A Comprehensive Guide to Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs

Discover the quintessential seaside resorts of Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs on the eastern promontory of Kent. These charming coastal towns are just an hour and a half's drive from London, offering not just traditional seaside pleasures but also a rich history and contemporary attractions.

Ramsgate's Maritime Charm

Ramsgate, with its rich maritime history and cosmopolitan allure, offers visitors an enticing mix of traditional seaside and modern attractions. Its Victorian and Regency origins are reflected in the town's architecture, adding to its charm. The town is also known for its royal harbour, granted 'royal' status in 1821 in recognition of the hospitality given to King George IV. Visitors can enjoy two main sandy beaches with gentle slopes, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

Margate's Traditional Seaside Pleasures

Margate, with its nine miles of sandy beaches, is a hub of traditional seaside pleasures. The town is known for its iconic seaside innovations, including the first covered bathing machine, donkey rides, and the introduction of deck chairs. Today, Margate is a vibrant coastal town, offering a variety of water sports like kite surfing and sailing, alongside traditional seaside attractions.

Broadstairs and its Historical Appeal

Broadstairs is renowned for its seven sandy beaches and for being the location of Charles Dickens's holiday home, Bleak House. The main beach, Viking Bay, is named after the Norse invaders who landed there centuries ago.

Attractions in Margate and Ramsgate

• Play Bay: An indoor play area for younger children located at Harbour Parade, Ramsgate Harbour.
• Ramsgate Maritime Museum: Celebrate Ramsgate's rich maritime history at The Clock House Pier Yard Royal Harbour.
• The Shell Grotto: Discover underground rooms and passages covered in shells at Grotto Hill Margate.
• RAF Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Trust: Located at The Memorial Building, The Airfield, Manston Road, Ramsgate.
• Strokes Adventure Golf: Enjoy a game of adventure golf at Westbrook Promenade, Westbrook Margate.
• Margate Caves: Explore the underground caves at Northdown Road, Cliftonville, Margate.
• Bleak House Dickens Museum: Visit the house where Charles Dickens stayed and wrote, located in Broadstairs.
• The Viking Ship 'Hugin': See a replica Viking ship on permanent display at Pegwell Bay, Ramsgate.

Nearby Attractions

Don't miss out on Howlett's Wild Animal Park, a seventy-acre park with a large collection of gorillas located near Canterbury.