Caverns & Caves • Mysterious Sites
Open now
Top Things to Do in Isle of Thanet, Kent - Isle of Thanet Attractions
Things to Do in Isle of Thanet
Popular Cities in Isle of Thanet
Top Attractions in Isle of Thanet
Farmers Markets
Open now
Historic Sites
Open now
Marinas
Open now
Natural History Museums • Gardens
Open now
Speciality Museums
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Caverns & Caves
Open now
Learn more about this content
Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
What travellers are saying
- LondonHeatherLondon87 contributionsWonderful quirky place, love the eccentricities of it.
Go and see thousands of shells placed in the wall in intricate patterns, mind blowing how long that must have takenWritten 10 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - John M5 contributionsSheltered bay that is well loved and used by residents and visitors all year round.
Hotels, ice cream parlours, cafes, amusement arcade, small pier, all the things that remind you of the idealised seaside experience.
This is one of several adjacent bays, so you can easily walk to ay of the adjoining bays, with beach huts and even a tidal saltwater swimming pool.
Three different parts of our extended family have now moved and settled in Broadstairs.Written 30 December 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Maxine SUnited Kingdom4 contributionsWe were very lucky to have a tour to ourselves. This is a fascinating experience brought alive by the guides' knowledge and anecdotes. Very reasonably priced too. Bought the map in the gift shop and I've spent the afternoon finding all the entrances on Google Earth, I bet people walk past them every day not knowing what they are.Written 11 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Ann LondonLondon, UK3 contributionsSo relaxing ,beautiful view
I wish to be here every morning.
Definitely will be back again this summer with hole family.Written 15 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Bentley BearHarpenden, UK243 contributionsThe actual beach itself is lovely - lots of room, very clean, good amenities etc.
But the area around it, especially the sea front itself, lets it down a bit and very much needs regenerating more. It's certainly a lot better than last time I went with places like Dreamland back open and clearly some work has been done, but it needs a lot more.Written 2 December 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - tizzicatWitham, UK18 contributionsLoved looking at all the models and love the fact that some are interactive. Cafe is lovely and the right price!Written 26 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Sarah GHarrogate, UK1,357 contributionsWe walked from Margate to Broadstairs and got the train back, this was one of the stops. Loved the row of beachuts - do walk down to the shore line and along them all as all painted differently and lovely to look at up close.Written 9 October 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Peter WoodheadLindos, Greece2 contributionsgreat off the track Beach to sit and relax
remember to take all your own supplies as it not a main beach served by lots of shopsWritten 22 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Brian TLondon, UK5,502 contributionsThis is probably the most pleasant and scenic area of the town of Margate, and it’s s worth a wonder for an hour or so. The Old Town area isn’t huge. It’s set back from Margate harbour and the beach (Margate Main Sands), in an area roughly defined by The Parade, King Street, Hawley Street and New Street. It centres on Old Town Square and Market Street. It makes a pleasant diversion from the beachfront, and with its cobbled streets and laneways. It’s an atmospheric and genteel quarter that oozes some charm and history. Much of the current streetscape dates from Victorian times, with smatterings of buildings from earlier periods. It’s lovely to wander, great for some interesting photography, and ideal for some quirky purchases (if the shops are open).
The area thrives on its collection of independent shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants. It verges on the ‘hip’ side, drawing both tourists and art lovers with its independent speciality shops, contemporary art galleries, a smattering of vintage, antique and bric-a-brac stores, and quirky souvenir and gift shops. Add in some cool cafes, traditional fish and chip shops, and a couple of pubs and you have a fairly lively area when the summer season sets in. Even on our visit, when the beach was empty, the Old Town area was almost alive with tourists and browsers. Unfortunately not all the shops were open. There’s certainly a growing number of independent art galleries and studios, where you can browse the works of local and regional artists in paint, photography, print and textiles, and perhaps find that perfect souvenir or gift as a reminder of your trip to this seaside town.
On Old Town Square you’ll find Margate Museum. It focuses on the town’s past, and is housed in a 17th century Grade II listed building. It is a unique example of a Victorian Police Station and Magistrates Court, and displays an eclectic history of the seaside town of Margate over the past 5,500 years. It takes you on a journey of the town’s history from sea-bathing machines, paddle steamers, shipwrecks and role in the World Wars. It also features Victorian prison cells. Nearby you’ll find the curious and almost bizarre Crab Museum, and a little further along King Street just after you cross Hawley Street you’ll se the beautiful black and white half-timbered Tudor House. It was built around 1525 and thought to be the oldest of its kind in Kent. It’s open at set times for self-guided tours.
It’s not a huge area to discover by any means, and it won’t take you hours to explore, but it is a pleasant part of Margate to wander, and (as an urban photographer) I enjoyed its historic and quirky sights. And after (or during) your wanderings there’s some nice opportunities to enjoy freshly brewed coffee and tempting treats at a number of cosy cosy cafes, or have a leisurely lunch at a quality cafe or pub. We had a great lunch at the Greedy Cow right on the Old Town Square; I have reviewed it separately.Written 25 February 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Jgmstaines194 contributionsWe had a great time. It certainly was contemporary and we might have been way out of our comfort zone if it weren't for Lucy, one of the staff who led us through the installation. She was greatWritten 4 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Jordan MUnited Kingdom142 contributionsClean beach and lovely on a sunny day. We had two dogs with us for a short visit as part of a mini-road trip and really enjoyed. Most importantly, it was clean! Would definitely come back if we ever visit Margate again.Written 9 July 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Tony RHerne Bay, UK219 contributionsLovely little seaside bay with a shop and toilets.
Great chalk cliffs and a lovely place to walk the dog.
Good on street parking at the top of the hill with a slightly difficult incline down to the beach.
Nice place to spend an afternoon at the seasideWritten 13 December 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Cherriesfan99Cheltenham, UK419 contributionsQuirky, colourful, and quite unexpected collection of foodies and bars, featuring a double decker London bus, a bakery, and a number of cafes / coffee shops. Very dark inside, and really atmospheric. All good fun.Written 29 October 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Lady_doodle3Birchington, UK32 contributionsHad a delish lunch after a long walk. Really friendly staff & delicious food. Callum was really friendly as a barman and recommended great wine. Highly recommend and dog friendly!Written 9 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- sce196Cambridge, UK18 contributionsA pretty house and gardens. A volunteer gave me plenty of info on the building's history (probably more than I needed!). A visit can be completed in 30 minutes.Written 15 February 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Isle of Thanet
- The top attractions to visit in Isle of Thanet are:
- Ramsgate Tunnels
- The Micro Museum
- Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum
- The Escapement - Margate Escape Rooms
- CTRL ALT ESC Escape Rooms Margate
- The best outdoor activities in Isle of Thanet according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Isle of Thanet on Tripadvisor
- The most popular things to do in Isle of Thanet with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Ramsgate Tunnels
- The Micro Museum
- Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum
- The Escapement - Margate Escape Rooms
- CTRL ALT ESC Escape Rooms Margate