Margate is in my top three coastal towns in Kent (the other two are Folkstone and Whitstable) it has not one, but two sandy beaches in Kent to start with. But if lying on a sandy beach soaking up the sun isn’t your idea of fun, here are my favourite fun things to do in Margate all year round for families, adults and couples alike. There’s even a few unusual things unique to Margate too. In short, you could easily spend a weekend here.
And you might also be interested in my list of best places to eat in Margate, best bars and pubs in Margate or best coffee shops in Margate.
Best things to do in Margate (map)
Play Guess The Pattern At Margate Shell Grotto
Margate Shell Grotto is one of the most unique things I’ve seen not just Kent, but ever. Pictures don’t really do it justice. It’s only once you’re inside you can fully grasp what a wonder the cave is. That’s why it’s my number one thing to do in Margate.
Discovered in 1835, the Margate Shell Grotto is a subterranean passageway adorned with intricate mosaic patterns made entirely of seashells. The grotto’s walls and ceilings are covered with over four million shells, forming mesmerizing geometric designs and mysterious symbols (which they provide a map for). Half the fun of visiting the caves is trying to visualise the symbol before and after, like one of those magic eye pictures. Theories about its creation range from ancient religious rituals to a Victorian folly.
Read my full Margate Shell Grotto review
https://www.shellgrotto.co.uk/ – 33 Grotto Hill, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2BU
You might be interested in… Painshill Park’s Crystal Grotto
Ride The UK’s Oldest Wooden Rollercoaster At Dreamland
Visiting Dreamland is like stepping back in time. Originally opened in the 1920s, the small attraction park continues to hold on to it’s vintage charm with roller disco room, Ferris wheel, pinball room and wooden rollercoaster (oldest roller coaster in the UK). Kent doesn’t really have an amusement park of it’s own so Dreamland is unique in that respect.
I love Dreamland so much I got married there (Dreamland wedding review). Dreamland host special events during Halloween and Christmas and in recent years they’ve become a major music music venue in Kent, hosting huge acts such as Tom Jones and Madness. You could realistically spend all day at Dreamland. One thing to keep in mind when visiting are the opening hours as they tend to be seasonal.
https://www.dreamland.co.uk/ – Hall by the Sea Rd, Marine Terrace, Margate CT9 1XJ
Explore Bold, Brilliant Art At Turner Contemporary
Celebrating the legacy of the renowned British artist J.M.W. Turner, The Turner Contemporary shows hosts a dynamic array of exhibitions, events, and installations. Again, while there are many galleries in Kent, there isn’t really a major art venue like The Turner Contemporary. It’s like a mini Tate Modern. I also recommend browsing the excellent shop for art supplies, aesthetically designed gifts and Kent centric items. After all that, have tea and cake in the Louie on Sea cafe for unrivalled beach views.
https://turnercontemporary.org/ – Rendezvous, Margate CT9 1HG
See Victorian Art At Margate Caves
Another historical attraction makes the list, weirdly it’s another cave. In fact, people have been visiting this attraction since the 1860s.
Discovered in 1798, the Margate Caves are a fascinating subterranean network. Carved by hand from chalk, a guided tour takes you through the labyrinthine passages to reveal tales of smuggling, leisure, and wartime shelter. Originally a chalk mine, the colourful murals are the main attraction, some of which were painted in the Victorian era.
https://www.margatecaves.co.uk/ – 1 Northdown Rd, Margate, CT9 1FG
Learn Something Weird At The Margate Crab Museum
Ever wanted a David Attenborough documentary on the crab? Probably not, but if you have this is probably the closest you’ll get and luckily it’s Margate. “Europe’s #1 Crab Museum” according to their Instagram bio (I’m going to take their word for it), discover the secrets of these remarkable animals through stories such as the giant Margate crab. You might not know it yet, but crabs are actually very important. The Crab Museum has become a local cult hidden gem and all those who have been rave about it for a good reason. Told you Margate has some unique things to do.
https://www.crabmuseum.org/ – 9 Broad St, Margate, CT9 1EW
Putt Your Way To Glory At Mini Golf
There are two mini golf locations in Margate. If the weather is pleasant, Strokes Adventure Golf is an outdoor 18 hole mini golf course located along Westbrook Bay. When the weather is bleak, head to the tropical paradise that is Lost Island Adventures located in Flamingo’s arcade near the clock tower.
