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
How to enjoy the sun... ☀️
- Late afternoon, post-work or after dinner drinks at The Terrace Bar. Borrow a hat for extra shade!
- Sips on The Rooftop Bar in Margate (now open 7 days a week!), on the terrace or back in your room, on the balcony
- Breakfast or dinner al fresco at @pearlycowyork
Places to escape the heat... 💨
- Cool off in The Bar at Bath with quintessential to unexpected cocktails and some bar snacks
- Work from ours at The Lounge in Margate and keep topped up with iced lattes
- Take a seat in one of many of our spaces at No. 124 for some desk time or to chill
- Not been able to sleep? We`ll help you reset in our soothing Spas
- Stay the night. All of our coastal properties have air-con and many of our rooms at Bath and York too
A new cocktail destination on Great Pulteney Street
Sip refined classics, signature serves and seasonal creations alongside small plates and bar snacks
Our standout serve of the season: The Biscotti Espresso Martini - an indulgent take on the classic with notes of Biscoff, caramel and warming nutmeg. Finished with our signature crunchy No. 15 biscotti
Open daily with The House Hour 8-9 PM, Sunday to Thursday, where all cocktails are just £8
WIN the ultimate summer package ☀️🏖️🌊
Check-in to a coastal or city glow up! We’ve teamed up to give you the chance to win a dreamy @guesthousehotels stay and beach-ready essentials from @dockandbay to match. Keep cool from the rooftop to the shoreline. Pack your bags, get set for summer.
WIN:
£300 voucher to spend on Dock and Bay
A one-night stay for two at any GuestHouse hotel, including breakfast the next morning, and a cocktail each
How to enter:
1. Like & save this post
2. Follow @dockandbay & @guesthousehotels
3. Tag a friend in the comments, each tag in a new comment counts as a new entry
4. Share this post
Competition ends: 22nd July, 11:59pm. Good luck.
T&Cs: UK entries only. GuestHouse Hotels stay: for two people sharing a guest room, valid Sunday–Thursday, subject to availability. Excludes July, August and 23rd December-3rd January. Must be taken by 25th March. Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for money or alternative items.
Copper Cove Experience - our signature treatment at @fieldtripspa
Switch off, slow down and share a little time together
Our signature copper tub soak and magnesium salts set the scene, followed by side-by-side massages to melt away any lingering tension. Tailor your finish with a bespoke facial or foot ritual, both grounded in a restorative scalp massage
Unhurried, peaceful, and entirely yours
@margoinmargate’s Summer Residency at No. 42 Margate by @guesthousehotels
Very excited to announce our partnership which brings 12 beautiful artworks by Margo to the hotel. You’ll find them from the ground floor leading all the way up to The Rooftop Bar
To celebrate, we’ve created a Kiss Me in Margate cocktail too. Sip a glass and enjoy 10% off all prints by Margo
And, if you see a piece you particularly like from the collection, turn left out of the hotel and you’ll find Margo’s gallery just a few doors down and can arrange bringing one home!
The Margate Coast is full of coastal culture. Here’s why we think it’s a pretty special place...
@visitengland, @VisitEnglandbiz @visitthanet #AllOnTheCoast
Your front-row seat to Brighton Pride with the drag icon that is @michaelmarouli 🌈🎭🎤
On Saturday 1st August, we`re throwing open the doors to our Pride Party at The Terrace Bar, Brighton
Think front-row parade views, DJ sets from 10am with @coops.png, a live performance from Drag Race UK star Michael Marouli, exclusive Pride cocktails, oysters, tacos and all the sunshine (we`ve ordered it already)
Your £95 ticket includes £75 to spend on food and drinks, so you can celebrate your way
Come for the Pride. Stay for the atmosphere. Leave with a camera roll full of memories
Plus we have just a handful of rooms left for Saturday, so why not make the most of the celebrations and stay the night?
Last year`s party sold out, so don`t wait. Tickets available via the link in our bio 🌊✨
Details in York...
