insideKENT Magazine Issue 158 - June 2025 | Page 66

OUT- DOORSY SPOTS
GUIDE
CULTURAL HOTSPOTS
TURNER CONTEMPORARY Modern art gallery inspired by the life and work of J. M. W. Turner, a celebrated English painter known for his love of Margate’ s skies. Built on the site of the boarding house where Turner stayed when visiting the town, the gallery champions artistic exploration and discovery, inviting visitors to explore their own creativity through engaging workshops and activities. Enjoy thought-provoking exhibitions by established and rising artists, and take in the beguiling views from its prime seafront location.
DREAMLAND One of the UK’ s oldest surviving entertainment and amusement venues, Dreamland beckons families for
MUST-SHOP STORES & MARKETS
HARBOUR & TIDE Inspired by coastal living, this brilliant boutique has all one could need when looking to get beach ready. From stylish swimwear, towels and totes to bright clothing, beauty, gifting and accessories, collections are designed in collaboration with fab local artists and made with sustainability in mind.
MARGATE OLD TOWN & MARKET An indie shopping haven, the picturesque Old Town is known for its pretty cobbled streets lined with an array of boutiques, cafes, galleries and restaurants. Also the host to a bustling weekly market displaying goods from local vintage traders, artists, designers and makers.
OAST Inviting Cliftonville neighbourhood bakery offering a splendid daily array of freshly baked crusty breads including high-quality sourdoughs and ryes, gorgeous flakey pastries and trendy baking-inspired accessories.
DIVINE DINING
PEARLY COW Residing within the seafront hotel of No. 42, complete with a gorgeous terrace and cocktail bar, Pearly Cow puts magnificent local land and sea produce at the forefront of their curated dishes. From Robata-grilled meats to glorious seafood courtesy of Margate’ s fertile shores, expect beautiful natural flavours and creative presentation.
ANGELA’ S Intimate Michelin Green Star restaurant wholly committed to sustainable cuisine. With a daily changing menu dependent on the boat’ s catch of the day or the seasonal vegetables on offer, diners can expect unfussy dishes that always showcase the very best of Kent’ s wonderful growers, fishermen and suppliers.
BUOY AND OYSTER A glistening jewel in Margate’ s dining scene since its opening in 2015, with a quarterly menu change to reflect the best of the season, great Sunday lunches and sublime oysters. For beachfront fish and chips with a difference, the restaurant’ s sister takeaway hotspot Beach Buoys is a must-visit.
Buoy and Oyster( top left), Pearly Cow( bottom left)
fun-filled days out featuring thrilling rides, vintage fairground favourites, artistic installations, tasty street food and a vibrant calendar of year-round events including their popular Margate Summer Series, which welcomes acclaimed artists and unique festivals to the venue’ s outdoor Scenic Stage.
SHELL GROTTO Hundreds of visitors flock each year to lay their eyes upon the dazzling curved chalk walls adorned by over 4.6 million shells discovered by chance in 1835. A magical mosaic of unusual patterns and symbols thats true origin remains unknown, the grotto is a subterranean marvel of mystery and intrigue.
OUT- DOORSY SPOTS
MARGATE MAIN SANDS A swathe of soft golden sand decorated by traditional seaside rides and attractions makes this stretch of coastline a favourite for families and their little ones. Blue-Flag awarded, Margate’ s seafront is recognised for its accessibility and striking setting; a scene that was a source of inspiration for the romantic landscape paintings of J. M. W. Turner.
MARGATE HARBOUR ARM Boasting breathtaking views of the bay, the town’ s harbour was rebuilt in the early 19th century and today is a bustling hub of galleries, bars and eateries that come alive in the warmer months and is known by the locals as the place to be to watch the sun set over the sparkling waters. Be sure to wander to the end of the pier to view the brass sculpture of a shell lady named Mrs Booth, created by British artist Ann Carrington.
WALPOLE BAY TIDAL POOL Believed to be the largest tidal pool in the UK and stretching across four acres, Walpole Bay’ s Grade II listed tidal pool has been a popular destination for a refreshing sea water swim since its opening in 1937.
Shell Grotto( top right), Dreamland( bottom right)
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