Discover the best of Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Westgate-on-Sea and Birchington-on-Sea with our local guide to Thanet. From beautiful beaches and days out to great food, coastal walks and hidden gems, these are some of our favourite places to explore.
From sandy beaches and seaside towns to family attractions, great food and coastal walks, there’s so much to discover across Thanet. Choose an area below to explore some of our favourite places.
Margate is one of Thanet’s best-known seaside towns, packed with things to see and do. From sandy beaches and traditional seaside fun to art, independent shops, great food and nightlife, there’s something here for families, couples and groups of friends.
Margate’s famous seaside amusement park is great for families, couples and groups of friends, with rides, games, food, live events and entertainment throughout the year.
Spend the day on Margate’s beautiful sandy beach, right in the heart of town. Perfect for paddling, building sandcastles, relaxing in the sunshine or enjoying classic seaside fish and chips.
Margate’s landmark contemporary art gallery sits right on the seafront and hosts changing exhibitions and events. Entry to the gallery is free, making it an easy addition to a day exploring Margate.
Wander through Margate’s Old Town and discover independent shops, vintage finds, cafés, bars and restaurants. It’s one of our favourite areas for a relaxed afternoon exploring.
One of Margate’s most unusual attractions, this mysterious underground passageway is decorated with millions of shells. Nobody knows exactly who created it or why, which makes it even more fascinating.
Head underground and discover the colourful Margate Caves, with their unusual history and hand-painted walls. A great little attraction to add to your itinerary especially when the Kent weather isn’t cooperating!
With beautiful sandy bays, traditional seaside charm and plenty of places to eat and drink, Broadstairs is perfect for a relaxed day by the coast. From family beach days to scenic walks and a little local history, there’s plenty to explore.
Broadstairs’ best-known beach sits right in the heart of town, surrounded by cafés, restaurants and traditional seaside attractions. A lovely spot for swimming, sunbathing or a family day on the sand.
A Broadstairs institution overlooking Viking Bay. Step inside this wonderfully retro ice cream parlour for sundaes, gelato, coffee and a proper taste of the traditional British seaside.
Discover Broadstairs’ connection with Charles Dickens at this small museum overlooking Viking Bay. A lovely stop for anyone interested in the town’s history and literary heritage.
Just a short walk from the centre of Broadstairs, Stone Bay is a quieter alternative to Viking Bay with golden sand, chalk cliffs and colourful beach huts. Great for a more peaceful beach day.
Take a stroll along the clifftops and coastline for some beautiful sea views. You can walk between Broadstairs’ bays or follow the coast towards Ramsgate for a longer adventure.
Enjoy a gentle walk through the gardens and along the clifftop promenade overlooking Viking Bay. It’s an easy place to stop, enjoy the views and take in Broadstairs’ classic seaside atmosphere.
Ramsgate is a beautiful harbour town with a fantastic mix of seaside scenery, history and places to eat and drink. From exploring the famous Royal Harbour to discovering wartime tunnels and enjoying the beach, there’s plenty to fill a day here.
Take a stroll around Ramsgate’s beautiful Royal Harbour, lined with boats, cafés, bars and restaurants. It’s a lovely place for a relaxed walk, something to eat or a drink overlooking the marina.
Head beneath the town and discover Ramsgate’s fascinating network of wartime tunnels. Guided tours tell the story of how the tunnels became an underground refuge for thousands of people during the Second World War.
Enjoy a traditional seaside day on Ramsgate’s sandy beach, conveniently located close to the harbour and town centre. Perfect for families, paddling, relaxing and soaking up the Kent sunshine.
Enjoy a peaceful walk through this clifftop park with beautiful coastal views and plenty of green space. It’s a great choice for a relaxing stroll, a picnic or some fresh air with the family.
Set within King George VI Memorial Park, this historic glasshouse is a lovely hidden gem surrounded by gardens. Stop by while exploring the park and enjoy one of Ramsgate’s more unusual historic landmarks.
Put on your walking shoes and follow the beautiful coastline between Ramsgate and Broadstairs. With beaches, cliffs and fantastic sea views along the way, it’s one of our favourite ways to explore this part of Thanet.
Westgate-on-Sea is a lovely seaside town with beautiful beaches, independent cafés and a relaxed local feel. It’s quieter than neighbouring Margate but still has plenty to enjoy, making it perfect for beach days, coastal walks and a slower day by the sea.
One of Westgate’s most popular beaches, St Mildred’s Bay is perfect for a family beach day, a paddle in the sea or simply relaxing on the sand. There are places nearby to grab a drink, snack or ice cream too.
Head to West Bay for a quieter stretch of coastline with lovely sea views and beautiful sunsets. It’s a great place for a peaceful walk along the beach or to sit and watch the world go b
Step back in time at Westgate’s much-loved independent cinema. Dating back to 1910, the Carlton is full of character and shows the latest films a brilliant option for an evening out or a rainy day.
Explore Westgate’s friendly high street, Station Road, where you’ll find independent shops, cafés and places to eat. It’s a lovely little town centre to wander around during your stay.
Follow the coastline from Westgate towards Margate or Birchington and enjoy fantastic sea views along the way. It’s an easy way to explore more of Thanet while enjoying some fresh sea air.
Fancy a drink after a day exploring? Ginger’s is a popular local spot in Westgate for cocktails and a relaxed evening out, making it a great choice for couples or a night out with friends.
Birchington-on-Sea is a relaxed coastal village with beautiful beaches, countryside and plenty of family-friendly things to do. Whether you’re spending the day at Minnis Bay, exploring Quex Park or heading out for a coastal walk, it’s a lovely part of Thanet to discover.
One of Birchington’s best-loved beaches, Minnis Bay is perfect for swimming, paddling, relaxing on the sand or watching one of Thanet’s beautiful sunsets. There’s also plenty of space for families to enjoy a day by the sea.
Quex Park is a great day out for families, with plenty to explore throughout the estate. It’s also home to the Powell-Cotton Museum and hosts activities and events throughout the year.
Discover fascinating collections from around the world at the Powell-Cotton Museum within Quex Park. It’s an interesting indoor attraction and a great option when the weather isn’t quite beach-ready.
Take a wander through Birchington village centre, where you’ll find independent shops, cafés and places to eat. It has a relaxed local atmosphere and everything you need for an easy afternoon exploring.
Follow the coastline from Minnis Bay towards Westgate-on-Sea and Margate for beautiful sea views along the way. Whether you fancy a short stroll or a longer walk, it’s a lovely way to see more of the Kent coast.
Stop for something to eat or drink while enjoying the coastal setting at Minnis Bay. It’s a lovely way to finish a beach day or take a break while exploring this quieter side of Thanet.
Now you know some of our favourite things to see and do, all that’s left is to find the perfect place to stay. Explore our collection of holiday homes across Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Westgate-on-Sea and Birchington-on-Sea and start planning your Thanet getaway.