A sweeping central staircase to welcome you
Our model train that makes a journey around The Rhubarb Bar every 30 minutes
Do not disturb because we all have those moments
Games in the Marmalade Lounge for you to pass time
Record library - take any up to your room
Help-yourself pantry
Write down your thoughts from your stay in our GuestBook
Check-in series #9
No. 15 Bath - Pulteney Suite with @ettinger.london
The jewels of our townhouses. Most boast super-high ceilings and grand sash windows framed by shutters and drapes. Dog friendly and family friendly too. Plus, if you’re looking for somewhere to escape the heat, these rooms have air-con to keep you cool.
And if you stay before the 28th August, Sunday-Thursday, there’s £150 spa credit, per room, per night for you to spend as you wish
Meet @tessa__layzelle, the creative behind the hand-sewn tapestries in some of our newly refurbished Guest and Bigger Guest Rooms at No. 15 Bath.
Tessa is a designer/maker specialising in ‘practical paintings’ and her quilts sit in the crossover between artwork and homeware. For our in-room pieces, she nods to mysticism found throughout the city and the sense of the ethereal is further expressed through handmade celestial-themed bedside lampshades and delicate glass-domed pendants
Stay with us in Bath to see the beautiful pieces in person
If you’re booked in to stay in our Large Guest Rooms with Sea View or a Lookout Suite at No. 124 Brighton this weekend, here’s what your sunny stay might look like...
Put your bags aside, unpack and cool down ☀️
A peek of our Lookout Suite!
Your own balcony to soak up the rays and feel the sea breeze 🌊
The beach is right at our doorstep! Just cross the road for a refreshing dip 🐚⛱️
Return to your room to escape the heat. Put on the records, watch tv or read a book 📕 🎶
And then it’s back out for a drink or two at The Terrace Bar! P.s if you’re staying with us now until Thursday, enjoy 50% off cocktails 4-5pm and 9-10pm with our Two Tides offer 🍹
And on Fridays we have our DJ evenings. Borrow one of our hats to keep cool 👒
And maybe one nightcap up in your bedroom? 🍸
Lights out, tucked in 💤
Go coastal 🌊
Pack your bags and make the most of the heatwave with a beach getaway to Brighton or Margate
Check-in to sea-air and check out a couple more reasons to book...
Stay & Spa - a stay with breakfast the morning after and £150 spa credit per room, per night
Two Tides - 50% off cocktails Monday - Thursday 4 – 5pm & 9 – 10pm
Don`t forget your sunnies 😎
Happily ever after in York 💍
📸 1-2 Jess and Luke @meghantaylor_photography
📸 3 Kate and Liam @meghantaylor_photography
📸 4 Sophie and Mark @iam.ivanaking
📸 5 Ben and Gabi @sophiemortphotography
📸 6 Katy and Piaras @mariawphoto
📸 7 Eleanor and Alex @ellieniamhphotos
Spa credit, topped up for Summer
£150 spa credit per room, per night on stays before the 28th August
Our best-value break: a beautiful boutique room, breakfast, and spa credit to spend exactly as you please - plus, as always, the right to raid our pantry
Long golden evenings exploring the streets balanced with long, unhurried hours in the spa. Scroll for all the details and get ready to grab that glow
Book via the link in our bio
A bar that moves with the tides ☀️🌊🥂
And we`ve matched the summer energy out on The Terrace now with 50% off cocktails Monday - Thursday, 4-5pm and 9-10pm
If you`re still searching for something to celebrate the father figure in your lives, a stay away, a dinner at Pearly Cow or cocktails in The Bar at No. 15 may be a good idea...
Weekend plans when the sun`s out, the GuestHouse way ☀️
Head up to The Rooftop Bar at Margate. Or The Terrace Bar if you`re in Brighton!
GUESTS WHO...
chase sunsets
mark a special occasion
make the most of the sun
stay in and self-care
Which guest are you?
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!
