Known for its chalk cliffs and sandy beaches, Thanet is home to the towns of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. Learn more about its creative connections to Charles Dickens and J. M. W. Turner, or uncover its military past at former RAF base Manston. Alternatively, head underground and explore the subterranean worlds of the Shell Grotto, Margate Caves and the Ramsgate Tunnels. There's also plenty of ways to explore the coastline, including by foot along the King Charles III England Coast Path, by bicycle along the Viking Coastal Trail or by boat with sea kayaking trails.
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- Broadstairs
Itinerary details
Here's a taste of your next experience.
Thanet
Known for its chalk cliffs and sandy beaches, Thanet is home to the towns of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. Learn more about its creative connections to Charles Dickens and J. M. W. Turner, or uncover its military past at former RAF base Manston. Alternatively, head underground and explore the subterranean worlds of the Shell Grotto, Margate Caves and the Ramsgate Tunnels. There's also plenty of ways to explore the coastline, including by foot along the King Charles III England Coast Path, by bicycle along the Viking Coastal Trail or by boat with sea kayaking trails.
Thanet Walking & Cycling Routes
Turner & Dickens Walk: Walk from Margate to Broadstairs on this 4-mile (6.44km) linear trail, starting at the Turner Contemporary and heading through open parkland to end at the Dickens House Museum. Return to Margate via the King Charles III England Coast Path or take the train or bus (Stagecoach LOOP service).
Ramsgate Town Walk: Head on a tour of Ramsgate’s town centre on this 1.4-mile (2.25km) circular trail.
Ramsgate to Broadstairs Walk: Head along the King Charles III England Coast Path towards Broadstairs from Ramsgate harbour (passing King George VI Memorial Park & Italianate Glasshouse) on this 5-mile (8.05km) circular trail.
For keen cyclists, why not cycle a section (or all!) of the Viking Coastal Trail around the Isle of Thanet, passing Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate along the way.
Turner & Dickens WalkRamsgate to Broadstairs Walk - Sea It AllRamsgate Town Walk - Town RoundersViking Coastal Trail
Shell Grotto
See the Grade I listed shell grotto and the 4.6 million shells that make up the mosaic designs. Discover how the grotto was found in 1835 and some of the theories surrounding its origin.
Accessibility: The Shell Grotto is not accessible for wheelchair users due to its underground nature which is reached by stairs | Dogs: Only assistance dogs are allowed in the grotto
Shell Grotto
Margate Caves
Originally a chalk mine in the 18th century, the caves offer a look at Margate’s history and landscape. With colourful murals and creative displays, uncover the role of the caves throughout the centuries, from personal recreation uses to a Victorian tourist attraction.
Accessibility: Not accessible for wheelchair users due to nature of the underground caves with steep slopes and steps | Dogs: Only assistance dogs are allowed
Margate Caves
Old Kent Market
Grab something to eat from one of the many local food and drink vendors, or visit one of the smallest pubs in Britain. There’s also a variety of fashion, handmade crafts and vintage retail stalls.
Accessibility: The ground floor is accessible for wheelchair users via ramp | Dogs: Dogs are welcome
Old Kent Market
Turner Contemporary
Visit one of the UK’s leading contemporary art galleries – the Turner Contemporary. Celebrating Margate’s connection with the painter J.M.W. Turner, an artist who believed that art could be an agent of change, The Turner Contemporary art gallery is open all year-round with free access.
Accessibility: Accessible for wheelchair users with step-free access | Dogs: Only assistance dogs are allowed in the gallery | Bicycles: Cycle parking is available
Turner Contemporary
WonderWorks
Explore the immersive experience inspired by some of the UK’s best known hobby brands. Enjoy exhibitions spanning model railways, engines and cars, and discover how model-making companies such as Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix, Corgi and Pocher make their models and kits. There’s also a cafe where you can stop for a range of hot and cold food and drinks.
Directions: Buses run to the B&Q Westwood (Stagecoach LOOP service connecting Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate), opposite WonderWorks.
Accessibility: Accessible for wheelchair users with step-free access | Dogs: Only assistance dogs are allowed
WonderWorks
Dreamland Margate
Experience the thrill on one of the many vintage inspired rides right by the seaside. Spend time in the retro arcade, go for a spin in the roller disco or admire the art installations in the park. There’s also a range of free and ticketed events and music festivals, as well as local street food vendors for when you get hungry.
Dreamland is free to enter but rides are on a pay-per-ride basis.
Accessibility: Accessible for wheelchair users with hard-surfaced paths and step-free access but some rides are not accessible | Dogs: Only assistance dogs are allowed except for on rides
Dreamland Margate
Margate Beaches
A less than 5 minute walk from Margate Train Station, head to Margate Main Sands and relax on the sandy beach. There’s also several small amusements, including swings and trampolines, for the kids to enjoy.
Alternatively, head around the coast to Walpole Bay for a slightly quieter sandy beach. You can also enjoy a dip in the tidal pool.
Dogs: Dog restrictions apply
Margate Main SandsWalpole Bay
Dickens House Museum
See the cottage that served as Charles Dickens’ inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood in his novel David Copperfield. Discover items that once belonged to Dickens, including his writing box and mahogany sideboard, and explore his long connection with Broadstairs.
