I’ve recently come 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. Outdoor movies play in the amphitheatre, where you can get frozen drinks, ice cream, and churros.
There’s also a huge standing Ferris Wheel I’m told you can see the whole town from (it only runs during the summer months, though). It’s free to enter, but the rides cost tokens, which can be purchased via card. 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; I liked their paninis, as did my friends. 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…
Book shopping at The Old Bank Bookshop (Pilgrim’s Hospice)
This bookstore on Market Road is a two-story charity shop that’s got a ton of books on travel, art, and fiction. I walked away with three new books—bad for my suitcase, but great to relax with—plus I always feel good knowing that when I buy from a charity shop, it’s helping 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…
Grab a latte at Giant Coffee
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. For hot drinks, they advertised flavours like salted maple, tiramisu, and blueberry pie—but 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 was really exciting as a nut allergy-haver (so many places will give you a blanket “nothing’s safe”, and it was nice to get 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…
Dinner at Aspendos for some Turkish delights
I love Turkish food, so I’m completely biased, but the food was fantastic and the atmosphere was lovely—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!
Day 2 in Margate: Vintage Shopping & Beach Day
Brunch at The Bus Café
This was such a lovely way to start the day—sitting in the sun, on a bench overlooking the ocean, having a lovely pot of tea and a crumpet. I recommend the salmon crumpet slider; it’s got pickled beetroot, spinach, and balsamic glaze. I actually ended up getting two; I should have gotten the hash browns as a side, but one crumpet just wasn’t enough.
After that, I’d suggest taking a walk to go…
Vintage shopping at Paraphernalia and King’s Emporium (and if you’re there on a weekend, try the flea market)
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? The place I went to was called 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; but fair warning, you’ll need to close the box between bites (the fleas and seagulls are always hungry!).
Get some gelato at Lulu’s
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…
42 Bar at the GuestHouse Hotel for after-dinner Drinks
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!
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…
Go to the Old Kent Market for lunch
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…
Check out the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery
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!
No Small Wander 