Things to do
There is plenty to see and do in Margate. There is a tourist office near the Turner Contemporary and you can pick up the excellent free local magazines Margate Mercury and Isle Magazine in local cafes which list upcoming events as well as the latest hotspots and happenings. If you are prepared to venture further afield there are numerous other options available. Some of our local favourites, all tried and tested, are listed below along with our pick of the fantastic local bars, pubs and places of interest. Enjoy!
Eating Out
Margate deservedly has a growing reputation for the quality of its dining and there are a great selection of local restaurants to suit any taste within a very short walk of Smugglers Cottage. Exciting new restaurants are opening all the time so we certainly recommend some research on the internet if you want to find the latest pop up! There is always enough on offer to keep our most demanding foodie guests fully satisfied and planning a follow up visit. The Taste of Margate website and blog keeps visitors and residents up to date with the ever changing local food and drink scene.
The Cafe - Turner Contemporary
- Turner Contemporary’s café is operated by Staple Stores, an artisanal bakery and café that uses traditional techniques and the best local seasonal ingredients to create delicious, handmade breads, viennoiserie pastries, sandwiches and daily changing lunch specials.
- Rendezvous
- Margate
- CT9 1HG
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 220253
GB Pizza
- Award-winning wood-fired pizza from Great British Pizza company on Margate seafront.
- 14 Marine Drive
- Margate
- CT9 1DH
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 297700
Yama Thai Kitchen
- The best of Southeast Asian food, prepared for you with love by the amazing Chef Noi.
- 19th Hole Public House
- 11-13 George Hill Road
- Kingsgate
- CT10 3JT
- Phone: 00 44 (0)7766 491801
Bows Kitchen
- Bow's Kitchen is discretely situated above the Wig & Pen Pub in the heart of Margate's Old Town and serves award-winning, authentic Thai cuisine.
- 10 Market Place
- Margate
- CT9 1EN
- Phone: 00 44 (0)7796 958949
Buoy and Oyster
- Family run seafood restaurant & seafood bar overlooking the beach in Margate, Kent. Also run a take-away for fish and chips on the seafront at 17 Marine Drive called Beach Buoys.
- 44 High Street
- Margate
- CT9 1DS
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 446631
Giorgios
- Established over 30 years ago. A modern spacious bar, Italian and Mediterranean kitchen.
- 19 Marine Gardens
- Margate
- CT9 1UH
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 293500
Mannings Seafood Stand
- Seafood / Local Cuisine
- Open Daily, weather permitting.
- The Parade
- Margate
- CT9 1DD
- Phone: 00 44 (0)7976811104
Masala Gate
- Indian Takeaway & Restaurant.
- 10 Duke Street
- Margate
- CT9 1EP
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 228877
Mullin's Brasserie
- Varied and interesting menu comprising Modern European Cuisine with a hint of the Caribbean.
- 6 Market Place
- Margate
- CT9 1EN
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 295603
Pete's Fish Factory
- Traditional family run Fish and Chip Shop Since 1984. Table seating available outside opposite the shop and also seating inside on Duke Street (look for “Pete’s Seats)”.
- 12 The Parade
- Margate
- CT9 1EZ
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 292485
Angela's / Dory's
- Seafood restuarant and bar with wine shop overlooking Margate's main sands. Angela’s is small and requires advance bookings although nearby Dorey’s at 24 High Street caters for walk in diners.
- 21 The Parade
- Margate
- CT9 1EX
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 319978
Bottega Caruso
- Italian shop and kitchen located in Margate Old Town producing fresh pasta, homemade Italian food, pasta making lessons and supper club.
- 2-4 Broad Street
- Margate
- CT9 1EW
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 297142
Sargasso
- Sargasso is a small wine bar with food, consisting of counter seating and high window tables, nestled against the sea wall of Margate’s harbour arm.
- Harbour Arm
- Margate
- CT9 1AP
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 229270
Mama Jinny Thai Kitchen
- In 2019 Mama Jinny launched her Thai Restaurant in Margate. All dishes are freshly prepared to your choice using only the finest ingredients, ensuring that all dishes are of top quality. There is a large choice of vegan and vegetarian dishes for you to choose from too.
- 15 New Street
- Margate
- CT9 1EG
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 226555
Curve Coffee Roasters
- Coffee shop & general store, celebrating producers with a seasonal range of exceptional coffees that support equitable supply streams.
- Unit 12 The Centre
- Margate
- CT9 1JG
The Bus Cafe
- Set in a vintage double decker bus, come and discover fresh, healthy and delicious food in a unique retro vehicle!
