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
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 ☀️🌊
What a summer we’ve had! Thank you to all who joined us
GUESTS WHO...
dine alfresco
host fabulous events
enjoy a quiet moment after exploring
say cheers to cocktails with a view
Which guest are you?
Every September Bath turns Regency for ten days of dances, talks and costumed promenades!
Jane Austen Festival 2026 - Friday 11th - Sunday 20th September
The world`s largest, longest-running Austen festival, don`t miss The Grand Regency Costumed Promenade. Setting off at 11am on 12th September from the Royal Crescent, via George Street, and finishing on Great Pulteney Street - home to our hotspot, No. 15, everyone is welcome
Read all about it in the Guest Insider on our website!
Promenade photos by @visitbathuk
National Dog Day! Celebrating some of our four legged friends and their visits
@beccapearsonstyle at York
@life_with_haz - at Brighton
@travisnuneshair - at Margate
@moosethecockapoo_ - at Bath
@m.mdogwalking74 - at York
@joy_hung_ - at Margate
Darla - at Brighton
@albert_thecavapoo - at Margate
Bring your team together your away days and corporate meeting
Enquire through our website about spaces at Bath, York, Margate and Brighton
Morning read, beach read or a before-bedtime read. You`ll find things to see and do, what`s new and some of our favourite moments in our very own GuestHouse newspaper 🗞️
Some lovely guest snaps by:
@natalyavukovic
@bethxlouisexx
@birdandbloomuk
Your own secret door into the main hotel, a separate lounge, private pantry and a copper hot tub
This is a stay in The Hideout Suite at No. 124 Brighton. Yours for the long weekend if you’re looking for a little luxury
Aperitivo launches tomorrow at @thebar_at_no15bath
You choose your cocktails and the kitchen will send out generous plates from the bar menu - nothing fixed, nothing fussy, just whatever`s looking its best that day. The more cocktails you order, the more plates you get, complimentary
6-9pm every Friday
Autumn: Two offers to make it yours 🍂
A weekend away that feels less like an overnight stop and more like a proper exhale 🧳
Scroll for details on The Autumn Treat and The `ber Month Break offers
Whether you`re the kind of person who books on a whim or plans ahead, autumn`s better at ours
Late Summer in Bath...
Summer Lates at @theromanbaths - until 31st Aug
- And on Fridays and Saturdays there`ll be vinyl DJs and on Sunday, live acoustic sessions showcasing a mix of established artists and emerging talent
@theatreroyalbath1805 - The Spy who came in from the Cold - until 22nd Aug
- The novel by John le Carré - the undisputed master of the modern spy genre - is brought to life in a thrilling stage adaptation
Beyond Impressionism: Printmaking from Manet to Picasso - until 13th Sep
- An exhibition celebrating the resurgence of printmaking from the mid-19th century onward, bringing together prints by key artists of the movement including Édouard Manet, Pierre Bonnard, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Pablo Picasso
@Bathrugby Season Launch - 31st Aug
- They`re kicking off the new season on the Rec (right opposite No. 15) with a free-to-attend Fan Village celebration. Open to everyone!
An Audience with Lucy Worsley at The Forum - 1st September
- Beloved historian and bestselling author, who spent 20 years working as Chief Curator in some of Britain`s most marvellous palaces, Lucy will take you behind the scenes and into the history of the royal residences she came to know so well
Bath Foodies Festival - 4th - 6th September
- Royal Victoria Park will host a celebratory finale to Summer with chef demonstrations, street food, drinks and live music
The American Museum - all Summer
- Home to American stories, decorative arts, folk art and textiles, special exhibitions and acres of wildlife-friendly beautiful gardens. The museum is marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence
Enjoy afternoon tea in @thepumproomrestaurant - daily
- Take a seat under the chandelier and savour a delicious afternoon tea to the sounds of the Pump Room Trio and the resident pianist
What were once the library and the drawing room when these townhouse buildings were aristocratic homes, are now our Bootham Suites at No. 1 York
Scroll to enter the room
Ruby and Chris brought their cool to No. 124 Brighton 💍
📸: @meghanhopephotog
