Food & Drink
Angela's of MargateAngela's of Margate is a restaurant on Marine Drive, right by Margate’s seafront.
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Margate combines seaside leisure, contemporary art, and local character that attracts both day-trippers and longer-stay visitors. You can find things to do in Margate to suit different interests, whether you’re after amusement rides, art exhibitions, beach time, or simply exploring a Kent coastal town with genuine personality. The town has changed significantly in recent years, becoming known for its cultural offerings alongside traditional seaside activities. Think about how you’d like to spend your time, exploring the art scene, enjoying the beaches, or visiting local markets. Your experience will vary depending on where you stay. Main Sands, just 1.5 kilometres away, remains the focus for beach life and family activity, sand, sea, and the promenade give it a traditional seaside feel. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, consider Broadstairs, with its more residential character. Ramsgate, at 4 kilometres, offers a different energy, while Birchington-on-Sea provides a more secluded residential option. Each neighbourhood offers a unique view of coastal living and access to different amenities. Places to visit in Margate span a range of attractions. The Old Kent Market runs weekly, offering food, crafts, and vinyl records that give the Old Town a local flavour. Dreamland brings amusement-park energy with rides, games, and seasonal events, though be aware of potential overcrowding during peak season. The Turner Prize Festival and Margate Festival of Lights are annual draws that shape the cultural calendar, bringing international attention and festive displays. Throughout the year, you’ll encounter weekly activities for children and periodic music concerts and festivals that keep the town lively. The seafront remains a destination, long stretches of beach, the promenade, and green spaces give you room to move. Getting here is straightforward: the railway connects to London Victoria and St Pancras International, with Southeastern services running frequently. Loop buses and Stagecoach services handle local movement, and the Cantii Way cycle route offers another option for exploring. Be aware that Margate Station roof can leak during heavy rain, and Draper's Mill is currently leaning precariously. Whether you’re planning a single afternoon or a longer stay, the variety of offerings means you can tailor your visit to your interests rather than following a standard itinerary. Remember that Margate Museum is currently closed for refurbishment.
Your choice of where to spend time depends on what appeals to you and how you want to move around. If you're driving, expect parking challenges in tourist areas during peak season, Main Sands and the seafront draw crowds, so arriving early or using the Loop bus and Stagecoach services is sensible. The Cantii Way cycle route and Kent coast trail offer alternatives if you want to explore by bike or foot without worrying about a car. Consider the atmosphere you're after. Dreamland attracts families and thrill-seekers, particularly on weekends and school holidays, so go midweek if you prefer fewer queues. The Old Kent Market operates weekly and suits those wanting local food, crafts, and a sense of community. For quieter exploration, Broadstairs and Birchington-on-Sea give you seaside without the same intensity. Timing matters: the Margate Festival of Lights brings winter festivity, while the Turner Prize Festival marks the contemporary art calendar. Check what's on before you visit to align with your interests, whether that's events, exhibitions, or simply beach time. If you're based centrally, most places are accessible by bus. The railway station provides direct access if you’re coming from London, though note that facilities there can be variable.
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Popular Places In Margate
Food & Drink
Bow's Kitchen @ Wig and PenBow's Kitchen @ Wig and Pen serves food and drink in Margate.
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casa pizzeria & caféCasa Pizzeria & Café is a restaurant serving traditional Napoli-style pizza on Canterbury Road in Margate.
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Cliftonville Farmers MarketCliftonville Farmers Market is a weekly market offering fresh produce and artisan goods in the Cliftonville area of Margate.
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DiveDive in Margate is a high-end restaurant on the Margate Harbour Arm, adding to the area’s food scene.
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What Are The Best Things To Do In Margate?
Margate developed as a seaside resort from the early nineteenth century and has remained a focal point for coastal leisure ever since. Today, your options include Dreamland for amusement rides and seasonal events, the Old Kent Market for weekly food, crafts, and vinyl records, and the beaches at Main Sands for traditional seaside activities. The Turner Prize Festival and Margate Festival of Lights are annual events that draw culture-focused visitors. Weekly activities for children and periodic music concerts and festivals keep the town lively throughout the year. The seafront itself, promenade, beach, and green spaces, offers space for walking, sitting, or simply taking in the coast. Explore the listings to find what matches your interests.
What Is There To Do In Margate This Weekend?
What’s on this weekend depends on the calendar, but you can check our this-weekend category for current events and activities. The Old Kent Market runs weekly and often draws both locals and visitors, particularly for food and crafts. Main Sands beach is always accessible if you want seaside time. Dreamland may have seasonal events or rides depending on the time of year. If the Margate Festival of Lights or Turner Prize Festival coincides with your visit, those will shape the weekend experience significantly. For up-to-date information on live performances, exhibitions, and community events, check our listings or contact venues directly before you go.
Where Can I Find Live Music In Margate?
Dreamland regularly hosts live music concerts and festivals, particularly during warmer months and special events. Check our nightlife category for the latest schedule. The town also features periodic music concerts and festivals throughout the year, which may include live acts at various venues. Seasonal events and special occasions often bring visiting performers. Your best approach is to check our entertainment listings before visiting to see what’s scheduled, as live music programming changes with the calendar and season.
What Are The Best Areas To Visit In Margate?
Main Sands and the surrounding seafront are your primary destinations for beaches and coastal walks. Broadstairs, just 2.1 kilometres away, offers a quieter seaside setting with its own character. Birchington-on-Sea provides residential charm further along the coast at 3.2 kilometres. Ramsgate, at 4 kilometres, offers a different coastal neighbourhood to explore. The Old Town centre has character with the Old Kent Market and independent shops. The Cantii Way cycle route and Kent coast trail let you connect these areas on foot or by bike if you want to explore beyond the immediate seafront. Each area has a distinct feel, so walking or cycling between them reveals how the coast changes.
Is Margate Good For A Weekend Visit?
Yes, if you’re willing to match your visit to the town’s actual pace rather than expecting constant activity. A weekend works well if you time it with one of the annual events, the Turner Prize Festival or Margate Festival of Lights, or if you’re simply after beach time and local exploration. Main Sands and the seafront are satisfying for a day or two. The Old Kent Market, Dreamland, and local food and craft options give you genuine things to do without feeling contrived. Expect quieter periods, particularly off-season, but that’s part of the appeal for many visitors. The railway connection from London makes arrival straightforward. Whether it suits you depends on whether you’re seeking constant entertainment or genuine coastal downtime.
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Events In Margate This Week
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