Carl Freedman Gallery
Founded by the art curator Carl Freedman, this pushing-the-boundaries gallery promotes the work of emerging British and international artists across three industrial-looking gallery spaces. Guaranteed to provoke your thoughts.
What to see and do in Margate? Margate’s a playful place with an unfading charm, living a colourful life. And we’ve listed our favourite places so you can make the most of being beside the seaside.
Founded by the art curator Carl Freedman, this pushing-the-boundaries gallery promotes the work of emerging British and international artists across three industrial-looking gallery spaces. Guaranteed to provoke your thoughts.
You can’t miss this building – it’s the row of shiny boxes on the seafront, built on the site of a house where Turner (the painter) once stayed. Inside, the exhibitions are likely to be equally edgy and impressive. And you can contemplate the art in the café, with its harbour views.
Can you fill a whole museum with stuff about crabs? Apparently, you can, and it’s eye-opening. You’ll learn how crabs affect our lives in many ways, from maintaining the oceans to developing new medicines. It’s worth more than a sideways glance.
You could say Margate wouldn’t be Margate without Dreamland. This fantastic fun palace has been a local icon since the 1870s. As well as the amusement park rides for thrill-seekers, the venue also boasts a great line-up of big-name acts for music lovers.
Some seaside towns have shell grottos, but few are as insanely big and fancy as this. Get ready for your mind to be well and truly blown. The fun fact is that no one knows who made it and why it’s there… mysterious. Where to find it? Grotto Hill, of course.
We wouldn’t blame you for not associating Margate with caves. But then it is a place full of surprises. Once a chalk mine, this subterranean wonderland is now a great all-weather visitor attraction. We also love that it’s a non-profit investing in local schools and groups.
One thing Margate has plenty of is seaweed. And Haeckels use it as the base for all their skincare products. In fact, they pick it by hand on the beach just steps away from their shop. Why seaweed? Well, turns out it’s great for your skin and the planet. Win-win.
If browsing indie bookshops gives you a thrill, we know one you’ll love for sure. Compact but thoughtfully stocked, The Margate Bookshop deals in new and second-hand titles and does teas and coffee, too (in case you intend to browse a while).
AARVEN is a treasure trove of ethical homeware and jewellery handmade by artisans around the globe. Wander in and discover woven tableware, hand-carved wooden utensils, Kenyan Stools, Ghanaian masks, Khotso blankets and much, much more.
In true Margate style, WerkHaus isn’t your run-of-the-mill clothes shop. They say they sell ‘trans-seasonal modern utilitarian womenswear’ – which you can translate as menswear for women (with pockets). They also stock carefully chosen vintage pieces.
The name says it all. Positive Retail upholds strong ethical principles. They work with a community of sellers to create a clothes retail experience that’s about shopping local, loving people, and staying circular. Find stylish preloved fashion for women and men.
Margaux is a lovely independent clothes store on the edge of the Old Town at the end of Love Lane. They do a great line in loungewear, swimwear, skincare, bags and socks to complement their main womenswear collections.
If you’re a sustainably minded shopper, head down to House De Ville on the High Street in Cliftonville. It’s a consciously curated collection of vintage clothing, jewellery and accessories beautifully presented by owner Jemelia Whitaker. Using her background in costume styling she creates diversity across her range.
A charming boutique, offering a curated selection of homeware, gifts, and unique finds. Inspired by coastal living, their collection features beautiful ceramics, textiles, and art from independent makers. It’s the perfect spot to discover a special souvenir or a stylish addition to your home, capturing the essence of Margate’s creative spirit.
Whether a walker or cyclist, you’ll will find plenty to enjoy along the 32 mile circular route on the Isle of Thanet exploring Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. Romans, Saints and Saxons landed here, artists and writers drew inspiration here, so get discovering why visitors have been coming for centuries
Located right on the Margate sands choose between a Nordic wood-fired barrel sauna or a modern electric cube sauna, both offering stunning sea views. Cold sea or barrel plunge afterwards is optional! Communal changing rooms are available with showers too. Open all year round.
During the Autumn and Winter you’re welcome to take your four legged friend straight on the beach for a sandy walk or romp in the waves, depending on how brave they (or you!) are feeling. And if you need an extra towel for a dry off please do ask. October – April
Sparkling fresh fish bought from the boats each morning, cooked simply and perfectly. That’s Angela’s. It’s been hailed as St. John by the sea, and we agree.
Sargasso is a wine bar offering small plates that take the term seaside to another level. Perched against the sea wall of Margate’s harbour arm. Dogs welcome.
Mega-fresh seafood, a great drinks menu, and smiles-all-the-way service make Buoy & Oyster a firm Margate favourite. Not dog-friendly.
This lovingly restored 18th-century coaching inn is hospitality heaven. Think cask ales, botanical cocktails and cheffy Kent-centred dishes. Dog friendly.
A much-loved Margate restaurant, Bottega Caruso offers soulful southern Italian cooking, handmade pasta and natural wines, inspired by family recipes.
All-day dining, serving vibrant Middle Eastern brunch, pitas and babka, with cocktails, coffee and relaxed vibes.
Taking inspiration from a few favourite wine bars in Paris, mixed with the southern French countryside and modern influences from NYC. The seasonal menu focuses on modern European cooking with a heavy French influence.
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 🌊
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
