Margate Old Town

Helicopter Trip Over Margate

The Queen & Prince Philip's visit

Take a walk in images

Heritage…. and there’s lots of it. Once home to the Duke of Cumberland, brother of George 111, NatWest’s building stands proud in Cecil Square. Round the corner, Hawley Square has the Theatre Royal the second oldest theatre building in the country. Why even The Grand Old Duke of York lived here and J.M.W Turner went to school here.

With its blue flag rated beach Margate can keep you entertained for days. The sea air, fish & chips, amusement arcades, candy floss and beach activities contrast with the boutique shops, the trendy mix of bohemian restaurants, cafes and bars, plus thriving arts scene in the Old Town. The rest of the Isle being only a few miles around the coastline, is an added bonus.

Main Sands - Walk along the prom from Margate Station, its current building being the fourth station built in Margate erected in 1926, take a seat at the Nayland Rock Shelter where T S Eliot wrote ‘The Wasteland’ during October 1921 and glance across at the nostalgic Dreamland cinema building. This first English seaside resort and home to one of the earliest amusement parks will soon become a national centre for the preservation of seaside amusement parks and seaside entertainment.

Marine Drive - The cause of much scandal, this road improvement funded by Margate Borough Council was the demise of the former bathing rooms situated at the lower end of the High Street. From the 1740s to 1880 many would frequent these single storey buildings waiting to take their turn in the bathing machine.

The Harbour Arm opposite the Old Town and next to the Turner Contemporary, offers great views of the sea and town, a comfy bar with bottled beer and fine wines, a real food café with a vegetarian focus, gallery space for exhibitions and a bicycle hire shop.

Shopping - Venturing behind the Piazza situated on the Parade opposite the harbour and walking back through Market Street, Duke Street or King Street you’ll find quirky independent shops with friendly proprietors providing an alternative shopping experience. View a lunchtime stroll around the Old Town.

Restaurants & Cafes - A good choice awaits you, from the traditional fish and chips or English breakfast on the Piazza through to the Old Town’s cupcake café, onwards to the Michelin-rated restaurant with its traditional Indian cuisine.

Parking - There are metered parking bays along Marine Drive, a short-stay car park leading off of Market Street, free one-hour parking bays in the Old Town and a refurbished long-term car park at Morrison’s supermarket only five minutes walking distance from the Piazza.