Thanet – Broadstairs, Ramsgate & Margate

Thanet is home to Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate. There are also beautiful villages surrounding the area, including Birchington, Minster and Monkton. Thanet was once separated from the mainland by the River Wantsum, with a bridge and ferry between them. The last millennium saw it silted over and ‘rejoin’ the rest of the UK. It explains why it is still known as the Isle of Thanet.

Broadstairs is another quintessential seaside town that has many historic links with Victorian author Charles Dickens. He visited and stayed there often, and it is said that characters he met during those visits featured in his works. There is an annual Dickens festival on in the town, featuring theatre shows, costumed characters, parades and trails. The Crampton Tower Museum, which showcases rail and train artefacts, is housed in a historic water supply tower.

Coastal Delights

The town has some wonderful beaches, including Viking Bay with traditional Punch and Judy shows, beach rides and a rock pool.
Louisa Bay, Stone Bay and Dumpton Gap are also great beaches -with the latter dog-friendly all year.
Broadstairs is relatively unchanged over the years on the seafront with its beach chalets and harbour pier. However, what has not stood still is its vibrant and lively food and drink scene. 

Royal Ramsgate

Further afield, take a visit to Ramsgate, enjoy the views of the Royal Harbour from the many cafés, bars and restaurants or from the biggest UK pub, The Royal Victoria Pavilion. At Ramsgate Tunnels, learn about how 60,000 people took shelter during the World War II air raids, just in front of the Ramsgate Main Sands, another beautiful beach of Thanet’s many. Ramsgate is also home to several events, carnivals, festivals and a thriving music and art scene, with harbourside galleries and unique spaces. One such venue is the Micro Museum, featuring a collection of vintage computers and video games, fun for all ages.

Consider a trip to the Shrine of St Augustine & The National Pugin Centre, the place where St Augustine landed in 597AD to bring the Gospel to England. It is also where the great Victorian architect, who designed the Houses of Parliament, Augustus Pugin, lived, worked and built his personal church. The Sailors Church on the harbour is also significant, and home to events and exhibitions.

Trendy Margate

Margate is another popular seaside town, where you will find the Turner Contemporary. This internationally acclaimed art gallery features a collection of its namesake’s work and is host to a range of exhibitions. A visit to the old town offers a mix of independent eateries, shops and galleries. Not to be missed – the beautiful Margate main sands beach.
The art and creative scenes are also flourishing here, but history is also of interest. A visit to the Shell Grotto, found in 1835, whose origins are still a mystery, is a must. It is an unusual and intriguing sight. The same can be said of the fascinating Margate Caves. Plenty of traditional seaside activities and amusements on the seafront. The Strokes Adventure Golf in Westbrook, just along the coast, is an easy and enjoyable walk.