Best Western Hotels around the world
Home Hotels Destinations United Kingdom England Kent

Hotels in Margate, United Kingdom

Margate on Kent’s Thanet coast is a historic resort shaped by Victorian and Edwardian seaside culture and an art‑led revival in the 21st century. Highlights range from the vintage amusement park at Dreamland and free‑to‑enter Turner Contemporary, to Blue Flag sands and curious underground sites such as the Shell Grotto and Margate Caves

Things to Do in Margate

Dreamland Margate: vintage rides and major summer gigs: Considered one of Britain’s oldest surviving amusement parks, Dreamland first used its site for rides in 1880 and adopted the “Dreamland” name in 1920 with the Grade II*‑listed Scenic Railway. After a community‑led restoration, it reopened in 2015 and now mixes retro rides with concerts on the outdoor Scenic Stage; the 2025 season adds a returning Log Flume and all‑day wristbands.
Turner Contemporary: free seafront gallery: This David Chipperfield‑designed gallery faces Margate’s main sands and offers free admission to changing exhibitions linking the town’s light and J. M. W. Turner’s long association with Margate. Practical details: Rendezvous, CT9 1HG; typical opening Wed–Sun in winter, Tue–Sun in summer, with accessible access and nearby parking at Rendezvous Car Park.
Margate Main Sands: classic promenade beach: Margate’s town beach delivers the traditional seafront experience—promenade, amusements, deckchair hire and a tidal pool—with seasonal lifeguards and Blue Flag/Seaside Awards. It sits a short walk from Turner Contemporary and Dreamland, with a dog ban in place May–September.

Food and Drink in Margate

Secret Spices (Indian): A contemporary Indian restaurant on Ramsgate Road, Secret Spices is noted for a relaxed ambiance and a menu that goes beyond standard classics—think Chettinad, lamb shank, and seafood starters—with strong reviews and online ordering. It’s a good option if you want a sit‑down dinner away from the busiest parts of the seafront.
Olivo Margate (Italian, Old Town): Tucked into Market Place, Olivo serves trattoria‑style dishes—homemade ravioli, pizzas, tiramisu—in a compact, cash‑only setting that regularly earns high visitor ratings. Booking is recommended due to limited covers and weekend demand.
Buoy & Oyster (Seafood with sea views): Overlooking the beach on High Street, Buoy & Oyster focuses on local day‑boat fish—plates like skate wing, seafood platters and a modern take on fish & chips—alongside cocktails. The family‑run venue holds 2 AA Rosettes and offers seasonal menus, an oyster bar, and a terrace with sunset views.
The WonderWorks Café (Hornby site): Pair a museum visit with a café stop at The WonderWorks (formerly Hornby Visitor Centre). The re‑imagined attraction offers exhibits on Airfix, Corgi and Scalextric; the café serves light meals, cakes and coffee, and can be accessed without a ticket.

Shopping in Margate

The Centre (precinct linking High Street and Cecil Square): Margate’s colourful shopping precinct brings independents and high‑street names together: UpMargate’s indoor market, bars and venues (e.g., Mariachi, Elsewhere), and units such as Boots, Peacocks and Curve Coffee Roasters. It’s positioned a couple of minutes from the beach, making it a convenient browse between attractions.
Kate & George …by the sea (boutique): In the Old Town, Kate & George curates pared‑down, well‑made womenswear, accessories and design‑led gifts. It’s located at 2 Market Street (CT9 1EU), typically opening late morning; check current hours before visiting.
Little Bit (gifts, Old Town): Little Bit has been known for colourful, one‑of‑a‑kind gifts and homeware on Broad Street; listings note it as permanently closed, but historic reviews describe its unique selection in the Old Town cluster. If open on a future visit, it’s worth checking for distinctive items.

Culture and History in Margate

From pleasure gardens to heritage funfair: The Dreamland site traces to the 1870s “Hall by the Sea” and evolved into a pleasure garden and amusement park; today’s park preserves the Scenic Railway—opened 1920 and Grade II* listed—within a restored seaside entertainment model.
Turner and Margate’s famous light: Turner Contemporary commemorates the painter’s connection with Thanet’s skies. Since opening in 2011, the gallery has welcomed millions of visitors, and in 2020 it became the first contemporary building to feature on a Bank of England note.
Underground heritage: The Shell Grotto’s shell mosaics (c. 4.6 million shells) and the Margate Caves’ chalk tunnels and murals reflect layers of local social history—from Georgian and Victorian tourism to creative conservation and community programming after the 2019 reopening.
Seafront leisure and Blue Flag sands: Margate Main Sands has delivered seaside recreation for generations—promenade walks, amusements and a tidal pool—while current awards and lifeguard cover underline modern water quality and safety management.

Book direct and save

  • Exclusive discounts with Best Western Rewards
  • Low rate guarantee
  • Free wifi