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
We host the kind of birthdays that your guests will be asking you for details about 🥂
Celebrated the night away with a very special bespoke birthday bash with @indiaamoon. Sparkles, sips and some everlasting memories ✨
If you`ve got a special occasion coming up, drop us a message and we`d love to plan with you
Check-in series #8
No. 124 Brighton - The Hideout Suite with @charlotteemilyprice
The most private of rooms in our beachfront beauty. You`ll have your own private entrance, private pantry and private hot tub. There`s a separate lounge with space for two children and a super-king bed. Check-in and enjoy your home away from home
Re-introducing some of the things that just make sense at GuestHouse
Help-yourself-pantry 🍬🍿
Well wouldn`t it be fun to go on a stay and pick out your own snacks to enjoy whilst reading a book, watching a movie or to satisfy the late night munchies 👀 So that`s what we`ve decided to bring to our hotels. Available to all of our guests, wherever you stay!
The Bar at No. 15 is back - shaken, stirred, and transformed
Behind the doors of one of Bath’s most elegant addresses, we’re blending together exceptional cocktails and charming interiors
Step off the street and come inside for a crisp pre-dinner aperitif or an indulgent nightcap before the walk home
Come and see what’s new...
Incredibly proud to share that No. 124 Brighton has been included in The @telegraph’s ‘250 Best Hotels in the UK’ guide, an expert curation of the finest accommodation in the country.
We’re in company amongst incredible hotels so we are delighted to have our coastal townhouse recognised. We hope to welcome more of you in the future, new and returning!
🌊💛
Checking-in to Room 12 today at No. 1 York? Here`s a peek of your room ☀️ 🍃
[Bootham Suite, first floor]
Our Gift Voucher sale is here - but not for long! 🧖🏻♀️🧖🏻
We`ve hand-picked a collection of GuestHouse gifts and, for the long weekend, enjoy 25% off 🤍
From restorative spa rituals and deep-soak afternoons to a rather sparkling tea at No. 1 York, they`re perfect for someone else, or yourself
Some favourites are in limited numbers, so when they`re gone, they`re gone! Save til Monday and head to our bio to browse and gift
Summer’s calling ☀️, pick up the cocktail🍹
We kept our fingers crossed last Friday that summer would be underway and it looks like it worked 😉
Escape the scorching heat this Bank Holiday weekend and join us up on The Rooftop Bar at No. 42 Margate, Friday through til Monday, for sea breeze, ice cold summer cocktails and sunsets
Moments snapped from the summer party at The Terrace Bar @pearlycowbrighton
Get yourself down there, lots of sun and spritzes ahead for the heatwave! ☀️
Check-in series #7
No. 15 Bath - Coach House Large Guest Room
If you liked the sound of staying in The Coach House in one of our previous posts, you’ve got the option for a larger room too. These rooms are family-friendly, with space for a cot in all rooms, and room for our fun mini teepees. Keep them entertained with toys and Yoto Players with story-filled cards during your stay
We’ve got a few rooms left for the Bank Holiday and Half Term. Catch the summer feeling with a family getaway
📸 @wearethelesueurs @alldadstalk, @allmumstalk
No. 124 Brighton can make your seaside wedding dreams come true! 💍🌊
Take over @pearlycowbrighton or The Courtyard for the day, or go all-out with the whole house...
📸: @charlotterebeccaphoto
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 🌊
