Best Things to Do in Margate: Eat, Drink, Shop, Swim & Stay

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