Best Things to Do in Margate: Eat, Drink, Shop, Swim & Stay
School’s out, the sun’s out and 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.
Angela’s – Small seafood restaurant with rooms, focusing on local produce. They have opened a new bar next door with gorgeous sea views, wine and small plates.
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.
Tic's Thai Bus Cafe – Colourful café inside a double-decker bus in The Old Kent Market. Authentic and affordable.
Okie Poke – Fresh poke bowls with bold flavours 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
Rise & Bun - These incredible buns have gone viral and you will see why! Queues round the block.
Take a dip
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool – Historic tidal pool for sea swimming.
Haeckels/Dulcie 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.
New to sea swimming here? Read our Local's Guide to Sea Swimming in Margate for tide tips, the best spots and what to pack.
Take Harbour & Tide with you
If you're heading down to Margate for a swim, a coffee and a long walk on the sand, here's the kit we'd send you off with. All hand-made or curated by us, all waiting for you in the shop or on the site.
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.
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.
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