The Isle of Thanet is a place like no other - 19 miles of breathtaking coastline encompassing three Georgian and Victorian resorts - Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate - all rich in history, creativity and natural beauty, but with their own unique character. It’s a place you can escape to, be invigorated and be inspired by, all year round
From Margate’s vibrant, playful vibe to the timeless atmosphere of Broadstairs and Ramsgate’s cosmopolitan maritime charm, you can experience the variety of several holidays in one stunning destination
Artists, writers and musicians have been inspired by this almost-island for centuries, drawn for the light, views, distinctive charm, restorative qualities and its people. From Vincent Van Gogh and TS Eliot to Bob & Roberta Smith and The Libertines
Bright blue skies, crisp mornings to awaken the senses, endless views of the horizon, secluded bays to discover with flavoursome and nourishing pit stops along the way - the coast isn’t just for summer, the Isle of Thanet’s beauty and richness is here to enjoy all-year-round
Go off the coastal path, with a host of hidden, unexpected gems such as Ramsgate’s Italianate Glasshouse, the Micro Museum, and Crampton Tower Museum in Broadstairs. Birchington is where you’ll find the intriguing Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens, home to African and Asian natural history, cultural objects and beautiful gardens. Discover over 5000 years of history at Margate Museum or visit a 16th century time capsule Tudor House. Find enchanting villages including St. Nicholas-at- Wade and Acol (said to be haunted by Smuggler Bill!).
Get thrills at Margate’s iconic Dreamland with its 100 year old rollercoaster, vintage rides and pop-up entertainment. Set your minds tingling at one of the Isle’s many Escape Rooms, including a hybrid treasure hunt escape room. See exhibits and layouts that cater to speed freaks, engine geeks, and car connoisseurs at The WonderWorks Margate home to Hornby, Airfix, CORGI, Scalextric and Pocher.
Head to Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve and Monkton Nature Reserve to see just why the Isle is world-renowned for its land and sea wildlife. Margate’s Crab Museum, is Europe’s only museum dedicated to the world of the decapod
Gallery 6 at Powell-Cotton Museum
The Isle is a year-round, open-air playground. Energise with a walk, run or cycle on the Viking Coastal Trail - a 32 mile (51.4km) mostly traffic-free circular route that wraps around Thanet’s coastline before heading inland to beautiful rural villages, combining views out to sea with wildlife and attractions at every turn. Join Col’s Kent Bike Tours for a guided, fun cycle ride passing iconic sights
Try your hand at golf on professional cliff-top courses, or go crazy at one of the Isle’s adventure golf courses - even indoor if the weather turns. Grab your walking poles, for a Nordic walking total-body expedition.
Cycling the Viking Coastal Trail
The Isle’s astounding history can be felt with every footstep. An historic landing place, the first Saxons Hengist and Horsa arrived here, as did Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Saints - St Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury, landed here
With 27 conservation areas, the home built by Augustus Pugin, historical monuments, museums and homes, it's no wonder it is part of Kent’s Heritage Coast
Take a step back in time underground at Ramsgate Tunnels, pilot a Spitfire at the museum that shares it name, learn about Dickens’ love for Broadstairs or take a tour to learn some of the Isle’s darkest secrets
Spitfire and Hurricane Museum
The Isle boasts as much delectable food and drink as it does beautiful coastline for you to taste Breakfast in a traditional red bus, seafood dinner overlooking spectacular golden sands, fish and chips, street food, farmers markets, or a micropub tour - Thanet has a feast of places to sup and devour local award-winning cuisine.
Join Doctor Forager on a foraging walk to collect the ingredients for a warming lunch or learn from expert chefs with Margate Cookery School in the art of wine tasting, patisserie skills or Japanese food.
Enjoying Coffee
From High Street big-name brands, artistic independents to hunting for shabby-chic antiques, Margate, Broadstair, Ramsgate and village high streets do retail therapy well.
Browse the stalls, rallies and shelves of vintage, retro and contemporary shops, alongside independent family-run stores, you will be spoilt for choice.
From popular festivals to one-off concerts, the coast is alive with the sound of music and has something for every taste. Party the day and night away with headline acts at Dreamland or plan your itinerary for the popular Broadstairs Folk Week, Margate Soul Festival and Ramsgate Festival of Sound.
Enjoy intimate concert at Tom Thumb Theatre, a converted coach house, Ramsgate Music Hall previous winner of the NME award for Best British Small Venue or head to Where Else! to listen to grassroots music
Check out local bands and up and coming artists in the bars, pubs and clubs, across the isle
Gryff Rhys at Ramsgate Music Hall. Credit Dik Ng
Visitor Information Centre The Droit House Stone Pier Margate Kent CT9 1JD Te: 01843 577577 Email: visitorinformation@thanet.gov.uk www.visitthanetbusiness.co.uk