I love the ancient and mysterious and this didn't disappoint. Down a number of steps so not good if you have mobility issues, but the corridor winding through underground chalk, most of which is covered with perfect intricate patterns of tiny local shells is really impressive. Looks as though there was ancient worship, but the patterns are mysterious, not your average. There's an excellent small guidebook, which is really worth getting if you want to hear about the many theories as to who and when was involved. The shop is packed with lovely exotic shells to buy and associated sea gifts etc. Could be a problem if you have an excitable toddler on the loose! Limited number of people allowed at a time as the space is confined. If it really was built 2500 years ago by the phoenicians, it would be an extraordinary relic of those adventurous people.

Truly unique experience at shell grotto today. We took our two small children to see the grotto and they loved it. There was colouring to keep it interactive and the gift shop blew their tiny minds. Our daughter was so excited to buy some shells with her pocket money and the ladies in the shop were so friendly. My husband who loves history found this place so fascinating. It really was a marvel to behold. So much history and skill rolled in to one. We will definitely return.

A truly amazing place which kept the kids quiet for an hour or so. I have been here since I was a child nearly 40 years ago but it hasn't changed a bit. Still completely fascinating and it is great how it has been preserved for all that time. The gift shop is also great along with very friendly staff. We booked the first slot of the day and although there was a few people coming and going, it didn't seem packed or too crowded. I am really glad to see this place is still going and actively looking at restoring sections of the grotto.

Very unusual and amazing that it has been there for so long, personally I was a bit disappointed that most of the shells were black, although I appreciate it is a difficult decision wether to conserve it as it is or restore it to how it was when created. We did not spend too long here, perhaps about 30 minutes but good to fill a gap. Gift shop had a nice range of unusual items

A fascinating and mysterious place, well worth a visit. Yes, the shells are very dingy, but the patterns and sheer volume of them are extremely interesting. Some good information on the way down, a worksheet for the children, and a lovely shop on the ground floor. What's not to like? (excluding people who are easily bored)

The shell grotto is completely unique and quite remarkable to think of it being made. It sparked a lot of curiosity in my partner and I with regards to its origin, I have never seen anything like it and doubt I will again! Best to go in less busy times as the corridors aren't the widest and I wanted to spend a bit more time analysing the walls but was in the way! Also had a massive giftshop with lots of great stuff - must visit

This is such a fascinating place to visit to imagine when, how, who and why? I found one of the shells had been inscribed L1.Cox. At least that's what it looks like, but the guide book doesn't mention this. The gift shop at the entrance has the most amazing array of gifts and cards. You could really get something unusual and not expensive. I wanted to get myself quite a few things. It is worth a trip to Thanet just to visit The Shell Grotto :-)

Very interesting to see and read about, the shells are really fascinating and lovely to see. Very small though, not sure how people spent much time there. There is a colouring area for kids which kept my daughter more occupied than the grotto itself. Lovely gift shop with a range of items.

We stumbled on the shell museum but had been made aware of its existence. What an incredible experience. Underground tunnels with the walls covered in shells from 1835 but nobody really knows why. So glad somebody found it so we are able to look today. There’s an amazing gift shop too selling a wonderful array of stuff and friendly staff. A really worthwhile visit ♥️

Down a back street in the dodgy area of Margate is a place that (if it were anywhere else) would be world renowned and celebrated. Here it's more a secret that has to be kept quiet which baffles me because....wow! The grotto is incredible and mysterious and amazing but why is it so little known? Even locals seem unaware of it. I had so many questions and the Grotto very fairly puts forward the many different theories but I wish we actually knew the answer. Then again, if we did would it ruin it? I bought the very good booklet that has all the information they know but I left craving more. Why are there no books? Multiple books? Websites? TV shows? Why does no one else really, really want to know?! I wonder if we ever will?