Accessibility: Only the ground floor of the museum is accessible for wheelchair users via ramp
Dickens House Museum
The Ramsgate Brewery
Stop off for some locally produced ales at this independent microbrewery. Enjoy events at the taproom including beer festivals with live music and seasonal guided tours which offer a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process.
Directions: The closest bus stop is St Mark’s Church (Stagecoach LOOP service connecting Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate), then walk down Pysons Road and turn left into Patricia Way to reach The Ramsgate Brewery – approx 20 minutes walking.
The Ramsgate Brewery
Broadstairs Beaches
Viking Bay: Sandy beach and boardwalk only a 10-minute walk from Broadstairs Train Station. You can also head out into the water for a surfing or paddleboarding lesson with Kent Surf School.
Louisa Bay: A sandy beach with access to Victoria Gardens and the bandstand. There is disabled access to the beach via a slope.
Stone Bay: A quieter sandy beach with chalk cliffs, known for rock pooling. The promenade leads to Viking Bay and there is disabled access to the beach.
Dumpton Gap: A sandy beach with no dog restrictions all year round and disabled access.
Joss Bay: Known as the best surfing beach in Thanet, take a surf lesson with Kent Surf School or simply relax on the beach with refreshments from the cafe. There is disabled access to the beach.
Kingsgate Bay: A sheltered sandy cove, accessed via steep steps with no dog restrictions all year round.
Botany Bay: A sandy beach with large chalk stacks, ideal for fossil hunting and exploring rock pools.
Directions: All the beaches can be reached by following the King Charles III England Coast Path.
Dogs: Dog restrictions apply
King Charles III England Coast PathKent Surf School
Ramsgate Tunnels
Head underground and explore the UK’s largest network of civilian tunnels which extends for over 3 miles under the town. Join a guided tour of the railway and air raid precaution tunnels, discovering how they were built and what life was like in the deep tunnel shelter during WWII.
The tunnel museum is free to enter.
Directions: Buses run to Wellington Crescent (Stagecoach LOOP service connecting Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate).
Accessibility: Less accessible for wheelchair users, the entrance and cafe are step-free but only the Deep Shelter Explorer Tour is suitable for wheelchairs | Dogs: Only assistance dogs are allowed in the tunnels
Ramsgate Tunnels
Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum
Visit the memorial museum, located on one of the final surviving airfields from the Battle of Britain, and see the Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft. You can even experience what its like to fly a Spitfire plane in the flight simulator.
The museum is free to enter.
Accessibility: Accessible for wheelchair users with step-free access to the museum and cafe | Dogs: Only assistance dogs are allowed
Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum
RAF Manston History Museum
Learn about the history of Manston airfield from its origins in 1916 until its closure in 2014. See how it was used by the RAF during the First and Second World Wars, as well as some of its aircraft.
Accessibility: Accessible for wheelchair users | Dogs: Only assistance dogs are allowed
RAF Manston History Museum
Ellington Park
Enjoy 12 acres of Victorian park with a wildlife area, cafe for hot and cold food and drinks, bookshop, bandstand and play area for the kids.
In the summer, hop aboard a small steam-powered train on the miniature railway!
Accessibility: Accessible for wheelchair users with hard-surfaced paths | Dogs: Dogs are allowed
Ellington Park
King George VI Memorial Park & Italianate Glasshouse
Stroll around the park and admire the early 19th-century Italianate glasshouse in the courtyard. There’s also a cafe for refreshments where you can sit back and relax.
Directions: Trains run to Dumpton Park or buses run to Racing Greyhound, Dumpton (Stagecoach LOOP service connecting Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate), then walk 650m down Montefiore Avenue to reach King George VI Memorial Park.
Accessibility: The park is accessible for wheelchair users with hard-surfaced paths but the glasshouse interior is not | Dogs: Dogs are allowed
King George VI Memorial Park
Ramsgate Main Sands
Situated next to the marina and Royal Harbour (the only one in the UK), take a walk along the beach or simply sit back on the sand and relax. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars along the parade next to the beach.
Alternatively, spend some time on the water on a canoe or kayak. Join a guided sea kayaking tour with Canoe Wild or, for those more experienced, why not try the 2-mile (3.2km) Ramsgate – Beaches and Bays self-guided canoe trail.
Directions: Buses run to Wellington Crescent (Stagecoach LOOP service connecting Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate).
Accessibility: There is disabled access to the beach | Dogs: Dog restrictions apply to the beach
Ramsgate Main SandsCanoe WildRamsgate - Beaches and BaysTravel
Train – Margate, Broadstairs, Dumpton Park and Ramsgate train stations are all located in the area and are within walking distance of many of the points of interest.
Bus – Stagecoach runs bus services to and from Thanet towns, including services between Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate.
Cycle Parking – There are several cycle parking stands including at Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate train stations.
Remember you can take your bike on any Southeastern train unless the train arrives or departs London during peak hours – but you can take a fold up bike anytime.
Plan your journeys in Ramsgate and Broadstairs using the QEQM Active Travel Map.
Opening Times & Dates
Opening times of the various things to see and do mentioned in this itinerary vary throughout the year. Please check public transport times and individual attractions’ websites before you visit. Always check availability and book ahead for tours. Check tide times when walking along the beaches.
Food & Drink
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Accommodation
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