The seaside town once energized tourist destinations, but over the past decades many have been “forgotten.” The rise of cheap overseas holiday trades, booming urban breaks, unreliable weather and lack of economic investment made seaside holidays a favourable for Britons across the country and thus ignored.
However, these family-friendly beach breaks have not lost their appeal, and a “amazing revival” has begun. National Geographic travel experts praise Kent's Margate and have revived as one of the few seaside towns. This can meet many factors, but at the heart of this revival is an “unwavering sense of community and culture.”
A travel expert at National Geographic further explained: “Overcoming seasonal limitations is the top of every coastal town wish list, and Margate, on the eastern edge of Kent, is the example.
“As the weather drives visitors inland from a 656-foot sandy spread, there is an almost endless array of distractions: artistic, retro, retail or old-fashioned seaside fun.
Margate is home to over 51,766 residents, and within its bustling community there is a diverse blend of creativity, activity and inclusion. It is an ideal choice for Londoners looking to visit Golden Sandy Beach, an hour and 40 minutes by train from central London.
Seaside towns are so popular that they are called “Shoreditch on-Sea or Camden of the South-East,” and the number of urban “hipsters” moves into affordable homes and changes culture.
“Every store in the market was sold or abandoned. Now you're a hipster coming down and all the stores are being occupied,” reported Kent Live.
Margate is a trendy array of bars and restaurants that are fun for tourists and residents, and has also been compared to Ibiza. The seaside town features Main Sands Beach, approximately 200 meters long.
The beach remains clean thanks to a group of local volunteers. Stand up, Clean Up Margate is a community-driven move with a mission to protect Margate's beaches and keep the water clean.
The beach now boasts a 4-star on TripAdvisor. “It was lovely to see Margate's main sands with people and pants ringing today. Sadly, the seaweed was very powerful. Honestly, I think it's one of the best beaches in the UK.”
Another commented: “It's on the same level as Weymouth, but much quieter. We visited from Allhallows Haven and returned on another day!
For those visiting with family, Margate has Dreamland, one of the UK's most iconic entertainment parks. This amusement park first opened in 1880 and is located on the beachfront.
Dreamland is “home to a fantastic lineup of vintage-style rides and entertainment, roller discos, and must-see live music and events. Vehicles, entertainment and roller discos are open seasonally from spring to late summer.”
But at the heart of the town's identity is the Turner Contemporary Gallery, which opened in 2011. According to the gallery's website, it attracts over 4.5 million visitors and contributes around £100 million to the local economy.
If you would like to book a stay in Margate, National Geographic recommends the guesthouse number 42. This opened in the summer of 2023 and “there is an enviable place that surrounds the beach and opens on the high street behind it.”
“It's a heeled crowd coming to the pearly cow surf and turf restaurant with 21 stylish rooms and brand signatures.”
