A weekend in Margate

A revived seaside town of art, vintage shops and sandy beaches

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Margate is a seaside town on the Kent coast that has reinvented itself as a hub for art, vintage shops and independent restaurants. The sandy main beach, the old town and the Turner Contemporary gallery draw visitors from London.

It is a good-value weekend for people who like seaside nostalgia mixed with a creative scene.

Best forBeach days, Culture fans, Families, Food lovers

Best time to goSpring to autumn for the beach. The town is lively all year.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£320–£560, excluding travel

Getting thereLondon: About 1.5 hours by high-speed train from St Pancras.

Check prices for a weekend in Margate

Plan your weekend in Margate

Top attractions in Margate

Turner Contemporary

A free contemporary art gallery on the seafront.

Dreamland

A retro amusement park on the seafront.

The Old Town

Independent shops, vintage stores and cafes.

The Shell Grotto

A mysterious underground passage decorated with millions of shells.

Margate Main Sands

A wide sandy beach with a harbour arm to stroll along.

Best things to do in Margate

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Oysters in Whitstable

Whitstable has been known for its oysters for centuries, and the town's harbour and seafront are full of seafood restaurants and stalls. Allow 1 to 2 hours.

Canterbury Cathedral visit

Canterbury Cathedral is the mother church of the Anglican Communion and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

Brighton Palace Pier and seafront

Brighton Palace Pier opened in 1899 and is one of the most famous seaside piers in Britain, with arcades, rides and food stalls. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Best areas to stay in Margate

Old Town

Creative and central, close to shops and the harbour.

Cliftonville

A grand, slightly faded seafront area with good-value stays.

Broadstairs

A neighbouring resort with a calmer feel.

Best hotels in Margate

These are well-established hotels often recommended for the area, listed in no particular order. They are not paid placements. Check current ratings, prices and availability before you book.

The Reading Rooms

Fort Road Hotel

Compare places to stay in Margate

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Margate

Spring to autumn for the beach. The town is lively all year.

Seasons that suit Margate well: summer, spring, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Margate

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£90–£150
Food and drink, per day for two	£55–£85
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£320–£560

Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Margate

From London: About 1.5 hours by high-speed train from St Pancras.
From Canterbury: About 30 minutes by train.
From Brighton: About 3 hours by car.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Margate

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Old Town.
Saturday: Start with Turner Contemporary, then Dreamland. In the afternoon, head to The Old Town.
Sunday: Visit The Shell Grotto or Margate Main Sands, then head home.

Packing list for Margate

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Beach and coast gear Walking gear Wet-weather gear

Good to know

Tides affect the beach, so check times.
Weekends and bank holidays are very busy.

Margate weekend FAQs

Is Margate good for a weekend?

Yes. It is easy to reach from London and has plenty of culture, beaches and food.

Is it family friendly?

Yes. Dreamland, the beach and the harbour appeal to families.

More weekend ideas

WhitstableKent

A pretty seaside town famous for oysters and beach huts

CanterburyKent

A medieval cathedral city with a UNESCO World Heritage cathedral

RyeEast Sussex

A hilltop cinque port town of cobbles and smugglers' pubs

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from London · Best coastal weekend breaks in the UK · Best family weekend breaks in the UK · Best UK weekend breaks by train

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go.