locals reckon it is the Cliftonville area that has the best-kept secrets.
Start the day with a coffee and cake from Skinny Dip, do some vinyl shopping at Ghost Papa and have a drink at one of the many new bars — such as Daisy for a cardamom Espresso Martini, or Stingray for locally brewed beer.
THE WOW MOMENT: Weird and wonderful, Margate’s Shell Grotto was discovered in 1835, but the Grade I listed building’s purpose and age remain unknown even now.
Made up of a whopping 4.6million shells, the grotto is open to the public and is well worth a visit. See shellgrotto.co.uk.
NEW FOR 2022: Test your nerves at the newly opened Margate Leisure Centre where you can hurl an axe at a target with Black Axe Throwing Co, or try petanque — a form of boules — with Klak.
Finish off with a drink at the bar and grab a burger and fries from on-site Radburger.
FANTASTIC FEAST: Enjoy great food with a brilliant view at the Waverley House restaurant, complete with a roof terrace overlooking the beach.
The seasonal menu changes often but you can expect dishes such as freshly caught prawns with aioli or pan-fried seabass, and finish off with a delicious caramel- and-chocolate mousse. See waverleyhousemargate.co.uk.
ONE MORE TREAT: Grab your wetsuit and head to one of the two lidos in Margate.
The main one, Margate Lido, is nearer the station, but Walpole Bay Tidal Lido has the UK’s largest tidal pool.
Go for a swim then head to the tiny wooden sauna a few steps from the beach, run by local skincare brand Haeckels.
GREAT OUTDOORS: If you have had enough of sunbathing on the beach, — weather permitting — hit Margate Sup and Surf, hire a board and take to the waves.
Classes range from beginner to expert — but best is the Sunset Sup Club to watch the sun set. See margatesupandsurf.co.uk.
THE GRAND HOTEL: Go for showbiz opulence at the fab Albion Rooms, owned by rockers The Libertines.
Opened in 2020, each room has vintage furnishings and an Apple Beats sound system, with moody decor suited to the grunge vibe.
The kitchen is loved by locals for its Sunday Roast, but visit on a Monday for a burger and a pint for a tenner. There is also cafe-cum-bar The Arcady Coffee House, and The Waste Land bar which hosts live music, comedy and — as it’s named after a TS Eliot poem — poetry.
It boasts two exclusive drinks — BrewDog’s Wasteland IPA and The Libertines’ Gunga Gin.
