I visited the UK's 'coolest' seaside town just an hour from London, and I would go back in a heartbeat. It was an absolute delight. This town feels both vibrant and nostalgic at the same time. On a sunny, cloudless Saturday, this town, around an hour from London, felt like the perfect seaside escape.
Vibrant and Nostalgic Atmosphere
From its independent shops to its long stretch of sandy beach, the town felt both trendy and nostalgic with its wide array of shops, cafes, but also its amusement arcades and the iconic Dreamland featuring the UK's oldest rollercoaster and located right on the seafront. There was a surprising vibrancy that was hard to ignore. The colourful buildings and tucked-away squares in Margate's Old Town give it an almost European feel, especially on such a warm and sunny day. People were swimming in the sea and groups of friends and families wandered around the streets and between cafés, bars and boutiques.
Global Recognition for Margate's Neighbourhoods
Northdown Road in Margate has earned global recognition, named one of the 31 trendiest streets in the world by Time Out in 2025. In 2022, the publication also crowned Cliftonville the coolest neighbourhood in the UK as well as one of the world's coolest, ranking alongside Colonia Americana in Mexico and Cais do Sodre in Lisbon. It was the only UK neighbourhood to feature in the top 10. Homes & Antiques has also branded it the "new capital of coastal cool."
Old Town: A Maze of Cobbled Streets
Once a declining seaside resort, the Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets filled with lots of shops, art galleries and an array of places to eat and drink. It is the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time. Rise & Bun was full of people grabbing pastries and coffee. The small family-run business opened in January and some even say they make the 'best cinnamon buns in Kent.' Their buns, whether they are cinnamon or chocolate, are made with dough that is fermented for 24 hours.
Celebrity Endorsements and Creative Energy
We also passed by Madonna's favourite Italian restaurant, Bottega Caruso, a family-run eatery and shop in the Old Town. The celebrity even called the town her "idea of heaven." In January, she posted pictures of an art exhibition on Instagram and paid homage to artist and friend Tracey Emin. She said: "I have been there a few times now and I am always struck by the commitment and passion of all of these artists." Not only that, but the whole town seems to be inhabited and energised by creativity. "Writers and performance artists, photographers, and painters. This is my idea of heaven."
Rooftop Views and Delicious Seafood
Before lunch, my stepbrother and I decided to grab a quick drink at No.42, which I had seen online, and it did not disappoint. The rooftop offers stunning panoramic views across the bay, bathed in plenty of sunshine. When it came to lunch, we could not resist sitting outside in one of the buzzing squares at SLAB, where the sound of music and laughter added to the atmosphere. I decided to try something I had never had before - crab macaroni cheese, served with crab and a delicious prawn and lobster sauce with toasted garlic sourdough. It exceeded all my expectations, and the staff was warm and welcoming throughout. The dish was packed with generous chunks of crab and lime drizzled on top, which meant it did not feel too heavy. Every bite struck a balance of creamy, fresh and flavourful.
Scenic Coastal Walks and Sandy Beaches
Contrary to some other beaches in the area where you will find pebbles, here you will find a long stretch of soft sand. After lunch, we set off on a walk by the beach, the UK's largest tidal swimming pool and then on a coastal walk where we ended up even reaching Westgate-on-Sea. The route was so stunning that I had not noticed we had actually reached another town. It was a beautiful walk with chalk cliffs rising above us, colourful beach huts, and the sea stretching endlessly alongside with just some wind turbines and a boat or two in the distance. Along the way, we stumbled upon several small beaches and Margate Cove, located between the cliffs like secret coves waiting to be discovered, where many were sitting enjoying the rays of sunshine on such a splendid day.
A Perfect Seaside Break
Margate manages to combine everything you could want from a seaside break: great food, scenic walks, cultural spots and a laid-back, creative atmosphere. Whether you are visiting for a day or a weekend, it is easy to see why it has earned a reputation as one of the UK's coolest coastal towns. I would definitely go back to explore more - the Turner Contemporary, the dramatic coastal cliffs stretching towards Botany Bay in Broadstairs, and the many independent galleries and shops the town has to offer.
