Spring has sprung and despite the unpredictable British weather people have been flocking to the beach. As the days become sunnier and warmer, it’s no surprise that most Brits are eyeing up the stunning UK coast for day trips and holidays.
If you’re in need of some staycation inspiration, you might want to consider the UK’s ‘best seaside town’, which has impressed travel experts with its beautiful sandy beach, underrated theme park and unique attractions, including a hidden grotto straight out of a fairy tale. Margate in Kent may not be a secret, but it’s often overshadowed by larger resorts like Brighton and Blackpool, despite having plenty to offer.
The town is brimming with cosy pubs, craft breweries, cafes, and quirky shops, as well as an impressive selection of bookshops. And with budget-friendly hotels starting from £22 a night, a visit won’t break the bank.
(Even some of Margate’s top hotels start from just £44 a night). The main beach is always a hit with both visitors and locals, thanks to its expansive stretch of sand and paddle-friendly waters. The promenade, lined with arcades and fish and chip shops, offers a quintessential British seaside experience.
For those who prefer exploring to lounging on the beach, there are plenty of exciting attractions. One must-see is the famous Shell Grotto, a unique underground passage that seems straight out of a storybook, with walls adorned with over 4.6 million shells.
Margate is a haven for thrill-seekers, thanks to Dreamland Margate. This amusement park offers free entry and boasts a diverse range of retro and vintage-inspired rides suitable for all ages.
Visitors can enjoy the Rock’n’Roller coaster and the Scenic Railway, the UK’s oldest rollercoaster. There are also fun houses, mazes, and gentle carousels perfect for younger adventurers who aren’t ready for the bigger rides.
While entry is free, rides are paid for with tokens that can be purchased on-site. Given its wealth of attractions, it’s little wonder that Margate has been hailed as one of the UK’s top seaside towns by Tripadvisor.
Dubbed ‘Shoreditch-on-Sea’ due to the influx of ‘East London’s cool kids’ relocating to this Kentish resort town, Margate is just a two-hour train ride from London.
According to Tripadvisor, Margate “may not immediately seem like the kind of place” that would draw such a crowd. They continue: “Its retro Dreamland Margate amusement park and kitschy Shell Grotto, a subterranean passageway covered in more than 4.6 million seashells, are more suited for a family holiday.
“But this corner of Kent has actually been on the radar of artists for centuries. In fact, J. M. W. Turner once said that the skies in these parts are ‘the loveliest in all of Europe’, and he often included Margate locations in his landscapes.
“The Turner Contemporary, an art gallery designed by famed architect Sir David Chipperfield, opened its doors in 2011, and last year, a team of creatives transformed an 1820 guesthouse next door into the Fort Road Hotel.”
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