Margate: Beach, Art and Chalk History

Margate combines a compact stretch of beach with striking architecture, art and underground attractions. If you’re looking for a hotel in Margate, you can first consider whether the beach, cultural history, museums or a walking or cycling route should be the focus of your trip. The places and activities vary considerably: from Margate Main Sands, which is about 200 metres long, to a 32-mile circular route.

Beach and distinctive buildings

Margate Main Sands has a promenade and wooden beach groynes. A boating pool is also part of the scene at this stretch of beach: it was built in 1937 and is listed as a Grade II structure. At Main Sands, a specific coastal spot and a listed building come together.

Another architectural feature is the Winter Gardens. Their unique design includes a semicircular amphitheatre. They are also considered the only known example of a winter garden built within a chalk cliff. Visitors interested in architectural forms will find a different subject here from the beach or museums.

Chalk history underground

The Margate Caves were originally established as a chalk mine in the 18th century. They are 94.2 metres long and 12.2 metres high at their tallest point. In August 2019, they reopened with a new community building, a café, a shop, and exhibition and interpretation spaces. This date refers to the reopening at the time; it does not indicate current access conditions.

The Shell Grotto is a separate attraction. It was discovered in 1835 and has winding passageways decorated with 4.6 million shells, extending for 70 feet (21 metres). A curved staircase cut into the chalk leads underground into the grotto. The details of the mine, passageways and staircase give each place its own architectural and historical context.

Gallery, museums and model worlds

Turner Contemporary is a gallery of contemporary and historical art. Its ongoing programme includes temporary exhibitions, events and educational activities; individual exhibitions change. The nearest bus stop to the gallery is Cecil Square. Local bus services may change, so it is advisable to check your route before travelling.

The Crab Museum offers a very different subject: it provides interactive learning about nature and is the only museum in Europe dedicated to decapod crustaceans. The specific interactive content may change. At The WonderWorks, visitors can find out how Hornby, Airfix, CORGI, Scalextric and Pocher make their models and kits. The offering includes miniature worlds and exhibits; the items on display may change.

Art trail, event and coastal route

The Pride Art Map is a walking tour along an art trail through Margate. Confirm before your trip whether the tour is available. Margate Pride is an annual celebration of queer people, their lives, allies and communities in Margate and Kent. The specific event programme may change; check the dates if you want to plan your trip around it.

The Viking Coastal Trail is on a different scale: this shared circular route is designed for cycling and walking, is 32 miles (51.4 kilometres) long and passes Turner Contemporary. It runs along flat, traffic-free promenades, wide sea walls and quiet country roads. This lets you distinguish a walking tour of Margate’s art trail from a longer circular route, without treating the two routes as the same offering. Check current route conditions before setting out.

Getting to Margate

Southeastern operates hourly high-speed trains from London St Pancras and Stratford International to Margate. The journey to Margate station takes less than 90 minutes. As train timetables can change, check your connection before travelling. This lets you consider the train journey, the places that interest you and your planned route separately when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Wadhurst, Canterbury, Herons Ghyll, Southampton, Hailsham, Lymington and Hastingleigh.

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