Posted: 07.05.26
There’s something rather special about a British seaside escape - and few places capture it quite like Margate. Once a classic coastal favourite, this much-loved Kent town has re-emerged as a vibrant destination where nostalgic charm meets a fresh, creative energy. Think golden sandy beaches dotted with families, colourful streets filled with independent shops, and a thriving food scene that makes it just as appealing for weekend breaks as it is for longer summer stays.
From Turner to Emin, Margate has long inspired artists - and today, that same spirit runs through its galleries, old town and seafront. Whether you’re drawn by the beach, the culture or simply the slower pace of life by the sea, here’s how to spend 48 hours in Margate.
TO SEE
Shell Grotto
Discovered in 1835, this mysterious passageway covering 21 metres is intricately lined with over 4 million seashells. There are a number of theories surrounding the origin of the fascinating mosaics but to this day, no-one knows exactly how it came to be or why.
Margate Old Town
A short stroll from the beach, you’ll find streets with quirky names, historical buildings, independent shops and vintage boutiques - you’ll find everything from retro furniture to handmade jewellery!
Margo in Margate
The artist behind our very cool decorated plates at Pearly Cow Margate is the talented Margo McDaid. Find her gallery to see some of her fabulous work in person.
TO DO
Margate Beach
There aren’t many sandy beaches in the UK but Margate has one that’s blessed with golden sands and the kind perfect
for a beach picnic, sunset walk or building sandcastles. The warmth of the sand under your feet and the glistening sea will bring you that holiday-without-leaving-the-country feeling.
Dreamland
A whimsical amusement park inspired by the retro seaside funfair charm, there’s plenty of fun to be had here. From
rides that will get your adrenaline going to attractions that’ll entertain the little guests, and from incredible performance
line-ups to seasonal festivals, Dreamland is certainly a place for all ages.
Turner Contemporary
A modern art gallery named after J.M.W. Turner, you’ll discover works ranging from established to emerging, talented artists here.
Ramsay and Williams
A vintage shop, ice cream bar and a gallery, a stop for a cone (or a cup) here is an essential part of the itinerary. Flavours change but it’ll always be topped with one of their signature branded wafers.
TO TAKE HOME
Accessories from Margaux
A charming boutique located in Margate’s Old Town at 30 Hawley Street, Margaux offers a thoughtfully curated selection of contemporary European womenswear, accessories and lifestyle items.
Trinkets from The Old Kent Market
The Old Kent Market in Margate is a treasure trove for trinket seekers, offering a delightful mix of stalls and shops where you can find unique souvenirs and handcrafted items.
Artwork by the locals
Margate is known for its creative scene, especially with the Turner Contemporary gallery nearby. Pick up a local artist’s print from shops like Ramsay and Williams or The Margate Gallery
Things to do in Brighton - save for inspiration 🔖
@artistsopenhouses - 16-17th and 23rd-25th May - visit local artists’ homes and studios
@brightonfestival - until 25th May - celebrate the 60th Brighton Festival with theatre, music, dance, circus, art and family events
@brightonfringe - until 31st May - comedy, cabaret, theatre and pop-up shows
UB40 - 1st June - get your tickets for the big indoor concert
London to Brighton bike ride finish - 21st June - cheer at the finish line
@royalpaviliongardens - one of the city’s best-known landmarks, a great addition to your trip
The Lanes and North Laine - Explore indie shops, vintage stores and street art
Re-introducing some of the things that just make sense at GuestHouse
Our very own...
Signature scent with @oastandrye
Bespoke @ivyandduke dog beds
Curated newspaper
Our candles and reed diffusers in `Persia` create the memory of a stay through scent (available to purchase in our hotels!). We welcome our four-legged friends with their very own dog set-up for those all important naps 💤 And, if there`s one place to find out about all the happenings in the hotels and beyond, it`s by flicking through our seasonal newspaper
Bath summer stay incoming
Need a little help choosing the room for you? Scroll for interior design inspo and we`ll see you when you get here
Supawstars at GuestHouse 🐾
Gus - @katharinee.anne
Max - @sofiacolturanigrassi
Spoon - @spoon_iggy
Moose - @moosethecockapoo_
Darla
Bonnie - @sophie.m.robinson
Kobe - @kobeshowdog
Odie - @odies_adventuress
Louis - @npanagarry
GUESTS WHO...
can’t wait for summer
conquer goals
celebrate milestones
care about the little details
Which guest are you?
