What's on in Margate
Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate boast some of Kent's most stunning coastlines, perfect for walking and cycling along the Viking Coastal Trail. Throughout the year, these towns host a variety of special events, including the Margate Soul Festival, Margate Pride, the Broadstairs Water Gala, and the Ramsgate Festival, among many others.
Upcoming Events
14 September 2024
The Last Dance with Leftfield & Orbital
17:30 to 22:30
Dreamland, 49-51 Marine Terrace, Margate, Kent, CT9 1XJ
6 December 2024
Craig Charles funk and soul house party
21.00hrs
Dreamland
Things to do on a rainy day
Here are the top 10 things to do in Margate on a rainy day:
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Turner Contemporary - Visit this acclaimed art gallery.
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Shell Grotto - Explore the mysterious underground tunnels.
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Dreamland - Enjoy indoor attractions like the Roller Disco.
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Lost Island Adventure Golf - Indoor mini golf experience
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Margate Caves - Discover the history of these fascinating caves.
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Old Kent Market - Browse shops and grab a bite indoors.
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The WonderWorks - Delve into model trains and memorabilia.
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Margate Museum - Learn about local history.
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Bugsy’s Tenpin Bowling - Enjoy a classic bowling game.
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Tom Thumb Theatre - Experience unique, intimate shows.
These activities offer a mix of culture, history, and entertainment, perfect for rainy days.
Dreamland
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Dreamland, Margate’s iconic theme park, has experienced a challenging start to the 21st century, closing in the early 2000s before a gradual revival began in 2015. Since then, significant investments have transformed Dreamland into a vibrant attraction. The park, originally established in the 1880s, is home to the Scenic Railway, the UK’s oldest working rollercoaster and a Grade II-listed structure. Today, Dreamland features a variety of classic fairground rides, including dodgems, teacups, and a Ferris wheel, alongside live music events in the Victorian Hall by the Sea.
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The Shell Grotto
Discovered in 1835, the Shell Grotto remains an enigma, featuring a 30-meter underground tunnel, rotunda, and "altar chamber," all adorned with a stunning mosaic of around 4.6 million shells. The origins and purpose of the grotto are unknown, with theories ranging from an 18th or 19th-century folly to a pagan ritual site dating back 3,000 years. The mosaic includes local shells, but the background is made of flat winkle shells, which had to be sourced from beaches over 150 miles away.
The Wonder Works
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Newly refurbished for 2023 and now called the Wonder Works, this visitor center by Hornby is a must-visit for enthusiasts of model railways, Airfix models, Corgi collectibles, and Scalextric. Explore the history of Frank Hornby's model trains and admire intricate layouts in the museum. Discover the evolution of Airfix from its early days to the latest releases, and challenge friends on a Scalextric track. Enjoy some shopping, and unwind with a drink and a bite at the Just the Ticket café.
The Turner Contemporary Art Gallery
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On the site of a former boarding house where J. M. W. Turner once stayed, the Turner Contemporary art museum, designed by David Chipperfield, opened in 2011. Supported by Margate native Tracey Emin, this striking, warehouse-like structure with stark white walls is now Kent’s largest visual arts venue. Visitors can explore four or five simultaneous exhibitions at any given time, showcasing a dynamic range of contemporary art.
