Margate Things to Do Tips by bumpychick Top 5 Page for this destination

Lifeboat man statue

This statue can be found looking out to sea, just opposite Margate station. It was erected in 1899 and is made of bronze. It commemorates the sinking of the vessel 'Friends to All Nations' in 1897.

Address: Marine Terrace

The Turner Centre

The Turner centre is due for completion in 2011. It is located in the harbour area, and is currently a bit of a blot on the landscape. Hopefully it will look much better when they take the scaffolding down. In the meantime, there is a small exhibition in Droit House, explaining how the build is going and showing what it will be like when it is complete.

Address: Margate Harbour

See a show

The main Theatre in Margate is the Winter Gardens. Built in 1909, the theatre is set in to the cliff and surrounded by attractive gardens. There is always something happening at the Winter Gardens; Variety shows, concerts, musicals and even line dancing classes. Margate Operatic Society (MOS) perform there twice a year, usually the end of May and the end of November. This is an amateur company which has been described by many as 'one of the most professional companies in the area', and 'as good as going to the West end". The ticket prices are much cheaper too!
www.margateoperaticsociety.com

Directions: For opening times, what's on etc check out the website. Or, walk/drive along the sea front, up the hill, past the police station and you won't miss it!

Website: http://www.margatewintergardens.co.uk

Lay on the beach

There are lots of beaches to lay on if you want to sunbathe. Margate main sands are very commercialised, but there are lots of shops and bars close by, trampolines, swings etc for the kids and are close to the main transport hubs. Most of the locals use the beaches further along the coast, Palm Bay being a favourite. These beaches are much quieter and more basic.
All Margate's beaches are sandy. Not a pebble in sight!

Play in the arcades

Margate is famous for its amusement arcades. There are lots of them, with gaming machines to suit all ages and budgets. when I was a kid I used to play on the penny falls; I think the 'penny' part went up with inflation!. There are lots more high tech options too. You could try and win a fluffy toy from one of the 'grabber' machines as made famous in 'Toy Story 2'.

Walk along the undercliff

At any time of year, a walk along the sea front is a great thing to do. Once you get away from the main beach area, it is peaceful, refreshing and invigorating (particularly in winter). We have white cliffs too! You can walk quite a few miles along the under cliff if you so wish. At one point you have to go across the sand, but other than that, the whole route is paved.
Stop off for an icecream on your way.
If you get tired, most buses will take you back to the centre - Cecil Square, or to the main seafront.

Directions: From the clocktower on the seafront, head away from the station.

Ten-pin Bowling

There are 2 bowling alleys in Margate, one quite close to the main sea front - 'AMF', and another - 'Bugseys' further along the coast in Cliftonville. Both of them have good facilities, so take your pick depending on your location.

Directions: Bugseys - Ethelbert Crescent, Margate, CT9 2DY
AMF - 51 Addington St, Margate, CT9 1PW.