https://margateminigolf.uk/ – Sea View Terrace, Westbrook, Margate, CT9 5BJ
https://www.lostislandgolf.co.uk/ – Flamingo Arcade, 17 Marine Gardens, Margate, CT9 1XJ
Dig For Records Cliffs & Ghost Papa
If you’re a record collector, you’re in luck. Margate has a couple of great record stores selling both new and used records of all genres – Cliffs and Ghost Papa. Luckily, they’re on the same street. The cafe at Cliffs is also award winning, serving poached eggs on toast, crumpet sliders, croissants and coffee to fuel your record flipping fingers. (just see their Instagram for the delicious food and drink available).
https://www.cliffsmargate.com/ – 172 Northdown Rd, Cliftonville, Margate, CT9 2QN
https://www.instagram.com/ghostpapamargate/ – 105 Northdown Rd, Cliftonville, Margate, CT9 2QY
Escape Rooms At The Escapement & Ctrl Alt Esc
Escape rooms are always a good rainy day activity so it’s always good to have a back-up plan if the weather changes at the seaside. The Escapement are award finalists for their rooms while Ctrl Alt Esc has 7 rooms to tackle, ranging from family friendly to being buried alive in a coffin by yourself for 10 minutes…
https://www.escapementmargate.co.uk/ – 65 Northdown Rd, Cliftonville, Margate, CT9 2RJ
https://www.ctrlaltesc.co.uk/ – 202 Northdown Rd, Cliftonville, Margate, CT9 2QU
Plot Twist: Your Favourite Part of the Trip Was The Margate Bookshop & The Old Bank Bookshop
What is a day at the seaside without a browse in an independent bookshop? There are two secondhand bookshops I recommend within walking distance of each other – The Margate Bookshop & The Old Bank Bookshop. The former has been a Regional Finalist for the British Book Awards Independent Bookshop of the Year award for the fifth year running whilst the latter supports The Pilgrim Hospice.
https://www.themargatebookshop.com/ – 2 Market Pl, Margate, CT9 1ER
https://www.pilgrimshospices.org/local-shops/margate-books/ – 17 The Parade, Margate, CT9 1EY
Unwind At Sea Scrub Sauna Margate & People Care Planet Care Community Sauna
While not unique to Margate specifically as there’s also ones in Whitstable and Faversham, the setting is. Book a sauna session with a view of the sea at Sea Scrub Sauna. Choose from a barrel sauna or electric sauna. There’s also a free community sauna on Walpole Bay.
https://seascrubsauna.co.uk/ – Royal Cres Promenade, Margate CT9 1XP
https://www.visitthanet.co.uk/attractions/people-care-planet-care-community-sauna-135838 – Opposite Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, Walpole Bay, Cliftonville, Margate, CT9 2LN
See A Show At Where Else? & Chumps Comedy
Kent’s comedy pull is slowly but surely becoming better. While Canterbury continues to draw more top comedians, Chumps Comedy is a welcome recent addition to the county. They’ve hosted comedians such as Sarah Keyworth, Jamali Maddix and Phil Wang to name a few. Find out where in Margate they are hosting next.
https://linktr.ee/chumpscomedy – various venues in Margate
Take photos of the old Cliftonville lido
The Cliftonville may have closed in 1978, but it leaves two structures you’ll want to see and add to your Instagram.
6 Ethelbert Terrace, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 1RX
Shop For Unique Finds At These Independent Shops
Margate is home to a handful of great independent shops. Here is a list of my favourites:
- https://aarven.com/ – ethical homeware and sustainable jewellery
- https://zigzagfootwear.com/ – footwear
- https://positive-retail.com/ – premium resale for men and women
- http://www.asobi-store.co.uk/ – gift shop
- http://www.harbourandtide.com/ – gift shop
- https://www.margauxhome.co.uk/ – women’s clothes shop
- https://www.instagram.com/number32_margate/ – gift shop
- https://margoinmargate.com/ – art gallery
- https://werkhausmargate.com/ – clothing
- https://haeckels.co.uk/ – cosmetics shop
- https://snt-uk.com/ – record shop
Win Big (or Try To) At The Arcades
No visit to the seaside is complete without spending a fortune in the arcades! There are several arcades to choose from along Marine Gardens in front of the beach, but my personal favourite is The Flamingo for their mix of traditional games like penny falls machines and their modern games like Jurassic Park shoot em’ up.
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