Margate
Margate’s Old Town Hall is housed in a 17th Century building.
The Turner Contemporary art gallery built in honour of JMW Turner is now open and proving very popular.
The resort has a golden mile of beach with lots of activities on offer and traditional seaside food to enjoy – fish and chips, cockles and whelks, as well as a wide variety of other fare.
You can go “seal watching” off Margate’s coast.
Dreamland has now re-opened as a Heritage Amusement Park with the oldest scenic railway in the country and the onl y ride of its kind to be listed with Grade II.
History and Attractions
Margate is a seaside town in Kent, England. It is located on the Isle of Thanet, about 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Canterbury. Margate has a long and rich history, dating back to the Roman times. The town was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, and was granted its first charter by King Edward I in 1274.
Margate became a popular seaside resort in the 18th century. The town’s long sandy beach and its proximity to London made it a popular destination for day trippers and holidaymakers alike. Margate was also known for its lively nightlife and its many amusement arcades and attractions.
In the 19th century, Margate became a center for the arts and crafts movement. The town’s mild climate and its beautiful coastal scenery attracted many artists and writers, including J.M.W. Turner, William Holman Hunt, and Charles Dickens. Margate was also home to a number of theaters and concert halls, and was a popular destination for touring performers.
Today, Margate is a thriving town with a population of over 60,000 people. The town is a popular tourist destination, and is known for its well-preserved historic center, its beautiful beach, and its vibrant arts and culture scene.
Some of the most popular attractions in Margate include:
* Dreamland Margate: Dreamland Margate is a vintage amusement park that was built in 1920. The park has a number of classic rides and attractions, including a roller coaster, a carousel, and a Ferris wheel. Dreamland is also home to a number of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Dreamland Roller Disco and the Dreamland Fireworks Festival.
* Turner Contemporary: Turner Contemporary is a contemporary art gallery that was built in 2011. The gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, and has a number of permanent works of art by J.M.W. Turner and other artists.
* Shell Grotto: The Shell Grotto is a man-made cave that is decorated with over 4.6 million seashells. The grotto was built in the 18th century by an unknown artist, and is one of the largest and most elaborate shell grottoes in the world.
* Margate Old Town: Margate Old Town is a charming historic quarter with narrow winding streets and a number of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Old Town is also home to a number of historic buildings, including the Margate Clocktower and the Holy Trinity Church.
* Margate Sands: Margate Sands is a long sandy beach that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. The beach is also home to a number of cafes and restaurants, as well as a number of water sports activities.
In addition to these attractions, Margate also has a number of museums, parks, and gardens. The town is also home to a number of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Margate Festival and the Margate Winter Lights Festival.
Whether you are interested in history, culture, or simply looking for a beautiful place to relax, Margate has something to offer everyone.