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
A mid-way stop if you`re travelling Edinburgh <-> London or a destination in its own right, a stay in York is perfect for the city-wanderer, history-lover, book-reader, solo-getaway-goer... 🚊🍂
Book 7 days ahead with our Ber Month Break offer to enjoy the best rates. 15% off one night, 20% off two nights and 35% off three nights 💤
Check-in series #13
No. 42 Margate - Guest Room
Our smallest rooms in Margate have a certain warmth and cosiness to them. Sleep soundly in our double beds and re-energise or wind down with our coffee and tea. Spend your staycation enjoying your time at the hotel or have a wander around town!
Our sold-out first Seascape Sessions returns next month, 9th November
Capture one of Margate’s most iconic sea views in watercolour under the guidance of a trained artist
Your ticket includes all materials, a drink, and a slice of cake. No experience necessary!
Half-term escapes with all of the family!
There`s a record player and teas and coffees for the adults, tipis with toys, books and a @yotoplay player for the little ones and a very comfortable @ivyandduke bed and welcome pack for our four legged friends
A getaway is only fun when there`s something for everyone!
📸 - 1-4 @katie_sapegina, 5-7 @wearethelesueurs
In one month’s time York will look like this... ✨
Wake up to the tide. Unwind with the horizon 🌊
Just steps away from the beach…
Help yourself pantry…take your pick!
Slow sunset evenings
Golden hour magic in your room ✨
A cocktail at the bar. And another…
Views from your bed 🌊
A good seat, a perfectly shaken drink, and nowhere else you need to be.
Settle into the evening with us in Bath, York, Brighton, or Margate 🍸✨
If you’ve been telling yourself you’ll book a spa day ‘once things calm down’ — you’re the exact person The Spa at No. 1 York was designed for...
The Virginia Creeper has been signalling Autumn in York...🍁
If you want to make the most of your weekday getaway to this city there`s The `Ber month break offer
Stay 1 night = 15% off, 2 nights = 20% off, 3 nights = 35% off - book 3 weeks ahead
For stays Sunday-Thursday, room only until 11th November
Check-in series #12
No. 124 Brighton - Guest Room
Looking over the spa and city, these rooms make for the perfect cosy getaway for two or a very lovely solo staycation. All the usual GuestHouse goodies, walk-in shower and king-size bed. Found on the first, second, third and fourth floors
The best beach getaways don’t follow a season 🌊
Every Lookout Suite comes with its own @spikeball set— because a little friendly competition is always in style
Autumn in Brighton looks like this...
What’s on in October?
The Story Trail - until 8th November. More than 30 beautiful hand-painted BookBench sculptures by a local artist are dotted across Brighton’s streets, parks and seafront inspired by the stories that shape our city
@brighton_dome Comedy Festival - 16th - 25th October. Stand-up, podcasts, family shows and more
Photoworks / Brighton Photo Biennial - 2nd October - 1st November. Photography exhibitions, installations and talks
Brighton Food Story - 2nd - 4th October. Explore how to build a food culture that is good for the city, for its people and the planet in a day of talks and a network of supper clubs over the weekend
Mutations Festival - multi-venue alternative music festival on 23 & 24 October
Concerts including Westlife and Soul II Soul at the Brighton Centre, plus shows at Brighton Dome, Concorde 2, CHALK and smaller venues.
Professor Brian Cox will also be performing his new tour Emergence at The Brighton Centre on 21 & 22 October, just five minutes from us
Photo credits - Emma Bailey and Brighton Dome
Charlotte and Matt turning heads at York 💍
📸 @ellieniamhphotos
Whisky & Vinyl Nights at Margate 🥃 🎶
Each month, we will explore one bourbon, one Scotch and one world whisky, all while spinning a mix of new and classic vinyl
13th October | 7 - 9pm
17th November | 7 - 9pm
15th December | 7 - 9pm
Tickets are £20 per person, secure your place now at @pearlycowmargate
10 days, 3 drinks, 1 bar not to be missed
@brightoncocktailfestival is back with ten days of the city’s best bars shaking, stirring and showing off their skills, 18th-27th September
Tickets are £20 which gives you access to £6 cocktails and £4 mocktails at No. 124 and over 50 other bars across the city.
Find us at the bar for a sip of Don’t Beet Around The Bush, Notorious F.I.G and Citrus Got Real (non-alc)🍸🍹 🥃
Get your ticket
The longer you stay, the more you save
With the `Ber month break, save 15% on one night stays, 20% on 2 night stays and 35% on 3 night stays.
Book at least three weeks ahead and stay Sunday-Thursday from 27th September to enjoy our happiest rates
Last of the summer escapes in Bath...
Ready to step into Autumn?
Deep sigh relaxation post summer madness
From releasing the tension in your back to getting your glow back on with a tailored facial, find what you`re looking for in The Spa at Bath, York, Margate and Brighton
Soaking up the last of the summer sun in Brighton ☀️🌊
