Margate

CitySouth East, England

Margate is a CITY in South East, England.

Margate is a charming seaside town in Kent, England, known for its sandy beaches, vibrant arts scene, and rich maritime history. The town is home to the iconic Turner Contemporary art gallery, which draws visitors from around the world. Margate's Old Town is a treasure trove of independent shops, vintage boutiques, and quirky cafes. The Dreamland amusement park, with its vintage rides and retro charm, is a must-visit for families. Margate also boasts a thriving cultural scene, with festivals, live music, and theatre performances throughout the year. The town's unique blend of traditional seaside nostalgia and contemporary creativity makes it a fascinating destination.

Best time to visit Margate

The best time to visit Margate is from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is warm and events like the Margate Soul Festival and Margate Bookie take place. July and August are peak tourist months, so expect larger crowds.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Cool 8-14°C

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Low

Autumn colours, quieter

Know before you go

Getting there

LGW

London Gatwick

International

110 km away

STN

London Stansted

International

120 km away

LCY

London City Airport

International

100 km away

Getting around

"Margate is a walkable town, but buses operated by Stagecoach provide convenient transport around the area. The town also has a train station with regular services to London and other parts of Kent. Taxis and bike rentals are available for more flexibility."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cafes, hotels, and public libraries

Local SIM

Local SIM available at supermarkets or mobile shops from $10

Calling code

44

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Generally safe; watch for petty theft in crowded areas.

Night safety

7/10

Generally safe; watch for petty theft in crowded areas.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Margate is generally safe, but like any tourist destination, it's wise to be cautious with personal belongings, especially on crowded beaches and in busy areas. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas."

Entry and health

Health information

"Margate has good healthcare facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital. Travelers from the EU should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). It's advisable to have travel insurance for non-EU visitors."

Culture

Local customs

"Margate has a relaxed, creative vibe. It's common to see locals and visitors enjoying the beach and coastal walks. The town has a strong arts community, so respect for public art and installations is appreciated. Tipping in restaurants is customary (10-15%) if service isn't included."
English

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15 | a cheap local meal costs ~$15

Hotels

$80-150 | budget hotels range $80-150/night

Local transport

$2 | local bus ride ~$2

Cost notes

Prices higher in peak summer season.

Timezone

Europe/London +00:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

0.1 million

Area

4.4 km²

Government

Local government district

ISO code

MAR

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Margate, Margejt, Margit, ma gai te, mageito, margyt, Маргейт, Маргејт, Маргит, مارگیت, マーゲイト, 马盖特

BeachHistoricFamily-FriendlyArts & CultureSeaside