Home of world famous artists, Tracey Emin and JMW Turner, and a seaside retreat that's easy to get to from London, Margate is the perfect place for a coastal spa day or break, brimming with creativity and culture.
On the southeast coast, flanking a sandy beach, Margate is an iconic seaside town, known for its artistic heritage, its history as one of the original holiday resorts courtesy of the Georgians, and as for its coast-meets-cosmopolitan feel. There's a wealth of things to do and atmosphere to absorb - here are a few ideas to inspire you on your next Margate spa break.
In true seaside fashion, Dreamland Margate resurrected the idea of the vintage theme park when it reopened in 2015 following much renovation and anticipation. The site first opened in 1880 with amusement rides, and is considered to be one of the oldest-surviving amusement parks in Great Britain. Today it's once again a feast of rides and entertainment: "A one stop shop of culture, food, festival fun and seasonal, vintage style amusement park rides."
Margate's Shell Grotto is a truly unique attraction. Discovered in 1835, it's a spectacular series of subterranean passageways and spaces spanning 2000 square feet, all covered in mosaic made up of 4.6 million shells. There's much debate about the origins of this extraordinary space, where you can see swirling designs made up of humble cockles, whelks, mussels and oysters. However it came about, it's a spectacular site to behold.
Art really is a running theme in Margate, with lots of private and public galleries to explore. The Turner Contemporary is perhaps amongst the most vast and famous, named for JMW Turner himself, who was inspired by the sea and skies. The gallery offers a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions and events, situated on Margate seafront. Next to it, in a permanent installation, you can also see one of a series of one hundred, solid cast-iron figures by Antony Gormley as it appears to wade into the water.
When in Margate, it would be remiss not to go to the beach. Margate Main Sands is (aptly), the main beach, offering approximately 200 metres of sand, complete with a promenade, boardwalk, a tidal bathing pool and a children's play area with traditional swing boats. Other beaches stretch between the town and nearby Broadstairs and Ramsgate, offering opportunities to swim, build sandcastles, surf and stroll, from Minnis Bay to Botany Bay and more.
Another intriguing opportunity to learn and contemplate, The Margate Caves are a former 18th-century chalk mine turned award-winning attraction. They first opened to the public in 1863, but after a period of closure reopened in 2019. Roam, explore and learn about history, geology and ecology in this underground experience that's suitable for the whole family.
Visit for a day or a mini break, but to make the most of Margate, part of the joy is simply staying here. To help you rest, relax, unwind and make the most of it, here are some of our top spas in Margate and close by.
A beachfront belle of a boutique hotel, No.42 Margate is part of the GuestHouse Hotels collection, located in the characterful old town quarter of Margate. Overlooking the water, the stylish hotel has multiple restaurants from The Pearly Cow serving locally grown and reared fare, to the Rooftop Bar overlooking the beach, and Field Trip serving nutrient-rich and super fresh breakfasts and lunches. It is complete with their Field Trip Treatment Rooms for pampering and relaxation using eco-luxury products.
About an hour from Margate, Hythe Imperial is a grand hotel with panoramic sea views, and designed for rest and relaxation. Perfect for those looking for a few days on the Kent coast, it offers Victorian splendour and a sense of history, an elegant Moët & Chandon Bar, award-winning fine dining, and a relaxing health club.
Also around an hour from Margate, Eastwell Manor is a grand estate near Ashford. A spectacular Elizabethan manor house set in 62 acres of grounds, it's perfect for a romantic getaway, complete with a variety of rooms between the main hotel and the converted stables, and a celebrated restaurant. Offering a destination in its own right, there is a Champneys health spa within the grounds, and guest cottages for those who want to dedicate their stay to the spa experience.
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