- Royal Cresent Promenade
- Margate
- CT9 5AJ
- Phone: 00 44 (0)7936 076737
Wildes
- Nestled at the beating heart of Margate's thriving and historic Old Town, Wildes serves up a selection of relaxed brunch plates, fresh coffee, signature cocktails and Mediterranean warmth seven days a week.
- 4-5 Market Place
- Margate
- CT9 1EN
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 291531
Lilies
- Serve up wonderful tapas dishes by the lido, popular so booking ahead through WhatsApp is recommended.
- 3 Cliff Terrace
- Margate
- CT9 1RU
- Phone: 00 44 (0)7967 387979
Olivio Margate
- Cosy traditional Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of the Old Town.
- 20 Market Place
- Margate
- CT9 1ES
- Phone 00 44 (0)7462 917242
Daisy
- Brunch by day then in the evening Daisy transforms itself into a cocktail bar.
- 19 Cliff Terrace
- Margate
- CT9 1RU
Dive
- Serving amazing Mexican tacos on the harbour arm, walk in diners are welcome but turn up early to be sure of a table outside.
- Unit 6 Harbour Arm
- Margate
- CT9 1AP
- Phone: 00 44 (0)7828 773204
Seaside Cake Parlour
- Bistro & Cakeshop providing artisan cakes, massive loaded hot dawgs, dirty loaded fries, cheezy bacon chips, amazing milkshakes, afternoon teas, mac n cheeze and bagels and more.
- 24 Hawley Street
- Margate
- CT9 1QA
- Phone: 00 44 (0)7311 110119
Bars & Pubs
The Lifeboat
- Ale and cider house
- 1 Market Street
- Margate
- CT9 1EU
- Phone: 00 44 (0)7837 024259
Xylo
- Seafront microbrewery and taproom bar located on the Margate seafront, offering craft beers and local wines & spirits with sunset views over the harbour.
- 2-14 High Street
- Margate
- CT9 1AT
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 229403
The Fez
- Eclectic new micropub.
- 40 High Street
- Margate
- CT9 1DS
- Phone: 00 44 (0)7743 567006
The Two Halves
- Micropub in Margate, cask real ales, cider & wine. Winner of the Thanet CAMRA Pub of the Year 2022.
- 2 Marine Drive
- Margate
- CT9 1DH
- Phone: 00 44 (0)7538 771904
The Glass Jar
- An independent seafront cocktail bar with sunset views.
- 15 Marine Drive
- Margate
- CT9 1DH
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 290448
Harbour Arms
- Micro pub serving local and national ales and ciders plus much more in a beautiful location and stunning view of Margate Harbour.
- Units 7-8 Harbour Arm
- Margate
- CT9 1JD
- Phone: 00 44 (0)7776 183273
Lighthouse Bar
- The Lighthouse bar is located on the end of Margate's Harbour Arm, offering an amazing view back over into Margate Old Town, Seafront and Margate Main Sands. Various draft and bottled drinks.
- Harbour Arm
- Margate
- CT9 1JD
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 291153
Little Prince
- One of the UK's smallest watering holes located within the Old Kent Market.
- 8 Fort Hill
- Margate
- CT9 1HD
The Clockwork Cocktail Company
- Cocktail bar with everything from a classic martini to their own creative concoctions.
- 68-70 High Street
- Margate
- CT9 1DT
The Sun Deck
- The Sun Deck, is the perfect location for seaside streetfood and drinks! You'll find it on the other side of Margate's main sands, near the train station.
- Royal Cresent Promenade
- Margate
- CT9 5AJ
The Rose in June
- Cosy, contemporary yet traditional pub just a short walk away from the cottage in Trinity Square.
- 49 - 50 Trinity Square
- Margate
- CT9 1HT
Mariachi Tequila & Mezcal Bar
- Top end cocktail bar featuring 150 variations of Tequila & Mezcal based Mexican flavours with an occasional Anglo twist.
- 11 The Centre
- Margate
- CT9 1JG
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 226262
Olby's
- Established Old Town pub with live music some nights plus other events and exhibitions.
- 3-5 King Street
- Margate
- CT9 1DD
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 448595
The Bulls Head
- A large newly refurbished pub in the heart of the Old Town. Ideal place for a refreshing drink on your the way home to the cottage
- 1 Market place
- Margate
- CT9 1ER
Fort Road Hotel Bar
- An amazing contemporary split level bar awaits down the stairs at the front the North Hill Hotel, this is the idea spot for a post sunset cocktail or two.
- 18 Fort Road
- Margate
- CT9 1HF
- Phone: 00 44 (0 1843 661313
The George and Heart
- A cosy and intimate bar with a carefully curated selection of wines, local craft beers, spirits and a list of classic seasonal cocktails.
