A mini guide to

Margate and Broadstairs: tips and FAQs

Local know-how and common questions

Local know-how

Tips for visiting

Start at the visitor centre

Visit Thanet's visitor information centre is in the Droit House on Stone Pier in Margate, beside Turner Contemporary.

Use the Loop bus

The Loop runs between Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate seven days a week; Stagecoach sells a Dayrider ticket for all its Thanet buses, according to Visit Thanet.

Walk the bays

North of Viking Bay the coast passes Stone Bay and Joss Bay on the way to Botany Bay; check tide times before walking on the sand below the cliffs.

Check Dreamland's season

The amusement park is seasonal: when we checked in November 2026 Dreamland said its 2026 ride season was over and the park returns in spring 2027, with indoor events in winter.

Check museum hours

Small museums such as the Dickens House Museum and the Crampton Tower Museum do not open every day: check their own websites before you go.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Where is Margate and Broadstairs?

Margate and Broadstairs is in Canterbury & Kent, England. Sandy bays, Turner Contemporary, Margate Old Town and Dickens's Broadstairs. Nearby stops and stations include Margate, Broadstairs, The Loop.

How long do I need in Margate and Broadstairs?

A full day for each town. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.

What are the highlights?

Highlights include Turner Contemporary, Margate Main Sands, Margate Harbour Arm. See the Things to do page for more.

How do I get there?

Nearby: Margate (Southeastern high-speed trains to London St Pancras (around 1 hour 30 minutes, according to Southeastern) and trains from London Victoria); Broadstairs (Southeastern high-speed trains to London St Pancras (about 85 minutes, according to Visit Thanet)); The Loop (Stagecoach bus between Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, up to every 8 to 10 minutes according to Visit Thanet); Viking Coastal Trail (A 32-mile walking and cycling route round Thanet, according to Visit Thanet). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.

Where can I eat and drink?

We list 26 places to eat and drink in and around Margate and Broadstairs, with filters to help you choose.

Where should I stay?

We list 8 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.

Is Margate and Broadstairs accessible?

Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.

While you are here