48 creative hours along the Kent coast
From panoramic views of the English Channel and visits to wonderful world-class galleries to marvellous maritime history, this itinerary introduces you to an array of cultural hotspots along the iconic Kent coastline.
Itinerary Summary
Practical information
1 Morning
Folkestone Artworks
Start your cultural adventure spotting great contemporary art along Folkestone's coastline. Folkestone Artworks is the UK’s largest urban contemporary art exhibition, currently consisting of 74 outdoor artworks by 46 artists. You'll delight in discovering spectacular pieces in scenic and surprising locations before heading into Folkestone’s Creative Quarter - the thriving heart of the town’s cultural scene and home to artists’ studios and creative businesses, offering unique creations to delight the eyes.
Creative Folkestone & Folkestone Artworks
1 Lunch
Lunch at Rocksalt Restaurant, Bar & Rooms
If you’re feeling a little peckish, enjoy an exquisite lunch at the Rocksalt Restaurant, Bar & Rooms. Perfectly placed with panoramic views over the English Channel, Rocksalt celebrates the finest local produce and the very best the British Isles has to offer.
Rocksalt Restaurant, Bar & Rooms
1 Afternoon
Turner Contemporary Gallery
This afternoon, travel to marvellous Margate, the birthplace of the British seaside and home to the internationally renowned Turner Contemporary gallery. Here, be struck by beautiful sandy beaches, famous light and spectacular skies, described by the painter JMW Turner as the “loveliest in all Europe”. The world-class Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate celebrates the artist JMW Turner’s spirit of enquiry with a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions showcasing world-class historic and contemporary art and events, meaning that there’s always something fresh to discover.
Turner Contemporary Gallery
1 Overnight
The Walpole Bay Hotel, Museum and Napery Gallery
From Turner Contemporary Gallery, take a leisurely 20 minute wander along Margate's coastline (taking in the town's famous sunset skies) and spend the night at The Walpole Bay Hotel, Museum and Napery Gallery, a charming Edwardian hotel with striking sea views. On your journey, why not make a small pit stop and enjoy a drink or two whilst revelling in the artistic energy of wider Margate; the original seaside town where ice cream parlours, traditional chip shops, funky cafés, and independent shops pepper the streets?
The Walpole Bay Hotel, Museum and Napery Gallery
2 Morning
The Historic Dockyard, Chatham
After a good night's sleep, head to historic Chatham, where some 400 years ago, the Victorian dockyard that makes the town so famous, was at the heart of Britain’s naval industry. Today, set sail on your own voyage of discovery as you immerse yourself in 400 years of heroic history and adventure at the world's most complete dockyard of the age of sail!
The Historic Dockyard, Chatham
2 Lunch
The Ship and Trades
Continue your own navel adventure with a pit-stop for lunch at The Ship and Trades. Boasting a beautiful marina setting and a stylish modern design, this contemporary bar, restaurant and hotel overlook one of the yacht basins at the former Royal Naval Dockyard - with extensive waterfront seating offering panoramic views across the River Medway to historic Upnor Castle.
Ship & Trades
2 Afternoon
Explore Gravesend
Rich river heritage, outdoor adventures and a buzz of creativity, all add to the appeal of your final port of call, Gravesend. Browse antiques, food and drink, crafts and much more at one of Kent's oldest markets before taking in a film, performance or exhibition at The Woodville venue in the centre of town.
