Margate has seen its fair share of problems over the years. From being the first seaside bathing resort in Georgian England, to the Mods and Rockers clashes in the 1960’s, to the decline of the British seaside resort, it is now on the up. The opening of the new Turner Contemporary art gallery has cemented a regeneration in Margate that is evident to any visitor, and it is fast once again becoming the must visit resort in the south east. With a fast train now available from St Pancras, linking it to London in an hour and a half, and recent road improvements, getting to Margate couldn’t be easier. So what does it have to offer the weekend visitor?
The Turner Contemporary Art Gallery
This magnificent new art gallery and café opened in spring 2011. Currently hosting an excellent exhibition entitled “Nothing in the World but Youth”, as well as the previously banned, but beautiful, Rodin sculpture, The Kiss, it should be the first stop on your itinerary. Future exhibitions include Turner, and Tracey Emin. Turner actually spent a lot of time here and said that the light here was the best in the world. If you’ve seen a Margate sunset from the end of the harbour arm, you’ll understand what he meant.
The Old Town
Home to beautiful Georgian architecture, the town museum, galleries, art and craft shops, retro clothing shops and cafes and bars, this area is the hub of life in Margate. With weekly food markets and bazaars at the weekend during the summer, and often with free live music in the squares it is a great area to wander round, buy some quirky gifts and relax with a drink and a cake.
The Shell Grotto
Discovered in the early 19th Century by a man digging a hole in his garden, this underground grotto is covered by 4.6 million shells, this wonder also has a shop and café. No one is certain of the origins of this underground marvel, but many theories have been put forward, some which place it at several thousand years old.
History Walks
Margate is full of history. It is possible to book guided tours with experienced history walkers who can tell you about the Georgian squares and their past residents, the shops, and the history of seabathing in the town.
The beaches
Margate main beach is a beautiful stretch of sand that is left uncovered, even at high tide. There are also other beaches within walking or cycling distance, including the unspoilt Botany Bay with its chalk stacks rising out of the sea.
Accommodation
Margate is still on the rise again and accommodation has not caught up with the number of people who want to visit. There are a range of B&Bs but the quality varies. Safer options are the Premier Inn next to the train station, Smiths Court and Walpole Bay hotels in Cliftonville, and for a touch of luxury and romanticism, the Reading Rooms boutique bed and breakfast in Hawley Square.