Re-introducing some of the things that just make sense at GuestHouse
Coffee and tea stations with a twist ☕️🫖
Open for a surprise! Some of our rooms at No. 1 York and No. 15 Bath have a whimsical doll`s house and some of our rooms at our beachside properties, No. 42 Margate and No. 124 Brighton, have beach huts. Inside you`ll find everything you need for a morning brew, afternoon cuppa or bedtime wind down!
Just making sure that your Bank Holiday weekend plans include some drinks at The Terrace Bar, @pearlycowbrighton. The vibe? Music by @coops.png tonight and then sea-views and sips until the sun goes down 🌊
Top to toe glow in 90 or 120 minutes ✨
We start with the back scrub to awaken the skin before moving onto a tension-releasing back, neck and shoulder massage. Then it’s down to a rejuvenating foot scrub before finishing with a radiating organic facial and scalp massage. Scroll for a virtual experience of the treatment
Walk out with your new glow and use the code TOP2TOE10 for 10% off, only in May at @fieldtripspa
Check-in series #6
No. 42 Margate - Large Guest Room with Sea View and Balcony
If the beach right at your doorstep and opening the doors to a private balcony with front row sea views sounds like your beach dream come true, you’ll want to be making yourself comfortable in of these rooms. These rooms have a separate bath and shower and a super-king size bed. This is one for those who not only want a room with a view but want to be part of it.
And if you’re travelling from London, we’re less than 1.5hrs with @se_railway!
What`s your `that makes it a staycation` moment?
Making time for a proper breakfast
Zero plans
Going all out - pamper time!
An extra long lie in
A late-night tipple
Tell us in the comments...
We`re very much ready chilling up here at The Rooftop Bar of No. 42 Margate and we know you are too 🐚🌊
Re-introducing some of the things that just make sense at GuestHouse
Station Luggage Pick-up 🧳
You didn’t pack light and that’s okay. You decided you want to head straight into town, that’s no problem.
When you book a stay with us, we offer complimentary luggage pick-up. Step off, hand over and we’ll whisk your bags back to the hotel for you. Simply share your journey’s schedule, and allow us to handle the heavy lifting 🚆
Zowie and Jack put a ring on it by the sea 💍
Huge congratulations to the happy couple and our first official ceremony at No. 42 Margate!
📸 @tomcawdronphotography
💐 @thedarlingbudsofwade
Browse the room types at No. 124 Brighton to decide where you`ll be spending the night 🔑
The Terrace Bar by @pearlycowbrighton is back for its second summer... and it`s all about the bar
Coastal cocktails, long spritzes, cold rosé and proper sundowners. First come, first served
No. 1 York through the seasons 🍃☀️🍂🌧️
Spring, summer, autumn or winter. Plan ahead staycation or spontaneous getaway to York. Whatever traveller you might be, a trip to York is always a good idea. And less than 2 hours by train from London Kings Cross!
Re-introducing some of the things that just make sense at GuestHouse
If you`re new here, let us show you round...
Starting with our Record Players. If you`re a sing to country, dance to pop, chill with jazz or kick back with rock, we`ve got record players in every room and a library with even more records to take up to your room
P.s If silence is your thing, that`s okay too 😉
Spaces for events of any and every kind
Drop our teams a message if you’re looking for a place for your next conference, team meet-up or something a little more fun
Check-in series #5
No. 124 Brighton - Large Guest Room with Sea View
Drift away to the sound of the ocean and wake up to sunrise and the sea in your super-king sized bed. Some can twin and several can accommodate a child too, so if you’re coming with a little one in tow, think big!
Behind the art
Ever stopped to look at some of the artwork at No. 124? Meet some of the artists behind the pieces at our Brighton boutique hotel
