Spring is just around the corner and sunnier days are ahead. And as the days become warmer, it’ll be no surprise that most of us will be eyeing up the stunning UK coast for day trips and staycations.
If you’re in need of some inspiration, you might want to consider one of ‘the UK’s best seaside towns’. This spot has impressed travel experts with its beautiful sandy beach, underrated theme park and unique attractions – including a hidden grotto that looks like it’s out of a fairy tale.
Margate may not be a secret, but it’s often bypassed in favour of larger resorts like Brighton and Blackpool, despite having plenty to offer. The town is packed with cosy pubs, craft breweries, cafes, and quirky shops, as well as an impressive selection of bookshops.
And with budget-friendly hotels starting at just £22 a night, a visit won’t break the bank – (even some of Margate’s top hotels start from £44 a night), reports the Mirror.
The sandy beach gets busy during the peak summer months
(Image: Hollie Adams/Getty Images)
The main beach is always a hit with both visitors and locals, thanks to its wide stretch of sand and paddle-friendly waters. Plus, the promenade is lined with arcades and fish and chip shops, perfect for a classic British seaside day out.
For those who prefer not to lounge on the beach, there are plenty of fun attractions to explore. One must-see is the famous Shell Grotto, a unique underground passage that seems straight out of a storybook, with its walls adorned with over 4.6 million shells.
Meanwhile, Dreamland is a must-visit for thrill-seekers. Entry is free and it boasts a variety of retro and vintage-inspired rides suitable for all ages.
The biggest attractions include the Rock and Roller rollercoaster and the Pirate Ship, both costing £3 each, which offer thrilling experiences. For younger visitors, the Cup and Saucers, Margate Maze and Ladybird ride are fantastic alternatives.
There are plenty of vintage-inspired rides in Dreamland Margate
(Image: Folkestone Herald)
Another big draw for Dreamland is that it doubles up as a music venue, so you can see some great acts after a day’s riding if you plan your trip well. Numerous huge artists and acts have already been announced for this year’s Margate Summer Series at Dreamland.
These include Dance With Me Tonight singer Olly Murs, legendary rock band Texas, punk favourites Sex Pistols with Frank Carter, Basement Jaxx and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell. You can find out more on www.dreamland.co.uk.
With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Margate has been named one of the UK’s best seaside towns by the Tripadvisor team. They describe the charming town as ‘Shoreditch-on-Sea’ due to the influx of ‘East London’s cool kids’ who have relocated to this Kent resort town, just two hours by train from London.
They argue that Margate “may not immediately seem like the kind of place” that would attract such a crowd. They add: “Its retro Dreamland Margate amusement park and kitschy Shell Grotto, a subterranean passageway covered in more than 4.6 million seashells, are more suited for a family holiday. But this corner of Kent has actually been on the radar of artists for centuries.
“In fact, J. M. W. Turner once said that the skies in these parts are ‘the loveliest in all of Europe’, and he often included Margate locations in his landscapes. The Turner Contemporary, an art gallery designed by famed architect Sir David Chipperfield, opened its doors in 2011, and last year, a team of creatives transformed an 1820 guesthouse next door into the Fort Road Hotel.”