A Perfect Weekend in Margate: 3-Day Itinerary + Things to Do
I just came back from a weekend in Margate, England—I was so excited to see all the things to do by the sea! This sunny, seaside town was the perfect place to relax and reconnect with the group of girls I used to live with. If you’re looking for a 3-day itinerary that includes browsing shops, fish and chips on the beach, art galleries and artisan desserts, I’ve got you covered: the best way to spend three days in Margate is…
Day 1 In Margate: Seaside Walks, Dreamland & Food Spots
Come into the train station in the morning, and drop your bags off at your hotel if you can. There are so many things to do in Margate, so we’re hitting the ground running; the train station is a stone’s throw away from the beach, so walk towards town and enjoy the scenic views and storefronts selling ice cream, beachwear, and fish and chips. Walk far enough and you’ll hit…
This funfair has an indoor arcade, roller-rink, and photobooths—and outdoor rides including roller coasters, spinning teacups, a house of horrors, and a pirate’s swinging ship. The outdoor amphitheatre plays movies, and a nearby stall provides frozen drinks, ice cream, and churros.
Dreamland also has a Ferris Wheel I’m told you can see the whole town from during the summer months. It’s free to enter Dreamland, but the rides cost tokens, which can be purchased inside the park. After you’ve felt you’ve had enough fun, it might be time for lunch; head toward…
This café is the perfect space to sit outdoors with a view of the ocean with a delicious meal. Fair warning—on blustery days, the wind can really pick up on the outdoor patio. After you’ve satisfied your stomach, it’s time for…
This bookstore is a two-story charity shop that’s got a ton of books on travel, art, and fiction. I bought three books—bad for luggage, but oh well—plus it felt good buying from a charity shop helps others.
The Margate Bookshop is also around the corner; it’s an independently-owned small shop with a lot of bright, colourful books! When you’ve got a book, you might…
This coffeeshop had the most creative drinks I’ve seen. Their cold-drink Spring menu included Ube White Chocolate Iced Matcha, Carrot Cake Iced Lattes, and Mont Blanc Orange Expresso. They advertised hot drink flavours like salted maple, tiramisu, and blueberry pie. Having said that, I also overheard a conversation with a barista, being asked what flavours they had, said “so many, literally—what can you imagine?”. They also had nut-free pastries, which I loved (it was nice to try some banana bread!).
I’d suggest taking your book and coffee to the beach, or reading in the café. Eventually you might get more hungry for something more substantial—that’s when I’d recommend…
The food was fantastic and the atmosphere was lovely—I highly recommend the lamb beyti (a lamb dish with tomato and yoghurt sauce). If you’re paying with card, bring cash for a tip (there’s no way to tip on their system). Take your leftovers to go, and turn in for the night!
This was a lovely way to start the day—sitting in the sunshine, overlooking the ocean, with a pot of tea and a crumpet. I recommend the salmon crumpet slider, with pickled beetroot, spinach, and balsamic glaze. I actually ended up getting two crumpets—one just wasn’t enough!
These two side-by-side vintage shops were seriously cool, and one of the most unique things to do in Margate. We spent the better part of an hour combing through vintage jewellery, old books, knickknacks, and clothes.
If unique pieces are your thing, and you’re visiting on a weekend, try the town square flea market—there are a lot of independent sellers with bespoke crafts, clothes, and collections! If you’re feeling peckish after so much shopping, you might want to try…
Fish & Chips on the beach
What’s the point of hitting up a seaside town if you can’t get amazing fish and chips? I went to Peter’s Fish Factory, but Margate is full of fish shops along the boardwalk—including Beach Buoys, which offered vegan options. We had fun bringing the takeaway boxes to the cement steps overlooking the pier. Fair warning: you’ll need to close the box between bites (the fleas and seagulls are always hungry!).
After lunch, why not relax with a stroll to get some ice cream? There were so many ice cream/gelato shops, including called Morelli’s that my friends said was great. Unfortunately, pistachio flavour has become so popular recently that a nut allergy sufferer like myself can’t eat there. But I loved the ice cream at Lulu’s! I was lucky enough to come in on a day where there were no odds of cross-contamination, and ended up going with a raspberry and mango double scoop.
After this—seeing as this schedule has you eating out each day, and that might get expensive—I’d head back to your hotel and eat the leftovers from the big dinner last night at Aspendos. And then I’d try…
Watch a beautiful sunset from 42 Bar’s rooftop, glass-lined patio. Get aperitifs with signature cocktails, and relax into their soft furnishings under their fairy lights. Although blankets can be provided on request, it’s also a good idea to bring a jacket—after sundown, the high floor you’re sitting on and the proximity to the beach will make it a big cold!
The views from 42 Bar at sunset
Day 3 in Margate: Markets, Art, & Coastal Views
This is the last day in town, and will probably be full of clearing out the Airbnb or hotel room mini fridge, packing up, and heading out. But before you do, here’s what I would suggest for your last day in Margate…
This indoor market is full of food stalls with lots of different cuisines, and the top level features retailers (my faves included a stationery shop and a permanent jewellery store). Relax for a bit, and then…
This gallery is seriously stunning, featuring both permanent and temporary exhibits. The most stunning that I saw was a large-scale Hockney painted window, which spanned an entire wall facing the sea, its colours illuminated by the natural light shining through it. It’s well worth seeing if you get the chance!
Walk to the end of the pier to see Mrs Booth, the Shell Lady
Once you’re done at the gallery, turn right after exiting to take a stroll down the pier, where you’re bound to see the statue of “Mrs. Booth, The Shell Lady”. Walk the pier on the sea-facing side, first, and on the way back, if you walk on the shore-facing side, you’ll pass breweries and a pub you can stop in at before you make your way back to your train.
And there you have it! I loved my time in Margate, and I plan on going back soon. Have I missed any must-see places in Margate? Let me know below – and happy travels!
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