Kent Staycation 2019 | Page 83

Visit the Isle of Thanet Margate Food and Drink Margate is fun; it’s vibrant; it’s creative. This is a playful place with an edgy air, and it is an exciting place to be. A holiday isn’t a holiday without excellent food and drink to enjoy, and an Isle of Thanet staycation will give you plenty of choice when it comes to what and where to eat and drink. You’ll find everything here from a traditional fish and chip supper that can be eaten on the beach, to multi-award winning restaurants. Ice cream parlours and seafood stalls abound and, rather wonderfully, Thanet is said to have the highest concentration of micropubs in the country. www.visitthanet.co.uk/stay-and-eat/eating-and- drinking/ One of the biggest draws for Margate has to be Turner Contemporary, one of the UK’s leading art galleries. The gallery will be hosting the renowned Turner Prize 2019 from 28th September 2019 to 12th January 2020 – a not-to-be-missed exhibition. For art lovers, the joy doesn’t stop at Turner; the entire town has a vibrant cultural scene, with many artists studios, galleries and events to take part in and visit. Accommodation Whatever your budget might be, you’ll find somewhere to stay that suits it perfectly. From boutique hotels to friendly bed and breakfasts, as well as a number of excellent camping sites, the Isle of Thanet has it – and you – covered. Plus, no matter which resort you stay in, you’re close enough to the others to visit all three during your trip. Of course, Margate can’t be mentioned without also mentioning Dreamland, the great British seaside amusement experience. Not only is this a theme park, but it is also a venue for a variety of events and acts including some shining stars of the music scene. OPENING SUMMER 2019: The Margate Caves Originally opened to the public in 1863, the Margate Caves will reopen for the next generation of explorers in summer 2019. Events When you’ve finished exploring the beaches, attractions and eateries of the three resorts of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, you’ll find plenty more to do in the way of Thanet’s inspiring events’ calendar. The Isle of Thanet offers you endless things to do, year-round, from live music and food festivals, to craft markets, art exhibitions and theatre. www.visitthanet.co.uk/whats-on/ Broadstairs For a timeless seaside experience, you can do no better than Broadstairs. Boasting seven sandy bays with unrivalled diversity – from the rural, awe-inspiring Botany Bay to the bustling town-side Viking Bay, there’s a beach for everyone. Enjoy an ice cream at Morellis to eat on the sand and recreate your childhood seaside memories with your own family, or have a quiet stroll along the chalk stacks and clifftops. For inspiration, check out our itineraries on www.visitthanet.co.uk Or for a bit of excitement, you can try surfing at both Joss Bay and Viking Bay. Follow Visit Thanet on social media: @VisitThanet Ramsgate Or read the Visit Thanet blog www.visitthanetblog.com Ramsgate is a cosmopolitan kind of place, an architectural gem that is perfect for enjoying a holiday in; it could even be mistaken for the French Riviera on summer days. Margate Main Sands from Turner Contemporary Café But Ramsgate is not ‘just’ about sitting and relaxing with a drink by the marina; it’s ideal for active staycationers. In fact, the Active Ramsgate initiative is all about promoting Ramsgate, showing it to be the best destination for an active break that could include canoe safaris, walks, kitesurfing, cycling, or even boat trips to see seals in their natural habitat. 83