insideKENT Magazine Issue 22 - January 2014 | Page 98

TOWNSPOTLIGHT

margate
S P O T L I G H T

O N

FROM TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY-TOWN CHARMS AND SANDY BEACHES, TO A WORLD-CLASS ART
GALLERY AND COOL CAFÉ CULTURE, MARGATE HAS CHARACTER, AND HAS IT IN SPADES.
FIZZING WITH ARTISTIC ENERGY, THE TOWN IS IN THE MIDST OF A CULTURAL RENAISSANCE.
IT'S EXCITING, IT'S ENERGISING AND YOU'RE INVITED TO TAKE PART!
© Thanet Tourism,

© Thanet Tourism, RedSnappa.biz

history in brief

things to do

Known as 'M eregate' until 1299, this popular
coastal town in the district of Thanet boasts a
colourful past, rich in both history and maritime
tradition.

The original seaside town offers easy access to
beautiful sandy beaches, coastal walks, cycling,
water sports, beautiful parks and gardens,
museums, theatres, art galleries and first-class
restaurants. It is little wonder Margate made
Rough Guide's Top Ten Worldwide Destinations
in 2013.

Once a small fishing village, Margate was a limb
of Dover in the ancient confederation of
the Cinque Ports, before being successfully added
to the confederation in the 15th century. During
this time, the large Church of St John's took
precedence of place in the town, along with a
cluster of houses that led down to the harbour.
However, during the Georgian era, Margate was
transformed into one of England's first seaside
resorts. With the 1730s came a passion for sandy
beaches and sweeping seas, soon sparking the
growth of Margate as a top holiday destination.
Countless visitors travelled down from London
on hoys, sailing vessels, steamships and
eventually, trains, for whom fashionable squares
and terraces that overlooked the sea were built
to accommodate the influx.
Margate's Royal Sea Bathing Hospital opened
in 1791 when it was believed that sea bathing
and sea air were the best cures for tuberculosis.
The wards had large windows that would be
opened so the patients could benefit from the
fresh air while still in their bed.
Margate has since remained a centre of popular
culture from the early 19th century onwards and
even became infamous for gang violence
between Mods and Rockers in 1960s.
Today, Margate is crammed with historic and
architectural gems and indisputably remains the
ultimate pioneer of the quintessential English
seaside traditions.

Harbour Arm — Rejoice in the midst of the Old
Town's chic eateries, galleries and vintage shops,
and walk down the reinvigorated Harbour Arm
– the atmospheric pier of 1810-15. It was nearby
to here that J.M.W. Turner lived with his
companion, Sophia Booth.
Turner Contemporary — The internationally
acclaimed seafront gallery, Turner Contemporary,
leads the creative charge in Margate. It's already
brought together pieces by J.M.W. Turner, so
famously inspired by the town's stunning
seascapes, and more recently work by avantgarde local artist Tracey Emin.
Margate Gallery — Another of Margate's
fantastic art hubs, this gallery hosts an eclectic
mix of exhibitions and artwork all year round. It
also boasts an excellent gift shop, which is well
worth a visit.
Tudor House — One of Margate's most
venerable buildings, the restored Tudor House
today contains much original fabric, together with
some noteworthy additions from the Stuart period,
amongst others.
Shell Grotto — Discovered in 1835, Margate's
Shell Grotto is an astonishing find: 21 metres of
winding passages and walls, decorated with 4.6
million shells. Some think it's an ancient Pagan
grotto, others think it's an ornate Regency folly.
But with no explanation, it's one of Kent's greatest
mysteries.

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Hornby Visitor Centre — Stop by Hornby Visitor
Centre and embark on a journey through the
history of Britain's best-loved toys. Featuring rare
products from Hornby, Scalextric and Airfix
archives, visitors can view stunning model layouts
and also try out their skills on the Scalextric Digital
Circuit.
Strokes Adventure Golf — Kent's number one
mini golf course, Strokes includes 18 holes that
incorporate rockscapes, plants and water
features, whilst overlooking the beautiful
Westbrook Bay.
Walpole Bay Hotel — A visit to the grand Walpole
Bay Hotel when in town is a must. Dating back
to 1914, the hotel offers a museum, splendid
teas, and décor mostly unchanged since
Betjeman's days.
Dreamland — Margate has always looked to
entertain its visitors, particularly in what became
the celebrated Dreamland amusement complex.
Originally named The Hall by the Sea, it was
presided over by the self-styled ‘Lord' George
Sanger, circus proprietor and menagerie owner.
A multi-million pound renovation of Dreamland
is taking place this coming year. See
www.dreamlandmargate.com/new_dreamland.
html for more details.
Theatre Royal — Originally built in 1787 and
altered in 1874, Margate's Theatre Royal is a
Grade II listed building. Still going strong today,
its charming interior reveals further evidence of
the 'diversions' put on for their earlier visitors.
Tom Thumb Theatre — The Tom Thumb Theatre
was originally built as a coach house in Victorian
times, but in 1984 was transformed into one of
the smallest theatres in the world.
Winter Gardens — The largest theatre in
Margate, Winter Gardens boasts two halls and
dates back to 1911.