If you’re looking for the perfect weekend getaway from the daily grind, look no further than this hidden gem in Kent. Margate, with its stunning beach, vibrant atmosphere, top-notch eateries, and refreshing sea breeze, is the perfect spot for families or couples seeking a romantic mini-break. You may cherish fond memories of Margate from your younger days, but the town of today has much more to offer. It boasts an impressive food scene and a flourishing arts community.

But fear not, while Margate has moved with the times, it hasn’t lost its traditional seaside charm. Today, it offers the best of both worlds: it’s trendy and artistic, yet still retains a nostalgic British holiday feel. And we can’t ignore Margate Main Sands—home to some of the softest, golden sands along 19 miles of breathtaking Kentish coastline. Margate’s Cliftonville district has been praised as one of the ‘coolest’ in the UK, and TimeOut has listed the town as one of the top places to visit.

It’s hardly surprising that Margate has become a hotspot for celebrities and Londoners, who are driving up house prices. Keep your eyes peeled and you might spot famous faces like Lily Allen, Sam Mendes, Olivia Colman, and even some cast members from EastEnders, according to KentLive.

Some of the unique attractions on offer in Margate include Margate Museum, the quirky Crab Museum, the enchanting Shell Grotto, and the underground wonders of Margate Caves.

The charming Margate Old Town is a treasure trove of quaint museums and eclectic boutiques, offering everything from vintage gems to contemporary finds.

Proudly embracing its seaside heritage, Margate offers all the traditional coastal delights: plentiful fish and chip shops, ice cream stalls dotted along the seafront, waterside pubs, and classic crazy golf courses.

Just a stone’s throw from the beach lies Dreamland, the retro amusement park that continues to be a favourite for family fun.

The park boasts classic fairground rides, live music events, and the Scenic Railway—the oldest wooden rollercoaster in Britain.

If you’re hankering for fish and chips after a long day at the beach, Peter’s Fish Factory at 12 Royal York Mansions in Margate comes highly recommended.

But if you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, Margate also shines with culinary gems like Angela’s and Bottega Caruso, as well as up-and-coming spots such as Sargasso and Fort Road Hotel.

Choosing the best among them is tough, but Sargasso, with its stunning sea views, has been recognised in SquareMeal’s Top 100 UK restaurants for 2023, a list that celebrates the “highest calibre of restaurants” across the country.

Alternatively, you might find yourself captivated by the authentic Italian ambience at Bottega Caruso, where you can relish cuisine sourced straight from the owner’s family village in Italy, whilst also buying fresh pasta, homemade tomato sauce, and other Italian delicacies.

They also offer pasta-making workshops and organise Supper Club evenings for a genuine taste of Italy within the UK.

For those seeking a cultural adventure, the Turner Contemporary gallery proves indispensable, showcasing a varied collection of art exhibitions that easily rival London’s cultural scene.

Visitors can join guided tours and workshops or unwind in the café overlooking the harbour.

If you’re planning a weekend getaway, make sure you don’t miss Margate’s spectacular four-acre tidal pool, located just 1.4 miles from Margate Main Sands.

The Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, beloved by year-round swimmers and families alike, stands as not only Britain’s largest but also boasts “fresh water springs rising from the beach” within its confines.

It serves as an ideal spot to soak up the seaside atmosphere and enjoy swimming or simply unwinding by the water.

Earlier this year, Margate was also named the best seaside town to move to in My Baggage’s 2025 Coastal Relocation Index. The winner was determined by factors including house prices, average earnings, weather conditions, transport links, and local facilities.

Paul Stewart, CEO of My Baggage commented: “Margate leads convincingly as the UK’s premier coastal relocation destination for 2025. Its first-place ranking in our Coastal Relocation Index demonstrates the perfect balance of affordability, quality of life and seaside charm.”