Margate might not be top of your list for a weekend getaway. But it has transformed itself from an old-fashioned British seaside town into one of the UK’s most exciting cultural hubs. It marries the grit of London’s East End with a cool coastal vibe that attracts artists, creatives and style-savvy travellers. Its independent shops, art galleries, stylish accommodations and contemporary dining options make it a great choice for a weekend coastal getaway.
We visited in October and were lucky enough to get a sunny autumn weekend. We liked it so much that we went back for a return trip on a more rainy April weekend but still had as much fun!
Stay
Trip 1: Fort Road Hotel
Perched just steps from the sea, Fort Road Hotel embraces its nautical history while offering an ultra-cool modern edge. Its stripped-back, minimalist interiors are a nod to Margate’s maritime heritage, with vintage marine artefacts and deep blue accents. We plumped for a room with a lovely sea view.
The downstairs bar is a destination in itself, serving up crafted cocktails and local spirits with a relaxed, intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the town. Think wood-panelled walls, cosy nooks, and stylish seaside charm.
Trip 2: Margate House
Margate House is a relatively new boutique bed and breakfast exuding effortless chic. It only opened in 2013 but is already featured in lots of stylish travel guides. It feels intimate, with only a handful of individually designed rooms. The rooms blend contemporary design with homely touches. We loved the cosy dining room/lounge area. This, along with the personal and friendly service, made us feel like we were staying at a friend’s house. It’s a little bit further out than the Fort Road Hotel, but only a c. 15” walk to town.
Shop
The Marketplace area is a pretty place to start a wander round Margate, with shops including the bookshop and cafés including Wildes we mention later.
The Margate Bookshop
A haven for book lovers, this independent shop carries a carefully curated selection of titles, ranging from contemporary fiction to art and design books. Its minimalistic interior is filled with the scent of fresh paper and the warmth of a passionate community vibe.
Harbour and Tide
This store is all about coastal living with a stylish twist. It offers homeware and lifestyle goods inspired by the sea, featuring a mix of hand-crafted ceramics, natural linens, and unique artisanal products.
Papillon Interiors
A must-visit for those who appreciate design, Papillon Interiors specializes in modern and Scandinavian-style furniture. Sleek, functional, and oh-so-stylish, it’s the perfect place to find a statement piece for your home.
Albion Stores
Known for its carefully chosen selection of independent fashion brands, Albion Stores is where Margate’s stylish crowd shops. The vibe here is a cool blend of urban edge and seaside relaxation, offering everything from contemporary streetwear to minimalist chic.
The Old Kent Market
An eclectic marketplace brimming with independent stalls, The Old Kent Market is perfect for discovering unique gifts, vintage finds, and quirky treasures. It’s also home to some excellent street food options.
Asobi Store
Focusing on sustainability, Asobi Store is a treasure trove of eco-friendly goods and beautiful homewares. Its aesthetic is clean and natural, offering everything from sustainable beauty products to handcrafted decor.
Margaux
This chic boutique offers a blend of high-end fashion, jewellery, and accessories. It’s the go-to for curated pieces from indie designers, with a sleek, gallery-like space that oozes sophistication.
Do
Turner Contemporary Gallery
The Turner Contemporary Gallery overlooks the sea and hosts a rotating selection of cutting-edge exhibitions from local and international artists, making it a cultural hub for the town. We love Antony Gormley’s sculpture, “Another Time,” a haunting figure that emerges from the sand and disappears with the tide.
Walk on the beach to the Bus café
We took a leisurely stroll along the wide, sandy beach, where the dunes roll out towards the horizon. As you walk, breathe in the fresh sea air and take in the sweeping views of the coastline. End your beach walk at The Bus Café, a quirky spot housed in a retro bus, where you can sip on a coffee while soaking up the laid-back, bohemian vibe.
For evening drinks, head to The Lighthouse Bar on the Harbour Arm, a quintessential coastal watering hole with unbeatable sunset views and a relaxed, friendly crowd.
Dine
Breakfast – Forts
Forts pairs a laid-back atmosphere paired with a seriously good breakfast. Its minimalist, rustic interior, complete with exposed brick and wooden tables, gives off a cool, cosy vibe. The menu includes everything from classic English fry-ups to lighter options like avocado toast and granola bowls, all served with perfectly brewed coffee.
Brunch – Wildes
Wildes is right in the centre of town. On our sunny weekend we sat on the terrace in the sun, but inside was also lively and fun on our second trip. The menu is brimming with indulgent options—think fluffy pancakes, smashed avocado toast, and perfectly poached eggs. The café’s relaxed ambience and thoughtful service make it a perfect spot to ease into the day.
Cocktail and a buzzy dinner – rooftop and Pearly Cow at 42 Guest House
We were delighted to discover the cool rooftop bar in this casually chic 42 Guest House, part of the Guest House group. We sipped G&Ts enjoying a panoramic view of Margate’s coastline in a stylish yet intimate setting.
For dinner, we headed downstairs to The Pearly Cow. We enjoyed the buzzy atmosphere and the relaxed sophistication of the design that perfectly captured Margate’s vibe. The food was good too, with the open kitchen’s grilling steaks and catches of the day.
Sunday roast - The George and Heart
The George and Heart is a shabby-chic pub has achieved legendary status for its Sunday roast. With its mismatched furniture, exposed brickwork, and warm, welcoming vibe, this is the place to be for a lazy Sunday afternoon. The roasts are hearty and flavorful, featuring succulent meats, crispy potatoes, and all the trimmings served in a cosy, relaxed environment that feels like a home away from home.
Other dinner options in Margate that we have read about but are yet to try:
For seafood lovers - Dory’s
Dorys is an intimate seafood bar that champions sustainable fishing and serves up some of the freshest catches from local waters. The vibe is casual yet refined, with a focus on simple dishes that allow the ingredients to shine. Expect dishes like oysters on ice, crab sandwiches and mackerel, all served alongside natural wines and local ciders.
For a relaxed dinner on the harbour - Sargasso
Located on the Harbour Arm, Sargasso is inspired by Mediterranean and European flavours. With sea views and a relaxed, minimalist interior, Sargasso looked effortlessly cool when we passed by. The menu is seasonal and ever-evolving, offering small plates perfect for sharing.
For a cosy bistro setting - Angela
Angela’s offers an intimate dining experience with a menu that focuses on responsibly sourced fish and organic produce. The small, unpretentious setting makes it feel like a hidden gem, perfect for those seeking a more intimate and thoughtful culinary experience in Margate.
Why a weekend in Margate?
A weekend in Margate offers the perfect blend of seaside charm and a cool, edgy vibe that makes it a unique coastal escape. Its rejuvenated beachfront with the Turner Contemporary, provides a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls by the sea. But what really sets Margate apart is its creative energy: art galleries, quirky shops and boutique hotels give the town a modern, bohemian feel. The food and drink scene is equally eclectic, from trendy beachfront bars to cosy cafés and gourmet restaurants serving locally sourced dishes.
