Day Trips
Two towns along the coast that easily fill a day.
Margate
Margate makes a great day out, particularly when travelling with children. Start at Turner Contemporary, the striking gallery overlooking the sea. Entry is free and there are often family workshops or activities alongside the exhibitions. Check what is showing before you go.
A series of atmospheric underground passages decorated with colourful Georgian and Victorian paintings. They are relatively compact, fun to explore and particularly good with children. Check opening days before travelling, as the caves do not open every day throughout the year.
One of Margate's strangest and most memorable attractions: a winding underground passage covered with millions of shells. Nobody knows exactly who created it or why. It does not take long to visit, so it is easy to combine with the caves and Turner Contemporary.
Our favourite place to eat in Margate. Angela's is a tiny neighbourhood restaurant serving beautifully simple local seafood and seasonal vegetable dishes. It is small and extremely popular, so reserve well ahead, especially during summer. Families needing space for a pushchair or high chair should contact the restaurant directly when booking.
Turner Contemporary → walk through the Old Town → Margate Caves → Shell Grotto → lunch or dinner at Angela's.
Broadstairs
Broadstairs is a lovely, old-fashioned seaside town with sandy bays, cafés and a cliff-top promenade. Viking Bay is the main beach and is especially popular with families.
It becomes extremely busy on sunny summer days, so go early, visit later in the afternoon or avoid peak weekends where possible. Parking can be difficult when the town is full.
Spend the day on the beach, wander through the little streets around the bay and have an ice cream before heading home. Broadstairs is at its nicest once the biggest daytime crowds begin to disappear.