Discover the Best Coastal Walks and Activities in Margate

Written by Caroline

I love coastal walks and, on a recent visit to Margate, found many different activities along the England Coast Path.

The 4500km walking trail hugs the coastline of England. At Margate, the Coast Path takes visitors along the seafront, past the harbour arm, and through the town’s picturesque Old Town with its narrow streets and independent shops. 

Here’s some of the (free – other than cafes) things I enjoyed:

The simplest is to walk or cycle along the coast path. Just walk as far as you like and see Botany Bay with its chalk stack or onto Broadstairs. The Viking Coastal Trail is a 32-mile (51.4km) circular cycling route on the Isle of Thanet exploring Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate.

Margate Parkrun will give you a friendly welcome whether you walk, jog or run. Starting at Palm Bay, Cliftonville, you loop around The Oval Bandstand and Lawns before heading up to Foreness Point and back. Simply download a barcode from the Parkrun website, and meet at the Brown Shelter (behind the Bowls Club) at 9am on Saturday.

Parkrunners meet for coffee in Palm Bay Cafe afterwards. It has great views over the bay and coastal path (and dog icecream!)

Walpole Bay Pool and Haekels Community Sauna. The pool is lovely with lots of swimmers, although next time I’d pick a less windy day when the sea is less choppy and a lower tide! 

In winter months, you can warm up after a dip in the sauna. The volunteer run sauna is generally open 10am -2pm at weekends but I’d recommend joining their Facebook group to keep up to date with news and opening times. 

Turner Contemporary is on the coast path with views over the sea and has a rolling programme of contemporary art exhibitions, a Children’s Art Gallery, cafe and shop.

I loved Margate Old Town with narrow streets, galleries, gift shops and cafes.  The Harbour Arm Micropub, along with other cafes and pubs on the Harbour Arm, had a great range of ciders and ales which I could enjoy overlooking the harbour.

Whether you love being active, a nature lover, art enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun day out, the England Coast Path at Margate has something to offer you. I’ll definitely be back!