Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate – the Isle of Thanet, however you know our corner of the Kent coastline, there is an array of things to see, do and experience. Taking the letters of ‘THANET’ discover more
Did you know that the Isle of Thanet coastline represents 20% of the UK’s and 12% of Europe’s coastal chalk and is the longest continuous stretch of coastal chalk in Britain? Golden sands, blue seas and white cliffs, covering 19 miles of coastline just waiting to be explored. Explore it all by bike or on foot on the Viking Coastal Trail or become a marine detective with a Coastal Explorer Pack discovering the heritage and nature of the coast in a fun and active way. If you like being active, try to master the art of surfing with one of the local surf schools, or take a trip to see the seals in their natural habitat.
Being at the seaside is refreshing and rewarding
From historic landings and famous visitors to landmarks and architecture, the Isle is a treasure trove of history. From one of England’s oldest religious buildings Minster Abbey, to the site of St Augustine’s first mass in the country before going on to form England as as Christian nation and becoming the first Archbishop of Canterbury. From the seafront shelter where TS Eliot compiled his poem ‘The Waste Land’ to Ramsgate Tunnels, a unique civilian wartime tunnel complex which became a permanent home to over 300 families in 1940 .
The Isle of Thanet boasts the only ‘Royal Harbour’ in the country and has 27 conservation areas and over 2,000 listed buildings – see sweeping georgina terraces and regency villas and discover a place that has provided inspiration for artists (JMW Turner), writers (TS Eliot) and architects (AWN Pugin).
Join the celebrations and commemorations in 2020. Dreamland, the Great British seaside amusement experience and Grade II listed Scenic Railway celebrates 100 years with major music concerts. Ramsgate commemorates 80 years since its involvement in ‘Operation Dynamo’, welcoming the little ships home from Dunkirk. Charles Dickens, who loved to holiday in Broadstairs, died 150 years ago. Explore the timeless seaside resort which inspired his writing and celebrates its connections with the famous author each June through the Broadstairs Dickens Festival. Hornby, famous for its model railways, train sets, locomotives and accessories has two reasons to celebrate this year – 100 years since Frank Hornby introduced a clockwork train and 10 years since their Hornby Visitor Centre opened.
Have you got a bucket list? Let Thanet be the place to tick them off. Ever fancied flying a Spitfire? Take the controls of an iconic Battle of Britain Spitfire in a simulator at the museum it shares its name with. Head underground to Margate Caves and the Shell Grotto, discovering walls covered with millions of shell. At how many museums can you touch the exhibits? Do just that as Gallery 6 at Powell-Cotton Museum lets you touch ancient artefacts and peer through the microscope.
E scapism, eating and drinking, Eco-Thanet
It takes less than 75 minutes to reach the Isle of Thanet by train from central London and there’s nothing more relaxing than spending time in the beauty of a natural environment – what better reason for escaping the hustle and bustle. Take to two wheels to explore 19 miles of coastline, stopping to refuel at a seaside cafe, bar or for a cliff-top picnic.
Whether it’s brunch with mates in an old bus, a seafront restaurant, fish and chips beachside, street food or quenching your thirst at a micropub – there’s a feast of places to drink and devour local award-winning food and drink.
T hrilling attractions, culture, music and entertainment
Immerse yourself in music, theatre, art and creativity – it’s not just about the beaches at Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. View the vibrant art scene with galleries and studios, meeting the artists and browsing their work. Listen to seasoned favourites or emerging new bands at venues such as Ramsgate Music Hall, Elsewhere Margate or sit back and relax enjoying a theatre performance. Take a step back on a costumed walk, enjoy the thrill of the ride at Dreamland or crack the clues to make your Escape
