DAYSOUT
The Autumn Arts Trail cont....
MARGATE
Kent’ s Original Seaside Town
Starting with the sandy shores of Margate, stretching along Kent’ s north coast, this charming seaside town has long drawn visitors with its nostalgic character and coastal charm. But increasingly, it is creativity that is putting Margate on the map. At the heart of the town, a growing community of artists, galleries and cultural spaces have helped establish it as one of Kent’ s coolest creative destinations.
Sitting at the waterfront overlooking Margate Main Sands, Turner Contemporary( turnercontemporary. org) is the shining beacon of the town’ s art scene. The striking modern two-storey building, with its angular rooflines inspired by the coastal boat-sheds, has become an iconic part of Margate’ s skyline. Inside, a changing programme of exhibitions brings together contemporary artists and thoughtprovoking installations throughout the year.
This autumn, visitors can experience Sophie Calle: Something Missing?, running from Saturday 3 October to Sunday 24 January 2027. The exhibition marks the artist’ s first institutional exhibition in the UK in more than 15 years, bringing together major works spanning photography, film and installation from 1986 to 2024. Walking through the exhibition, you can discover themes of memory and disappearance, offering a rare insight into the work of one of the most influential artists of her generation.
CASTLE FINE ART
However, Margate’ s artistic story stretches much further back than contemporary galleries. Descending below the town, Margate Caves( margatecaves. co. uk) offers a glimpse into one of the oldest forms of human expression. Hidden beneath the streets, these historic chalk caves are decorated with paintings dating back centuries, depicting everything from British wildlife and exotic animals to soldiers mounted on horseback. Visitors can explore the atmospheric passageways at their own pace, taking in the intricate artwork while discovering more about the history of one of Kent’ s best-loved seaside towns.
Back above ground, Margate’ s creative community continues to flourish at the Margate Caves’ Margaret Bryan Gallery, which is named after Margret Bryan, an 18th-century pioneer in women’ s science education who lived on the caves’ site. Until Sunday 1 November, the gallery is home to Small Wonders, an exhibition featuring more than 100 small works by 57 artists from across the UK and Europe. Exploring themes connected to science and the natural world, it offers yet another opportunity to discover the breadth of artistic talent that continues to make Margate such a compelling stop on Kent’ s autumn arts trail.
ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Kent’ s Artistic Hub
© Margate Caves
MARGATE CAVES
Royal in name and regal in nature, the historic town of Royal Tunbridge Wells and its surrounding area bring together a scene of Georgian charm, flourishing green spaces and an ever-evolving creative scene.
The creative heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells can be found at The Pantiles( thepantiles. com). Establishing itself over the years as one of town’ s most iconic destinations, it was built around the town’ s mineral spring, first discovered in 1606. The picturesque promenade combines Georgian architecture with a shaded walkway lined with mature lime and elm trees, alongside independent shops, open-air cafes and a collection of galleries.
Among them is the Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society( rtwas. org), a welcoming space for both seasoned artists and those looking to develop a new interest in the visual arts. Run by a team of members, the society embraces a broad range of styles from traditional, impressionistic work to abstract and contemporary art. Step inside the gallery to discover a programme of exhibitions, while regular watercolour workshops, tutorials and painting practice sessions offer the chance to get creative yourself- people of all artistic abilities are welcome, so don’ t let lack of experience put you off!
Nearby, there’ s time to appreciate another form of artistry. Just a few steps away, The Pantiles Cafe( thepantilescafe. co. uk) offers a relaxed place to pause, with British and Turkish influences reflected in its menu. Settle in with a grazing board piled high with cured meats, creamy cheeses, Mediterranean-marinated olives and fresh artisan bread.
A short 15-minute walk from The Pantiles, you will find Castle Fine Art( castlefineart. com), which offers a more commercial take on the art world. Part of a wider gallery network across the UK, the Royal Tunbridge Wells gallery showcases original and limited-edition contemporary artwork, photography and sculptures, offering visitors the opportunity to discover new pieces.
36 • www. insidekent. co. uk