Holiday rentals in Margate

Margate has undergone something of a transformation in recent years. Once considered a sleepy seaside resort town, it’s now home to a burgeoning artistic community, boutique shops and restaurants, and rejuvenated attractions. The miles of golden sand are again filled with families and day-trippers, who can lose themselves in world-class art before indulging in some vintage fun at the Dreamland amusement park, boasting the oldest rollercoaster in the country.

Margate is also a town of hidden delights. Head east or west, away from the Main Sands, and you’ll discover the more secluded beaches of Westbrook, or the tidal pool at Walpole Bay, beloved by the locals. The Old Town features a number of independent stores selling the likes of vintage clothing and natural wines, plus a plethora of critically acclaimed restaurants, coffee shops, and microbreweries. Make sure you grab yourself a decent spot on the Harbour Arm to enjoy the spectacular sunsets and big skies immortalised by landscape artist JMW Turner.

There’s fun to be had in Margate all year round, but it’s in the summertime that you’ll witness it in its full glory. Beaches and cafes can be crowded around Bank Holidays (particularly the August one), but if you can squeeze in a trip during the early summer months or later in September, you can enjoy all the amenities without battling the crowds. Though if your visit can coincide with mid-August’s Margate Pride celebrations, you’ll be ensured a rollicking good time and a certain amount of face glitter. There is something to be said for a bracing autumn or winter visit, enjoying a glass of mulled wine from one of the seafront hostelries, and, if you’re brave enough, a rejuvenating dip in the North Sea.

Dreamland

Fun for kids of all ages, this vintage theme park first opened in 1880, struggled through some hard times, and is now back with a bang. As well as classic rides, such as a wooden rollercoaster and a big wheel providing breathtaking views of the local landscape, there are ample food trucks serving everything from fish and chips and vegan goodies and a magnificent kitschy roller-disco rink.

Turner Contemporary

Opened in 2012, this world-renowned gallery has certainly helped to turn around the fortunes of the town, attracting not just art mavens, but also the artists themselves, who display at a number of smaller galleries throughout the town. Free to enter, the gallery also boasts a quirky gift shop and cafe with great views of the roiling North Sea.

The Shell Grotto

Tucked away on a side street in Cliftonville, the mysterious Shell Grotto has been causing consternation since it was discovered in 1835. A subterranean chamber filled with strange mosaic patterns, all constructed from seashells, it’s not known whether it’s some ancient pagan temple or a Victorian folly. Whatever its original purpose, it’s an unforgettable, eerie, beautiful place.