Planning Your Visit to Thanet:

Things to Do, Where to Eat, and The Best Beaches

Thanet is nestled along the coastline of Kent and is one of England’s most popular weekend getaways. Famous for its stunning natural beauty, Kent has something to offer every visitor, whether you want to discover quaint little seaside towns or step back in time with a trip to a stunning National Trust property, like Chartwell, the home of Sir Winston Churchill or the rolling parkland at Scotney Castle.

In this guide, we’re sharing our top recommendations for things to do during your visit to Thanet. Whether you’re staying local and visiting Margate or going a little further afield to Ashford and Canterbury, any of these spots would be perfect to add to your itinerary.

Best Days Out in Thanet and Kent

Thanet is the perfect spot to stay during any visit to Kent, making it easy to navigate along the coastline for a day trip, nature hike, or private tour. If you’re planning a longer staycation or getaway to Thanet, consider adding one of these day trips to your itinerary. Nicknamed the “Garden of England”, Kent is the perfect spot if you enjoy the great outdoors and reconnecting with nature.

·      Cycle the Viking Trail, a 32-mile circular route that covers Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate.

·      Visit Canterbury Cathedral, an UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,400 years of history to explore.

·      Walk in Anne Boleyn’s footsteps at Hever Castle with seasonal activities, walking routes, and an on-site golf course.

·      Head out onto the water with a Dover Sea Safari for the best views of the White Cliffs of Dover and some unforgettable seal spotting.

·      Discover the award-winning Port Lympne Safari Park and Wild Animal Reserve, spread across 600 acres of Kentish savannah.

·      Indulge in nostalgia at Dreamland, a retro fun fair by the sea that hosts concerts, festivals, and events throughout the year.

Best Beaches in Kent

You’ll be spoilt for choice with beaches in Kent, from the family-friendly Minnis Bay to Joss Bay, popular for surfing, and more secluded spots, like Kingsgate Bay. Bringing your four-legged best friend along? Dogs are not allowed on most beaches in Kent from May 1st to September 30th after 10am but are allowed outside of the summer season.

·      Viking Bay, Broadstairs’ main attraction, with a Surf School open from March to October.

·      Ramsgate Main Sands, next to the famous Royal Harbour and Marina.

·      Margate Main Sands, close to Old Town, with deck chair and lounger hire available.

·      Joss Bay, the best surfing beach in Thanet, with BBQs permitted after 6 pm.

·      Kingsgate Bay, beach chalet hire available and dog-friendly year-round.

·      Minnis Bay, includes a nearby children’s outdoor play area with free parking available.

·      Stone Bay, popular with families as a quieter alternative to Viking Bay.

Thanet and Kent’s Top-Rated Dog Walks

Kent is one of England’s most dog-friendly counties, with many public spaces welcoming dogs, including beaches, pubs, and National Trust properties. If you’re planning to visit some of Kent’s National Trust estates, consider picking up a Pooch Passport. A full passport of stamps will entitle your furry friend to a free treat!  

·      Turner and Dickens Walk, a 4-mile route between Margate and Broadstairs.

·      The gardens at Chartwell, where dogs are allowed in all outdoor areas.

·      Margate Heritage Trail, which spotlights 27 historic spots in this seaside town.

·      Crab and Winkle Way, a popular hiking route that spans 7.5 miles through a former railway and ancient forests.

·      Cranbrook Walk, a circular walking path that takes you from historic Cranbrook to the village of Sissinghurst.

Must-Visit Breakfast Spots

Start the day off right by fuelling up at one of our favourite breakfast spots. Indulge in a Barista-made coffee for your morning walk or sit and watch the world go by as you tuck into a full English. Many cafes are dog-friendly, but we recommend checking ahead of time before bringing your canine friend along.

·      The Margate Coffee Shed | 12-13 The Parade, Margate.

·      The Galley | 3 Westcliff Arcade, Ramsgate.

·      The Hive Café | 13A George Street, Ramsgate

·      The Dalby Café | 4-6 Dalby Road, Cliftonville, Margate

·      The Greedy Cow | 3 Market Place, Old Town, Margate

Best Lunch and Dinner Options

Thanet and the wider Kent area are full of independent cafes and locally-owned restaurants serving seasonal dishes, alongside classic and contemporary cuisine. Most lunch and dinner options welcome walk-ins, but we recommend booking your dinner reservations where possible during weekends and busy seasons.

·      Forts Café | Lunch | 8 Cliff Terrace, Cliftonville, Margaret

·      Porto Reale | Italian and Mediterranean | 54-56 Harbour Parade, Ramsgate

·      High Dive | Contemporary Mexican | 121 High Street, Margate

·      Number Nine | British | Chapel House Estate, Thorne Hill, Ramsgate

·      Sardinia | Italian | 1-3 Albion Street, Broadstairs

·      Cinque Ports Margate | Street Food | 50 Marine Terrace, Margate

·      Buoy and Oyster | Seafood | 44 High Street, Margate

·      Kebbells Seafood Bar and Restaurant | Mediterranean Seafood | 8 Victoria Parade, Broadstairs

Where to Find the Best Cocktails

Whether you’re visiting Thanet with friends or planning a romantic getaway, there are plenty of bars, pubs, and lounges located close to some of the area’s top tourist attractions. Start your night with a speciality cocktail or cheers your trip to Kent with a glass of bubbles.

·      Reign Bar & Lounge | 13 Albion Street, Broadstairs

·      The Clockwork Cocktail Company | 68-70 High Street, Margate

·      Lillie’s Margate | 3 Cliff Terrace, Cliftonville, Margate

·      Mariachi | 11 The Centre, Margate

·      Perico Lounge | Unit 1, Beach Drive, Ramsgate

·      Deliah’s | 28 Thanet Road, Broadstairs

Kent’s Best Independent Shops

Thanet and the surrounding Kent area thrive thanks to the locally owned, independent, and family-run businesses that make every street different from the next. Pick up a unique souvenir or start your holiday shopping early at one of our favourite independent stores.

·      Petticoat Lane Emporium, Kent’s largest indoor marketplace.

·      Harbour & Tide, sustainable beach shop in Margate.

·      The Saltworks, a niche perfumery brand based in Ramsgate.

·      Margaux, contemporary womenswear fashion in Margate.

·      Paraphernalia, antique and vintage store in Margate.

·      Margate Bookshop, an independent store nestled in the Old Town.

·      Borgyn and Bakes, a magic-inspired bakery and store in Westgate.

·      Scissortail, Scandi-inspired homeware, and sustainable children’s clothes in Margate.

Are you looking for recommendations for something that’s not on this list? We’re always happy to share our favourite spots, from must-visit local businesses to the best hidden gems. Contact our team before your check-in date or at any time during your visit.