English seaside town named among top 10 holiday hotspots

Now that summer is finally here, Brits are planning their seaside getaways. If it’s a charming coastal town that you’re pining for, Kent has plenty of popular spots that draw in tourists from across the UK.

Margate, known for its vibrant arts scene and top-notch restaurants and bars, has transformed itself over the years into a UK holiday hotspot. The seaside town has now been recognised as one of the best holiday destinations in the country.

In a new ranking by Go Outdoors, the Kent seaside town has been named one of the nation’s top 10 holiday hotspots, securing seventh place overall.

The ranking took into account a variety of factors including hotels, activities, local transport, weather, and popularity. These were combined to form an overall ‘Holiday Score’ out of 10, with Margate bagging an impressive 8.80 out of 10. For couples looking for a romantic getaway, Margate ranks fourth among the best UK holiday hotspots, trailing behind the Isle of Wight, London and Bath.

Famed for its celebrity sightings, stars such as Pedro Pascal, Lily Allen, Sam Mendes, Olivia Coleman, and some cast members from EastEnders have all been spotted in Margate. With so much on offer, it’s no wonder this seaside town is a hit with the stars.

The iconic amusement park Dreamland has been the subject of a major renovation, offering all the charm of a classic English seaside funfair. It now boasts vintage rides, music events and even the country’s oldest wooden roller coaster, The Scenic Railway.

Dreamland also hosts a variety of festivals and shows, including The Margate Reggae Festival on June 22, and Sam Ryder’s show on June 27. But Margate offers more than just Dreamland.

Visitors to the town can also explore the Margate Museum, the Crab Museum, the enchanting Shell Grotto and Margate Caves.

Located on Margate seafront, Turner Contemporary presents a dynamic schedule of temporary exhibitions, events and learning opportunities. The gallery is currently showcasing the first institutional exhibition in Europe dedicated to the trailblazing artist Ed Clark.

For sun worshippers, Margate Main Sands offers a stretch of coastline that has been a favourite with holidaymakers since the 18th century. Even at high tide, there’s ample beach for building sandcastles.

A short stroll will take you to the Old Town, where you’ll find restaurants, seafood stalls and bars.

Earlier this year, KentLive readers voted Peter’s Fish Factory in Margate as one of the top spots in Kent for fish and chips. The town also boasts highly praised restaurants like Angela’s and Bottega Caruso, along with newer additions Sargasso and Fort Road Hotel.

If you’re planning a short trip to Margate, consider booking a stay at the boutique hotel No. 42 Margate, which opened its doors in the summer of 2023.

This is the third establishment under the GuestHouse brand, joining the ranks of hotels No. 1 in York and No.15 in Bath.

How to get to Margate Main Sands

Address: Droit House, Stone Pier, Margate, CT9 1JD.

Margate Railway Station is conveniently located opposite the Main Sands. The HS1 service from St Pancras to Margate takes just 1 hour and 20 minutes. It can also be easily accessed via the M2 and A2.