A must-see day adventure on the Isle of Thanet
City escape or a coastal exploration - head to the ‘original’ seaside Margate in just 90 minutes from London by Southeastern trains, taking in the many wonders of the beautiful Isle of Thanet, including Broadstairs and Ramsgate, a famous Turner sunset and some of the most unexpected yet spectacular coastal scenery in the South East en route, for an unmissable day trip.
Itinerary Summary
Practical information
1 Morning
Ramsgate Royal Harbour
Arrive in cosmopolitan Ramsgate, which boasts England’s only Royal Harbour (you’d be mistaken for thinking you’re in Marseille!) and coves of treasures to browse and buy in the arches, which are full of independent shops, coffee hang-outs and eateries. Along the promenade close to the beach you can venture underground to experience life as it was in World War II when many residents flocked to the specially created Ramsgate Tunnels to escape the wartime bombings. Listen to what life was like on a guided tour.
Ramsgate Royal Harbour
1 Morning
Ramsgate Tunnels
Along the promenade close to the beach you can venture underground to experience life as it was in World War II when many residents flocked to the specially created Ramsgate Tunnels to escape the wartime bombings. Listen to what life was like on a guided tour.
Ramsgate Tunnels
1 Lunch
Travel the Viking Coastal Trail
Take part of the Viking Coastal Trail (a 32 mile circular coastal route around the Isle of Thanet) by foot or bike to feel the timelessness of the British seaside at Viking Bay, Broadstairs.
Viking Coastal Trail Thanet
1 Lunch
Broadstairs and Morelli's Ice Cream Parlour
The inspiration for writers such as Charles Dickens, Broadstairs boasts a horseshoe beach and encapsulates perennial seaside favourites, from unrivalled views out to sea, to quintessential beach huts. Grab some fish and chips and tantalise your taste buds with delicious gelato at the world-famous Morelli’s ice cream parlour, complete with 1950s formica décor for the traditional seaside experience.
Morelli's Ice Cream Parlour
1 Afternoon
Botany Bay
Venture further along the Viking Coastal trail to soak up scenic coastal views, stopping off at the Insta-gorgeous Botany Bay, for a cliff-top coastal walk and memory-making photo opportunity, before heading to Margate. Thanet’s chalk cliffs are 80 million years old, and there’s a host of wildlife to discover in the rockpools. Or take the Loop bus which will take you directly to the town.
Botany Bay
1 Afternoon
Turner Contemporary Gallery
Top off the day with a visit to Margate’s world-class contemporary art gallery Turner Contemporary. Showcasing the very best in contemporary art alongside historic works by masters, the gallery stands on the site where its namesake JWM Turner found the inspiration for some of his most famous works (and fell in love with his landlady Mrs Booth!). Connect with your own creativity at the gallery’s many workshops and activities for all ages, before taking time on the seafront steps or Harbour Arm to experience a famous Turner sunset - known the world-over as some of the best skies in Europe, as exclaimed by the artist himself.
