It’s been named one of the best places in the UK for foodies by Conde Nast Traveller, with a buzzing restaurant scene and trendy eateries
Sam Dimmer East Midlands Head of Brand and Grace Piercy
06:55, 22 Jan 2026
Margate has been called a foodie destination(Image: Getty)
A picturesque coastal market town has been recognised as one of Britain’s finest destinations for food lovers.
Margate, situated in Kent’s Thanet District on the county’s northern coastline, spans two miles and lies 16 miles northeast of Canterbury.
The town has served as an important maritime port since medieval times, and became linked with Dover as part of the Cinque Ports during the 15th century.
For at least 250 years, Margate has established itself as a premier seaside resort in Britain, attracting visitors from London to its shores, initially thanks to convenient Thames access, and subsequently with the introduction of rail connections.
Conde Nast Traveller has recognised the town as among the “best foodie breaks in the UK”, highlighting it as ideal for fashionable dining experiences.
The travel publication noted that Margate has “quietly become one of the UK’s coolest seaside towns, with a buzzing food scene to match”.
Its recommendations included small plates throughout, but particularly wine at Sargasso or Sète, chicken Caesar focaccia at the Picnic Deli, and the custard tart at Oast. Fine dining establishments such as Angela’s and Bottega Caruso are also available.
The delightful Old Town offers a wealth of charming museums and quirky independent shops, providing everything from retro treasures to modern discoveries, reports the Express.
Margate’s Cliftonville area has earned acclaim as one of Britain’s “coolest” neighbourhoods, whilst TimeOut has featured the town amongst its premier destinations to explore. The seaside town boasts all the classic coastal attractions: abundant fish and chip shops, ice cream vendors lining the promenade, waterfront pubs, and traditional crazy golf courses.
Margate is a beautiful seaside town(Image: Getty)
Margate Beach, especially Margate Main Sands, is a quintessential broad, sandy shoreline celebrated for its traditional seaside amenities, including arcades, fairground rides, and a promenade.
It secured a Seaside Award and received Blue Flag beach status in 2025.
The more tranquil Walpole Bay Tidal Pool is a four-acre, Grade II-listed seawater bathing pool constructed in 1937.
The pool’s water is naturally replenished twice daily by the incoming tide, whilst natural freshwater springs emerge from the beach within its perimeter.
The Shell Grotto boasts walls and ceilings embellished with ornate decorations comprising more than four million shells arranged in complex designs. It was unearthed in 1835, though its age and origins continue to be a mystery.
It holds Grade I listed building status.
The Dreamland Amusement Park occupies a central location in Margate. In operation since 1920, it ranks amongst the UK’s longest-running amusement parks.
Its Scenic Railway holds the distinction of being the UK’s oldest wooden roller coaster and has been awarded Grade II Listed status. It represents one of only two early-20th-century scenic railways still operating in the UK; the sole other remaining UK scenic railway can be found in Great Yarmouth, having been constructed in 1932.
The town boasts two remarkable theatres: the Theatre Royal on Addington Street – Britain’s second oldest theatre – and The Tom Thumb Theatre, the nation’s second smallest.
Given its appeal, it’s unsurprising that Margate has emerged as a magnet for celebrities and London residents, consequently pushing property values upwards.
Stay alert and you could catch glimpses of well-known personalities including Lily Allen, Sam Mendes, Olivia Colman, and several EastEnders cast members.
