The coast of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate has a special magic in autumn and winter, when beaches are quieter and salty breezes are crisper.
Wide open stretches of sand for adventure, big skies for dreaming, cosy cafés with sea views – sound like your perfect break? Our coast has a special magic in autumn and winter, when beaches are quieter and salty breezes are crisper.
Escape the everyday at Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate: Georgian and Victorian resorts that reveal their history and secrets gently at this time of year. Discover legends in unusual places. Enjoy the freedom to explore the coast and green spaces. Or simply watch the waves on the shore. Sea breezes work wonders on mind, body and soul.
Even though most places have opened up again, please make sure you ‘Know Before You Go’ to find out which attractions or businesses are open, and whether you need to pre-book tickets to avoid disappointment. Please ‘Respect, Protect and Enjoy’, so that everyone can make the most of our beautiful open spaces, beaches and bays and create memories to cherish.
Exploring our coast
‘Seas the day’ and escape to our beaches! They’re so peaceful at this time of year and you’ll find some of the most breathtaking golden stretches in the country. Leave only your footprints in the sand as you stroll; the sound of waves washing in and out; exhilarating views to big open skies. Wander the longest continuous stretch of chalk cliffs in Britain: perfect for adventures with your four-legged friend. Remember to check the tides and weather
Cycling the Viking Coastal Trail
Discover our coastal walks, channelling autumn’s crispy, toe-tingly energy as you pull on your hiking boots and explore the great outdoors. Ramble or cycle quiet lanes, past ancient churches and soaring chalk cliffs – the 32-mile circular Viking Coastal Trail is mainly traffic free and one of Kent’s most attractive routes. Escape the everyday on an Active Ramsgate walk taking in Regency architecture, classic seaside scenes of boats, birds and bays, and fascinating stories along the way
Creating Beach Art
Let the kids free their inner adventurer and let off steam. Head for our fabulous, wide open beaches! What will they find living amongst the rockpools? Who can build the biggest sandcastle? Simple fun is so often the best fun. Grab a Coastal Explorer Pack – just £5 to hire for the day – and discover how to tell the time with a shadow, how to identify different clouds, and many more challenges and games
Shell Grotto Margate
Trip Down Under
Delve into the Isle’s secret history, going underground at Ramsgate Tunnels, hidden home to more than 1,000 people during WW2 (you’ll be amazed by the tale of the town architect whose vision of the future saved so many of the town's people). Curiouser and curiouser: try solving the mystery of the Shell Grotto and why someone decorated it with 4.6 million shells. Or muse over the unusual murals in Margate Caves, one-time chalk mine, ice well and wine cellar. Don’t forget to wrap up warm!
Enjoying Fish and Chips
Tasty Seaside Traditions
Tasty fish and chips, and luscious ice cream – no trip to the seaside is complete without them. Maybe treat yourself to both! Mmm... Tuck into your fish & chips served piping hot with a twist of salt air as you watch the world go by. Then thrill to the chill of a seaside ice cream, enjoyed from inside a cosy parlour.
Having a warming drink
After your fix of fresh sea air, what's better than to head indoors and hug a mug of hot chocolate whilst watching the white horses breaking onto the beach? Or if you fancy something a little stronger, find your very own corner in a coastal pub or bar. Feeling peckish? Relax over a hearty Sunday lunch, chat over scrumptious afternoon tea, or celebrate over gourmet cuisine: flavoursome, locally sourced fare for every foodie mood.
Pick up a souvenir
Creative, vibrant, edgy, traditional – you’ll find a wonderfully varied treasure trove of works by local and regional artists and makers at independent galleries and shops dotted across the Isle. Hunt out that extra special souvenir for yourself (you’re worth it!) or a memorable gift perfectly suited to a friend. It’s a great buzz when you find your treasure, no matter whether large or small.
Did you know at St Mildred's Bay, Westgate-on-Sea
Come on a digital discovery into the history and nature of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. From much-loved tales and famous faces to legends and secrets: why was Joss Bay so named? When did JMW Turner fall in love? What made Augustus Pugin a pioneer? Where did the Vikings land? Grab your phone or ipad, enter the code on digital plaques around the coast, and see what you find out.
Get away from it all in some of our parks and open spaces – places to breathe, to play and to reconnect with nature. Feel your spirits lifted by the bright sight of trees changing into their autumn coats of red, brown and gold, by leaves dancing in the breeze or scrunching under foot. Pack a warming picnic to bring with you or pick up a takeaway and make the most of your al fresco freedom
Dr Forager
Enjoy a fresh take on our beautiful coast and countryside this autumn with a range of authentic new and enhanced experiences. Staying in Fagin’s Den is a truly ‘novel’ escape and a Nordic Walking break gets the endorphins flowing. Cook up a tasty adventure with seaside foraging, join a quirky guided cycle tour, or make spiritual connections on an historic pilgrimage route.
Autumn and Winter on our Coast: make this your greatest escape! #EscapeTheEveryday
