Margate is a historic seaside town on the Isle of Thanet in Kent. The town developed as a harbour and fishing settlement before becoming one of Britain's most popular seaside resorts during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Margate: Historical sights and information
Facts about Margate
- Latitude:
- 51.388127
- Longitude:
- 1.380763
- GPS Coordinates:
- 51°23' N, 01°23' E
The historical and tourist significance of the town
Margate's historic Old Town, harbour and traditional seafront reflect its long association with seaside tourism. The town has also become an important centre for contemporary art, most notably through Turner Contemporary, which stands beside the harbour and celebrates Margate's connection with the painter J. M. W. Turner.
Margate Main Sands provides a classic seaside setting, while Dreamland preserves elements of the town's amusement and entertainment heritage. The surrounding Thanet coast offers beaches, cliffs and walking routes, and nearby attractions include the Shell Grotto and neighbouring Broadstairs and Ramsgate.
Food and shopping
Margate has a diverse selection of cafés, restaurants, traditional pubs, bakeries, seafood establishments, galleries, boutiques, vintage shops and independent retailers. Kent produce and locally caught seafood feature strongly in the local food culture. Summer is particularly suitable for enjoying the beaches and seafront, while the art galleries, historic streets and cultural venues make Margate attractive throughout the year.
Locations & Tours
Discover famous landmarks, historical sites and tourist attractions in Margate.