- 44 King Street
- Margate
- CT9 1QE
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 225447
Little Swift
- Bar & Shop of wonderful drinks & deli provisions.
- 7-8 Marine Drive
- Margate
- CT9 1DH
- Phone: 00 44 (0)7810 508590
Entertainment and Culture
Turner Contemporary
- One of the UK's leading contemporary art galleries.
- Rendezvous
- Margate
- CT9 1HG
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 233000
The Shell Grotto
- The Grotto's discovery in 1835 came as a complete surprise to the people of Margate... debate has raged about the Grotto's origins ever since.
- 31 Grotto Hill
- Margate
- CT9 2BU
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 220008
The Tudor House
- Tudor house dating to 1500s, open for self-guided tours, with period costumes on display.
- King Street
- Margate
- CT9 1QE
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 231213
Dreamland
- Dreamland Margate is a free-to-enter vintage amusement park on the golden shore of Margate, Kent. Home to fun-filled family festivals, vintage rides, huge music events and the oldest wooden rollercoaster in the country, The Scenic Railway.
- Marine Terrace
- Margate
- CT9 1XJ
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843295887
Tom Thumb Theatre
- The Tom Thumb aims to be a springboard for emerging talent and a laboratory for more established artists to experiment with new work. They programme a wide range of work including theatre, music, film, comedy, poetry and cabaret.
- 2 Eastern Esplanade
- Margate
- CT9 2LB
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 221791
Pie Factory
- Pie Factory Margate is a venue for exhibitions and events in Margate Old Town. Available to hire on a weekly basis the gallery hosts a changing programme of exhibitions and events. The opening dates and times are set by the current exhibitor, so vary from week to week, please check the listing.
- 5 Broad Street
- Margate
- CT9 1EU
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 294 175
Ramsgate Music Hall
- Ramsgate Music Hall is an intimate venue with a capacity of 140. Small it may be, but acoustically it’s pretty wonderful. Potentially one of the best sounding small venues in the country offering a passionate musical experience.
- 13 Turner Street
- Ramsgate
- CT11 8NJ
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 591815
Margate Caves
- The Caves have been welcoming visitors since 1863. Originally dug as a chalk mine in the 18th century it went largely forgotten for over 100 years before being rediscovered and restored for personal recreation and then, eventually, as a tourist attraction.
- 1 Northdown Road
- Margate
- CT9 1FG
Carlton Cinema
- Independent cinema offering a variety of films at an affordable price.
- 29 St Mildreds Road
- Westgate-On-Sea
- CT8 8RE
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 834290
- Film info: 00 44 (0)1843 832019
The Crab Museum
- The worlds only museum dedicated to crabs of all sorts is only just around the corner from the cottage, so if you want to learn about the humble crab you are in luck.
- 9 Broad Street
- Margate
- CT9 1EW
Where Else
- Located in the precinct just off the High Street this is a bar / record shop during the day and then a popular live venue in the evening with comedy and up and coming bands.
- 21 - 22 The Centre
- Margate
- CT9 1RL
Liminal Gallery
- A small quirky gallery located just across the road from the Turner Contemporary.
- 34 Fort Hill
- Margate
- CT9 1HD
Carl Freedman Gallery
- The new Carl Freedman Gallery is housed inside the former Thanet Press building, previously a 1960s commercial establishment, spanning 10,000 square foot. The conversion includes three gallery spaces on the lower floor which are open to the public during exhibitions.
- 28 Union Cresent
- Margate
- CT8 1NS
- Phone: 00 44 (0)20 7684 8890
Shopping
There are shops in the Old Town to suit all budget and tastes from bric-a-brac and retro finds at a fraction of London prices to designer homewares and from vintage clothing to top end designer fashion boutiques. The following Kent Live link gives a bit more background about some of the people behind the shops:
Thanet: Margate Old Town – The people and places making up the most underrated part of Kent – Kent Live
Les Animaux
- Sustainable Clothing Made To Order. Les Animaux is a collection for people who reject conventional ideas and aesthetics, looking to present timeless pieces that are both sustainable but highly individual.
- 1 Lombard Street
- Margate
- CT9 1EJ
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 220653
Paraphernalia
- Antiques and Vintage.
- 8 King Street
- Margate
- CT9 1DA
- Phone: 00 44 (0)7534 707105
Margate Old Town Market
- Margate Old Town Market is the Saturday flea market run by the local community which takes place at the square across the road from the cottage every Saturday, from April until October at around 11am. It’s well worth popping over to have a look around.
