Best Things to Do in Margate: Eat, Drink, Shop, Swim & Stay
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School’s out, the sun’s out—there’s no better time to head to Margate. With its mix of award-winning restaurants, unbeatable ice cream, one-of-a-kind indie shops, and those iconic sandy beaches, Margate’s got something for everyone. Here’s our pick of the best places to eat, drink, shop, sleep, and swim—plus a holiday essentials list to help keep the whole crew smiling.
Grab a coffee
Giant Coffee – A cosy, plant-based café in Margate’s Old Town.
Oast – A neighbourhood bakery offering quality bakes in Cliftonville.
Big Shot – Coffee and toasties on the seafront with great views.
High Tide – A community play café serving specialty coffee and deli sandwiches.
Doubloons – A fun café with unique coffee-based drinks.
Forts – Brilliant coffee and brunch
Curve Coffee Roasters – Toasties, cakes and of course excellent coffee
And a bite to eat
Bottega Caruso – Family-run Italian restaurant sharing foods from Campania.
Dory’s – Seafood bar serving raw, pickled, cured, and baked dishes.
Angela’s – Small seafood restaurant with rooms, focusing on local produce.
Sargasso – Coastal-inspired wine bar and restaurant on Margate’s harbour arm.
Pomus – Wine bar, restaurant, and bottle shop in the heart of Margate.
Buoy & Oyster – Independent restaurant showcasing top-quality seafood.
Lilie’s – Tapas restaurant with sea views and a basement bar.
Picnic – Café, deli, and bar offering a range of food and drinks.
Grain Grocer – Organic shop and café with pantry staples and great coffee.
The Bus Cafe – Colourful café inside a double-decker bus.
Okie Poke – Fresh poke bowls with bold flavours in The Old Kent Market.
Thai on the Bus – Thai street food served from a bus in The Old Kent Market.
Pan Asian – Diverse Asian menu and casual atmosphere.
GB Pizza – Famous for thin, crispy pizzas with local ingredients.
Sub Rosa – Bagels, the New York way.
Thao Thao – Vietnamese dishes packed with flavour.
Palms Pizza – New York-style pizza by the slice with creative toppings.
Sweet tooth?
Follow the Swirl – New Zealand style real fruit ice cream with excellent plant based options.
Lulu’s Gelato – Gelato and coffee in the heart of the Old Town.
Bombo – Next-level doughnuts
Cookieman – Giant gooey cookies, loads of them plant based
Take a dip
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool – Historic tidal pool for sea swimming.
Haeckels Community Sauna – Seafront sauna experience.
Sea Scrub Sauna – Choice of barrel or electric saunas with cold plunge tubs by the sea.
Margate Main Sands – Popular sandy beach ideal for families.
Shop 'til you drop
Harbour & Tide – Its us! Modern essentials for land & sea.
Positive Retail – The best pre-loved and resale store you will ever visit!
Margate Bookshop – Independent bookstore with a curated selection.
Asobi – Colourful and unusual objects for the home.
Skatepharm – Really good t-shirts
Papillon – Interiors and homeware.
Opal Margate - Jewellery and fashion made in house.
ZigZag – Shoes, sandals and sunnies.
Scotts – Furniture, interiors, and antiques.
Aarven – Ethical homewares, gifts, and handmade design.
Have fun!
Dreamland – Vintage amusement park with rides and events.
The Crab Museum – Not to be missed. Interactive museum dedicated to crabs and marine life. Free entry.
Margate Caves – Subterranean caves with a rich history.
Main Sands Kids Corner – Family-friendly area with rides and amusements.
The Shell Grotto – Mysterious underground passageway adorned with seashells.
Where to sleep
Fort Road Hotel – Boutique hotel with stylish rooms.
Guesthouse 42 – Charming guesthouse in the heart of Margate.
Margate House– Elegant hotel offering comfortable stays.
Go for a drink
Little Swift – Cocktails, sharing boards and an excellent deli offering.
Daisy – Cosy spot for cocktails.
Rose in June – Traditional pub with a friendly atmosphere.
The Off License – Bar and bottle shop offering a range of drinks. Sea views.
Guesthouse Rooftop Bar – Rooftop bar with scenic views over the sea.
Stay out late
Where Else – Late-night venue with music and events.
Bar Nothing – Bar offering drinks and entertainment.
Faith in Strangers – Late night dancing and a new restaurant offering overlooking the sea.
The Sundeck – Seafront venue for drinks and live music.
And if you’re packing for the trip or planning your days, don’t miss our edit of school holiday essentials—beautiful, practical things to bring a little extra Margate charm to your stay. Shop Now