insideKENT Magazine Issue 38 - May 2015 | Page 108
TOWNSPOTLIGHT
margate cont.
Dreamland Arcade
Visitor Centre
Turner Contemporary. © Richard Bryant
Shell Grotto
Dreamland – Margate has always
looked to entertain its visitors,
particularly in what became the
celebrated Dreamland amusement
complex. Originally named The Hallby-the-Sea, it was presided over by
the self-styled ‘Lord' George Sanger,
circus proprietor and menagerie
owner. A multi-million pound
renovation of Dreamland has taken
place and the re-imagined resort will
open on Friday 19th June 2015.
See www.dreamland.co.uk for more
details.
Margate is a town that has it all; a rich history, a bright future, and a present
that is full of creative, fascinating people and things. And of course, with
Dreamland opening up again next month, this ever-popular seaside resort
is firmly on the map.
History in Brief
Harbour Arm – Rejoice in the midst
of the Old Town's chic eateries,
galleries and vintage shops, and
walk down the reinvigorated Harbour
Arm: the atmospheric pier of 181015. It was nearby to here that J.M.W
Turner lived with his companion,
Sophia Booth.
The harbour, 1897
Not much is known about Margate (or Meregate as it was then called)
before 1264, and it was only in 1299 that the spelling of the town’s name
changed to Margate. The name makes reference to a gap in the cliffs
where pools of water form – a ‘mar gate’.
Lombard Street Gallery –
Previously known as Margate
Gallery, this characterful art hub
hosts an eclectic mix of exhibitions
and artwork all year round, in
addition to an excellent gift shop.
It was during the 1750s that Margate transpired from a sleepy fishing port
to a must-see holiday destination; this popularity was partly down to Dr
Richard Russell, who published a book about how seawater was a cureall, and that anyone who was ill should certainly journey to the coast for
recuperation. Margate was the hot spot for convalescing, and it wasn’t
long before those who were in perfect health also realised just how lovely
a place it was, and began to descend. The tourist industry in Margate was
born, and today, remains a sought-after location for many families who
prefer to spend their summer holidays on UK shores.
The Hornby Visitor Centre – Here’s
one for the kids, the big kids, and
everyone who loves their train sets
and Scalextric loops! The Hornby
Visitor Centre opens up a world of
imagination as pristine vintage trains
and carriages are displayed with
pride, alongside more modern
varieties. Airfix models are also on
show, and there's a café and a
factory shop where you can pick up
some bargains!
Things to Do
Turner Contemporary – A striking building in its own right, Turner
Contemporary art gallery houses some of the most incredible works of art
around. Millions of pounds has been put into this project, and it's easy to
see that this is money well spent, as Turner Contemporary has become
a beacon for the rest of the town to follow in terms of modernisation and
bringing in valued visitors. With a great café and plenty to see once you
have arrived, Turner Contemporary is an excellent day out. Current
exhibitions include Andrew Cross: Timacade; Self; and Maze, an interactive
experience. Entrance to Turner Contemporary is free of charge.
Shell Grotto – A grotto covered in
intricately placed shells, making the
most beautiful patterns, shapes and
images from floor to roof, this
mesmerising attraction is well worth
a visit. There is also an onsite café
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and a little gift shop, ideal for picking
up some unique mementoes.
Margate Museum – With a very
low entrance fee, and bundles of
history kept within its walls, you can’t
get much better than a trip to the
Margate Museum if you hope to
learn more about the town you are
visiting – or living in.
Tom Thumb Theatre – This quaint
and tiny theatre hosts some big
entertainment shows under its
fetching rafters. From traditional
storytelling to comedians and much
more, it is always wise to check
what’s on when you’re in Margate
and book tickets as soon as you
can, as there are only a very limited
number of seats.
Theatre Royal – Originally built in
1787 and altered in 1874, Margate's
Theatre Royal is a grade-II listed
building. Still going strong today, its
charming interior reveals further
evidence of the 'diversions' put on
for its earlier visitors.
Margate Main Sands – The
highlight for many, Margate Main
Sands, is the beach – the one that
everyone thinks of when they
imagine a British seaside holiday,
and it is no wonder that it becomes
packed in the summer when the
weather is warm and sunny. Here
you can enjoy a traditional day out,
complete with bucket and spade,
fish and chips, and ice creams from
a van or a shop.
Papillon Interiors – Home to
inspiring design-led furniture and
home accessories, Papillon Interiors
on Margate's Fort Hill is well worth
a visit. An authorised stockist of
original Fatboys, Vitra, Alessi,
Stelton, and Magis, you're sure to
find something unique and
wonderful here.