- Phone: 00 44 (0)7976 051915
Junk Deluxe
- Junk Deluxe focuses on affordable modern design. Specialising in furniture and lighting, they stock items from the modernist 1930's, right up to the exuberant, quality conscious 1980s, and anywhere excellent in between. Junk Deluxe also often re-invents old furniture, to give tired pieces a fresh appeal.
- The Old Ice works
- Bath Place
- Margate
- CT9 2Bn
- Phone: 00 44 (0)7963 892041
The Old Kent Market
- Supporting the regeneration of Margate.The Old Kent Market is a selection of food, clothing & gifts.
- 8 Fort Hill
- Margate
- CT9 1HD
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 296808
Haeckels
- Natural skin care andwild fragrance. Made of Margate.
- 8 Cliff Terrace
- Margate
- CT9 1RU
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 447234
ZIGZAG Footwear
- Independent footwear store stocking over 30 globally sourced brands
- 12 King Street
- Margate
- CT9 1DA
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 291336
Albion Stores
- Old Town boutique offering a mix of contemporary clothes and shoes, jewellery, music, art and homewares.
- 27 Fort Road
- Bath Place
- Margate
- CT9 1HF
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 280000
RG Scott's Furniture Mart
- An Emporium of everything Antique, Old Fashioned and Unusual
- The Old Ice Works
- Bath Place
- Margate
- CT9 2BN
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 220653
Papillon Interiors
- Contemporary furniture and lighting brands.
- 40 Fort Hill
- Margate
- CT9 1HD
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 220088
Other Activities
Margate is an ideal base to explore the wider Kent area and nearby towns of Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Sandwich, Deal, Whitstable and Canterbury. There are miles of wild and natural sandy beaches nearby and more things to do than we can list here, so here is a short 5 minute film showing Thanet’s wonderful coastline and beaches. To find out more www.visitthanet.co.uk is a great source of information or visit the helpful tourist office on the harbour arm. If you fancy travelling further then www.visitkent.co.uk is another useful website to visit.
Ben's Photography Workshop
Want to capture the perfect sunset and make your Instagram page stand out from the crowd? Local photographer Ben Bowles (who has taken some of the summer season photos in our gallery and co-produced our videos) offers one to one or group coaching here in Margate.
Phone: 00 44 (0)7731 769601
Viking Coastal Trail
Some of our guests have enjoyed the wonderful scenic cycle path along the local coastline. Don’t worry if you didn’t bring your bikes, you can hire them here in Margate.
Botany Bay
- This blue flag beach which was listed by The Times as one of the country's best “secret” beaches
- Marine Drive
- Broadstairs
- CT10 3LG
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 577577
Kingsgate Bay
- Kingsgate Bay is right next to Botany Bay so you can walk round if the tide is out. Look for the sea caves. The sandy bay offers calm and seclusion, while sand is exposed at full tide, the beach does get cut off at both ends. This bay is dog friendly all year round unlike the main beaches.
- Whiteness Road
- Broadstairs
- CT10 3QH
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 577577
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool
- Since 1937 the Walpole Bay Tidal Pool has developed a cult following amongst local sea bathers and these “Walpole Bay Swimmers” have their own website, apparently anyone who swims in the Pool becomes a Walpole Bay Swimmer. Surely a good opportunity to join an exclusive swimming club as it was listed in the Telegraph’s top 10 outdoor places to swim in 2017. Celebrating 80 years in 2017 was also marked an article in the Financial Times (Water a summer special).
- Fifth Avenue
- Cliftonville
- CT9 2JN
Minnis Bay
- Minnis Bay is another blue flag beach. A long stretch of sand coupled with ample free parking and children's outdoor play area nearby make this perfect for a family afternoon in the sun. If you fancy a walk the long, expansive beach with a raised sea wall goes all the way to Reculver Towers which an English Heritage site and takes you through a nature reserve on the way. Also popular with kite surfing and other water sports. There is also the popular Windshack Cafe for a coffee.
- The Parade
- Birchington
- CT7 9LX
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1843 577577
Sandwich and Pegwell Bay
- Escape to the coastal haven of Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve, of international importance for its bird populations. Listen to the rolling waves on the sand and shingle, breathe in the saline scents of the saltmarsh, and watch the wonderful wildlife this very important and sensitive National Nature Reserve has to offer.
- Sandwich Road
- Cliffsend
- Ramsgate
- CT12 5JB
- Phone: 00 44 (0)1622 662012
Joss Bay Surf School
- Surf and stand up paddle board lessons on the Kent Coast
- North Foreland Hill
- Broadstairs
- CT10 3PG
- Phone: 00 44 (0)7812 991195
Magical Margate Walk
A great way to get acquainted with Margate on your first visit is to take this hour long walk. An audio guide can be downloaded from the website which also shows a map of the walk and main points of interest.