This iconic seaside town has stood the test of time, with a bustling Old Town, unique theme park, and wide range of attractions
Filled with nostalgia and ice cream, this stunning seaside resort needs to be at the top of your bucket list. Margate, in Kent, on England’s southeast coast, still has that regal old Hollywood feel many holiday towns in the UK possessed before they became run-down and abandoned. But, the hotspot has managed to stay modern and chic, aided by a whopping £22 million funding back in 2021.
Of course, you’ll find your typical golden sandy beaches, fish and chip shops, and arcades, but Margate also boasts a regenerated Old Town that is filled with independent shops and vintage traders, designers and makers as well as cafes and restaurants. “The Old Town vibe is buzzing and arty and a cool mecca for retro rummaging as well as boutique hidden gems, where you can dig out nostalgia-inducing goodies to brighten up even the most style-conscious home,” explained Visit England.
Of course, the star of the show has to be Dreamland – an iconic amusement park full to the brim with vintage rides including a wooden roller coaster that’s the oldest of its kind in the UK. There’s also pop-up entertainment, art installations and street food depending what time of year you’re going, meaning it’s a great day out even for those who’d rather not test their stomach on the Big Wheel or the 35mph Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster.
If you’re in the mood to explore the Mirror Maze, want to get competitive at crazy golf, or spin like crazy on the Cups & Saucers, you’ll have to visit Margate from April 5 onwards, as Dreamland shuts for the winter. Entry to the park is free, as all rides operate on a pay-per-go basis.
“Other not to miss [attractions] include the Margate Caves, where you can discover their intriguing history, including an iron age skeleton and a visionary school mistress,” added Visit Thanet, the town’s tourist board. “Delve into all things decapod at the totally clawesome Crab Museum, or immerse yourself and experience miniature worlds, exhibition pieces and displays of Hornby, Airfix, CORGI, Scalextric and Pocher at The WonderWorks.”
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Margate is around two and a half hour’s drive from London, and it’s even quicker to get the train. There are multiple direct routes from St Pancras that take as little as one and a half hours and can be bought in advance for around £5.70. Accommodation in Margate will differ depending on your budget, but there really is something for everyone. A spring weekend in a two-bed luxury apartment, for example, will set you back £360. This is based on a two night stay from Friday, April 25- Sunday 27. A less fancy holiday home costs £148 for the same dates.
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