THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Margate (2025) - Must-See Attractions
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Things to Do in Margate
Check out must-see sights and activities:
The Shell Grotto, Margate Caves, Art Galleries, Speciality Museums. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
The Shell Grotto, Margate Caves, Art Galleries, Speciality Museums. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Multi-day Toursfromper adult£695
Photography Toursfromper group (up to 7)£11
Historical Toursfromper adult£15- fromper adult£139
Private Sightseeing Toursfromper group (up to 2)£120- fromper group (up to 6)£551
- fromper adult£165
Historical Toursfromper adult£15
Craft Classesfromper adult£70
Cultural Toursfromper adult£10
Caverns & Caves
Subterranean grotto adorned with over four million shells creating intricate patterns; a mysterious, historical site with a unique gift shop for themed memorabilia.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Charming underground caves displaying historic wall paintings and graffiti, guided by passionate volunteers. Onsite cafe provides a relaxing spot with assorted treats.
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Amusement & Theme Parks
Vintage amusement park with a mix of classic rides, music events, and fairground entertainment. Features a unique scenic railway and panoramic views from the ferris wheel.
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Beaches
Sandy coastal stretch with family-friendly activities, arcade games, and a variety of shops. Features spacious areas, lifeguard-patrolled zones, and a vibrant atmosphere for beachgoers.
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Speciality Museums
Interactive attraction celebrating the nostalgia of model railways and cars, featuring hands-on exhibits, historical displays, and a quiz to test your knowledge.
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Art Galleries
Old Town district brimming with vintage shops, traditional pubs, and quaint eateries amid a unique, historic vibe with cultural galleries and quirky bookstores.
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Speciality Museums
Interactive exhibits blend science and humor to educate on crab species, climate change, and conservation, with live shows and engaging displays.
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Other Top Attractions around Margate
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What travellers are saying
- Escape331318947283 contributionsWe went to Margate last summer and one of the places I think about the most was the Shell Grotto. It's an extraordinary place, a real mystery, and this museum does it justice. You begin in the gift shop, the staff were helpful & friendly. Then you see the history of the shell grotto. You can just go right ahead and see it if you want, but I recommend this beautifully crafted area. It shows you how it was discovered, adverts from Victorian times, all the way up to the present with modern art inspirations. There was even some brilliant little activities for children which seemed to work well.
And then there's the grotto itself. It's astonishing. You must see it. Such an incredible piece of human work, buried underground for centuries. I tried to find meaning in the patterns but they keep changing the further I went. I was beguiling and enchanting. I think we spent an hour there but I can't be sure. I treasure the experience.
You must see it for yourself. I hope I go again somedayWritten 15 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Escape331318947283 contributionsWe had a lovely holiday in Margate last summer and one of the absolute highlights was the caves. They were a beautiful, fascinating place to explore, full of paintings and secret histories. It's a wonderful piece of history and geology, so well preserved. They've also built a cafe & gift shop right above, which is convenient. However what made our trip so special was 100% the staff. They were so friendly, so accommodating. The best. They could help us with directions, one lovely person had stories about her home being built on a smuggler's house.
But the absolute highlight was our guide, named Angela. Honestly, one of the best tour guides I have encountered. She was engaging, intelligent, friendly she had an answer for any question and a terrific range of historical stories for every part of the cave. She left you alone when you wanted to explore and when you had a question she was always available. We learnt so much from her. I saw her engage so well with all ages so well. She is an absolute treasure and helped make our visit so special.
The Margate caves-highly recommended.Written 15 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - MarchWeekenderPortsmouth, UK168 contributionsWe went to dreamland earlier this week. Lat here in 2001. Much scaled back from its hay day however it didn’t disappoint. Really enjoy some traditional rides such as the dogems and big wheel along with the ghost train! Good value when you get 20
Tokens for £40 making it £2 a ride. It was a shame that the scenic railway was out of action when we visited. All in all a good day. Beware drinks and food are expensive but do as we did and bring your own!Written 30 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - fredpRednal, UK177 contributionsGood, clean seaside fun on a beautiful and safe beach. Well kept and lots of traditional seaside attractions on the promenade.
Easily accessible from the railway station for a day trip.Written 7 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Paul C6 contributionsEnjoyed vist disappointed that staff did not know about free entry for members. Older member staff corrected this,also I was told I would get 10% of my airfix products which was great. So I brought a load stuff. Presented the airfix card. And did not receive 10% off. My fault partly as I didn't check my reciept. Came down from Norfolk for my birthday treat. Would go again if I,was in the area.Written 7 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SwedishtomcatDiss, UK4,621 contributionsVintage shops, funky eateries and old pubs. Enjoyed wandering through the few small streets. Eagle-eyed viewers of Location, Location, Location might even spot a property featured on a recent programme.Written 16 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Django987Portsmouth, UK240 contributionsAn inside out tardis. Looks huge on the outside but is tiny inside. The art was laid out well but having just the one display was a bit disappointing. Not quite what I was expecting sadly.Written 29 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sgt_WilsonNorfolk, UK97 contributionsIf you are in Margate we would certainly advise that you go visit this free quirky museum, which explains all about crabs and how they are very important to our eco-system.
The information is presented in a very modern and humourous way, making it easy to understand.
The crab model village is a particular highlight, and so too is the toilet!Written 25 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ThomasLondon, UK2 contributionsWhat a little gem 💎
It needs some updating but so much potential. The upstairs was closed due to a leaking roof. Hope to revisit when it’s repaired.Written 2 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AtlanshiaRochester, UK122 contributionsVisited here, quiet and clean, unlike the more well known beach down the road. Sandy beach. Was a nice afternoon at the seaside.Written 8 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SteadySCorpusty, UK128 contributionsGreat tidal pool, allegedly the largest in the UK ? Good parking nearby and easy access. Arrived just as the tide was starting to come over the top which was an amazing experience, like an infinity pool in reverse. Easier to walk around the sides and down one of the ladders, wading in was a bit tricky due to the uneven and weedy access. Suggest you check tide times before visiting as we sat afterwards as the tide came in completely and watched the ladders and pool sides completely disappear.Written 16 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Susan VCounty Durham, UK42 contributionsmuch quieter beach and life guard attended, lots of seaweed but not much you can do about that had some wonderful days hereWritten 14 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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