Trains to Margate

This charming but contemporary seaside town is your perfect getaway, thanks to its mix of relaxation, culture and adrenalin-fuelled amusements. Get your tickets now.

Getting here: There are frequent high speed trains to Margate from London, which take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Hop on at St Pancras International, London Victoria or Charing Cross.

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Ziggy’s Rooftop Bar

If you don’t know it’s here then you won’t know it’s here. This hidden gem will have you ascending to a bohemian rooftop hideaway that gives fantastic panoramic views over the The Bay. Why not treat yourself to a cocktail or try some of the Jamaican jerk cuisine as you sit back and take in the atmosphere.

Explore a fairytale shell grotto

Be transported into a mysterious maze of underground passages decorated with 4.6 million shells, leading to a mosaic-covered chamber. Like something plucked from a fairytale – no one knows how this incredible grotto was built. Found in 1835 by a young boy and his father while digging a duck pond, the origins of the grotto are rumoured to be many things: an ancient pagan temple? A meeting place for some secret cult? Nobody can explain who built this amazing place or why, but since its discovery visitors from all over the world have been intrigued by the beautiful shell-lined mosaic walls and the tantalising unsolved mystery.

Sands Hotel

At Sands Hotel, they aim to create a special environment where you can come to relax and enjoy time spent in a beautifully restored building, whilst viewing the stunning views out to sea. There is a contemporary bay restaurant and bar, offering delicious locally sourced produce and is open daily for breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and evening meals. The hotel has twenty luxurious en-suite bedrooms and a beautiful Terrace Suite function room available for weddings, parties, business meetings and all other events that will impress you and your guests.

Retro rides with modern thrills

Margate’s Dreamland pleasure park is your classic vintage seaside amusement park that’s been stylishly restored and retro-fitted to give it a new shine. The park is chocked full of rides, slides, playgrounds and fun to delight all ages. It’s even home to the UK’s oldest (and recently refurbished) wooden roller coaster. Please note the amusement park rides aren't open this year, but Dreamland is hosting a series of special events for people of all ages to enjoy in safety. Visit their website for details.

Sandy toes and salty air

Beaches aren’t just for summer. There is nothing nicer than a blustery walk across the sands, then warming up with a delicious hot chocolate from one of the many cafes nearby. Less than five minutes’ walk from the train station and the first thing you see as you turn left towards the town is Margate’s main beach.

The front of the Turner Contemporary art gallery

Be a ‘Culture Vulture’

Margate is packed with vibrant galleries including, Turner Contemporary, one of the UK’s leading art galleries. Situated on the seafront and the same site where JMW Turner stayed when visiting the town. The gallery presents a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions and world class art.

Enjoy a bite

If all the sea air makes you hungry there is plenty of delicious food to be found. Just by Turner Contemporary, stop off at Mannings Seafood stall. This long-established family business serves traditional seafood such as cockles and whelks. Plus, mussels, crab and locally caught oysters – eat them on the steps overlooking the beach.

Explore Margate Old Town

Take a wander around the cobbled streets, unearth a hidden treasure in one of the many the vintage shops or browse the quirky independent boutiques. If it is raining, get lost for hours in Scott’s Furniture Mart, housed in the old ice works it is a real emporium of everything.

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Use one of these offers and book your tickets in advance for a cheap day out.

Kids for a quid

An adult can travel with up to 4 kids for just £1 each. A cheaper family day out for all the little ones!

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Margate

Take the train to Margate, enjoy its beautiful golden beaches and soak up some culture at the Turner Contemporary.