So we know that nature lovers and watersports enthusiasts can find something to do in Thanet – wake boarding, jet skiing, scuba diving and waterskiing to name but four – but what about those who are more interested in the arts? Unsurprisingly, the area’ s culture quotient is rising as fast as its other attractive perks. Margate’ s arts scene was put firmly on the map by Tracey Emin, who grew up there and who credits the area for inspiring many of her major works; J. M. W. Turner we know adored Thanet’ s mesmerising skies; and Charles Dickens had a decades-long connection with Broadstairs, and is celebrated there at the Dickens House Museum, which is housed in a cottage that’ s noted as the author’ s inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield. There is something very special about this thoughtprovoking peninsula that inspires artists, musicians and authors alike – the Turner Contemporary has put Thanet firmly on the world’ s art map; Margate’ s Theatre Royal is the country’ s second-oldest theatre with an acclaimed stage that welcomes productions from all over the world; and Broadstairs Folk Week, held every August, is a musical extravaganza of both local and international acts.
There is history here too. Thanet is where it all began – the first Saxons, Hengist and Horsa, chose this spot to settle in, and from there the rest of history unfolds itself, story following story. This is also where St Augustine first stepped foot in Britain, bringing Christianity with him from Rome.
Thanet was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, fast becoming the place to be; a haven away from the smoke and smog of London. Today however, thanks to a huge regeneration of culture, cuisine and charm, not to mention those glorious Blue Flag beaches, a quirky dose of kitsch, and increasing numbers of high-speed routes out of the capital, Thanet’ s pull is now spreading further and a whole new generation of seaside lovers are being lured by its irresistible sense of cool.
FACTS ABOUT THANET
There is so much to say about the Isle of Thanet – so much to do, to see, and to experience. Here are just some of the fascinating facts that belong to our special little peninsula:
• The Thanet coastline, that wraps around Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, is 19- miles long.
• That 19 miles incorporates 15 stunning sandy beaches.
• Six of those stunning beaches are Blue Flag winners – Minnis Bay in Birchington, West Bay and St Mildred’ s Bay in Westgate and Botany Bay, Kingsgate Bay and Stone Bay in Broadstairs.
• They also lay claim to four Seaside Awards beaches – Westbrook Bay, Margate Main Sands, Viking Bay in Broadstairs and Ramsgate Main Sands.
• In the three main resorts, there are bays that have sand even at high tide including Margate Main Sands, Viking Bay and Ramsgate Main Sands – each of which is well equipped with excellent family facilities.
• Thanet is the ideal place to learn how to surf, or to use a stand up paddle board. There are two professional surf schools – Kent Surf School in Viking Bay and Joss Bay Surf School.
• The water is a wonderful viewpoint from which to see wildlife too – regular boat trips, or a kayak safari will reward you with views of seals, other marine mammals and seabirds.
• If you prefer dry land, why not hire a bike and cycle( or walk) the Viking Coastal Trail. This is a 32-mile circular route, but don’ t panic, it can be broken down into smaller, more manageable sections, and much of it is traffic free, so it’ s an ideal outdoor pursuit for children.
• Finally, playing games on the beach is a pastime that many Thanet visitors and residents enjoy. There is a dedicated sports area for beach volleyball, tennis, handball, cricket and football on Margate Main Sands.
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