48 hours in… Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate - Isle of Thanet

This beautiful Isle has the longest continuous stretch of coastal chalk in Britain, representing 20 percent of the UK and 12 percent of Europe’s coastal chalk. 

The chalk cliff and cave habitats and species are very uncommon in Europe and therefore internationally important. 

Explore the Viking Coastal Trail, Regional Route 15 of the National Cycle Network, which takes in the whole Isle of Thanet coastline, much along traffic-free promenades. Walk or cycle, whichever takes your fancy, perhaps stopping for freshly-cooked fish and chips or mouth-watering ice cream on the way. 

For those who prefer to be on the water, why not try an invigorating surf or stand-up paddle board lesson? Or take a boat trip to the offshore windfarm or to see seals in their natural habitat. 

If you’re after total escapism, simply find a secluded spot at a rural bay and listen as the waves gently break on the sand – kick back, relax and breathe.

Enrich your experience and make memories to cherish as you venture off the coastal path.

Meander cobbled streets and clifftop gardens to discover more of each town’s heritage and architecture. Did you know that Charles Dickens loved to holiday in Broadstairs? Or that Vincent Van Gogh came to Ramsgate in 1876 teaching languages in a private school on Royal Road? Whilst here, he drew pen and ink sketches of the view from his window.  The isle has many walking trails, routes and tours to help even the most curious visitor explore. 

Feed your inner creative with a trip to one of the many galleries that dot the isle or find inspiration in our natural landscapes. Famous painter JMW Turner lived in Margate and described the skies here as ‘the loveliest in all Europe’. Turner Contemporary, named after the artist and on the site where he lodged with his landlady Mrs Booth, is an internationally-renowned gallery showing contemporary and historical art. Let your own creativity flow at one of the many workshops on offer - pottery, painting, leatherwork, candlemaking, photography and creative writing are just a few. 

Visit some of the area’s attractions, like the mysterious Shell Grotto in Margate, a subterranean wonder decorated with 4.6 million shells.  

At Dickens House Museum, discover the author’s many connections to Broadstairs. Or take a tour of Ramsgate Tunnels, a unique civilian wartime tunnel complex set in a Victorian railway tunnel, then enjoy the cosmopolitan vibe of Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour, the only ‘Royal Harbour’ in the country.

The Isle is said to have one of the largest concentrations of micro pubs, so try craft beers and ciders or locally brewed Gadd’s beer from the Ramsgate Brewery, then treat yourself to a scrumptious dinner at one of the Isle’s award-winning restaurants. 

As the sun goes down hopefully you will get to see a famous Turner sunset, before heading back to your accommodation for a good night’s sleep.  Take your pick from a boutique hotel with stunning sea views, family-run quality B&B, self-catering fisherman’s cottage or get closer to nature at a camping or caravan park, perhaps even equestrian glamping. This surprising corner of the coast has it all.