insideKENT Magazine Issue 85 - April 2019 | Page 85

During WWII, Ramsgate sent its ‘little ships’ to
Dunkirk, and then welcomed 80,000 soldiers safely
back home from France.
And then there are the artists. The great beauty that
The Isle of Thanet enjoys has been a wonderful
source of inspiration to some of the nation’s
most admired artists, architects and writers. Notable
names include JMW Turner, Charles Dickens and
Augustus Pugin.
There are many self-guided walking trails around
Thanet where you can make the past your present.
They include the new Ramsgate Military and History
Trail, and more information can be found at
www.visitthanet.co.uk/walking.
TAKE A SCENIC JOURNEY OR TWO
Take Stagecoach’s open-top bus between Stone Bay,
Broadstairs and the Boating Pool in Ramsgate and
take in the sensational views along the way. Hop on
and off as required, and travel in either direction
starting from 6th April.
Or why not try something different when it comes
to travel by jumping aboard the Scenic Railway at
Dreamland? This is a Grade II listed wooden roller
coaster with a brakeman! Dreamland reopens for
the season on 6th April and is offering free entry
(pay for rides only) until 24th May in recognition of
the Turner Prize coming to Margate.
OPEN SPACES, OPEN MIND
As a new season comes into bloom, Thanet’s open
spaces become a riot of colour. They are peaceful
havens where you can take time to stop and think;
something we could all do with more of in these
busy lives of ours.
• Take tea in the Italianate Glasshouse, a Grade II
listed historic monument in the grounds of King
George VI Memorial Park, just a sea breeze from
the water’s edge in Ramsgate
(www.italianateglasshouse.co.uk).
• See what you can spot on Ellington Park’s
nature trail.
• Discover what wildlife and birds stir at Monkton
Nature Reserve (www.monkton-reserve.org)
or Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature
Reserve ( www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk).
EASTER EVENTS
Easter is a busy time on The Isle of Thanet, and for
adults, children and families together, there is always
something to do. Some of the highlights include:
• Animal Encounters exhibition at Lovelys Gallery
• The Great Eggcase plus scavenger hunt and
beach art
• The Broadstairs Easter Egg Trail
• Thanet Easter Beer and Cider Festival
To find out more, please visit
www.visitthanet.co.uk/easterevents. For
further details and accommodation information go
to www.visitthanet.co.uk.
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