LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

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MARGATE OR RAMSGATE FOR A WEEKEND AWAY.

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Until recently, I’d only thought of Ramsgate and Margate as those slightly tired seaside towns from visits as a child. If Margate was the place of my teenage Dreamland memories, Ramsgate barely registered – apart from a vague recollection of fish and chips in a windy harbour.

But both towns have changed. And in very different ways.

Margate has undergone a full-blown renaissance – all craft beer bars, tidal pool swims, and Peckham-on-Sea vibes.

Ramsgate, by contrast, feels a little more understated. It has pockets of trendiness, yes, but also a working marina, Victorian architecture, and a slower pace that appeals if you want your weekend to feel less like a London extension and more like a proper coastal break.

So – if you’re planning a seaside escape, should you spend your weekend in Ramsgate or Margate?

The Vibe

Margate: Quirky, artsy, and buzzing with energy. A place where you can brunch on the top deck of a bus, pop into a contemporary art gallery, then plunge into a tidal pool before heading to a wine bar. There’s definitely a hipster edge, but the Kentish seaside grit is still there beneath the flat whites and neon shopfronts.

Ramsgate: Relaxed and a touch more traditional. Ramsgate feels less performative – you can wander without a plan or pressure to do anything. The Royal Harbour is the only one in the UK to have been given “Royal” status, and it’s a joy to sit with a drink overlooking the boats bobbing in the marina. Ramsgate doesn’t try too hard, which for some will be a big part of its charm.

Beaches

Margate: The Main Sands are right in town, lively and convenient, with tidal pools at both Margate and Walpole Bay. For many, the real appeal is heading along the coast path towards Botany Bay and Broadstairs – chalk cliffs, hidden coves, and that classic Kentish coastal drama.

Ramsgate: Ramsgate Main Sands are wide, generally clean and can feel calmer than Margate’s. A short walk away, Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve offers sweeping sandy flats and birdlife, perfect for a windswept stroll. You’ll also find the Viking Coastal Trail linking Ramsgate with Broadstairs and Margate, so if you’re a walker or cyclist, it’s ideal.

Verdict? If you’re after swimming, Margate’s tidal pools are unbeatable. If you want a more peaceful beach day, Ramsgate wins. But, in my view, the beaches in both towns are stunning.

Want to see more of the coast? Try the walk from Ramsgate to Margate (or vice versa), you’ll pass nine beaches in a day.

Things to Do

In Margate

• Dreamland for vintage fun and rollercoasters
• Turner Contemporary for a cultural fix
• Endless vintage shops in the Old Town
• Sea Scrub Sauna for Scandi-style wellness
• Cold water swims in the tidal pools

You can find our guide to the best 18 things to do in Margate here.

In Ramsgate

• Stroll the Royal Harbour and enjoy a drink with marina views
• Visit the Ramsgate Tunnels, an underground WWII network
• Walk to Pegwell Bay for nature and birdwatching
• Explore the Italianate Glasshouse and gardens
• Take a boat trip from the harbour for a different perspective of the Thanet coastline

Verdict? Margate offers more “big ticket” cultural attractions, while Ramsgate’s draws are more about history and nature. If you visit Margate, you’re likely to have enough to do for a few days. Conversely, a day is a nice period of time in Ramsgate, beyond that you may wish to visit nearby towns, like Broadstairs.

Restaurants and Bars

Margate is a foodie playground – small plates, natural wine bars, and plenty of London-inspired dining. Highlights include:

• Angela’s (Michelin Green Star seafood)
• Pomus Wine Bar for English sparkling
• Mullins Brasserie for Caribbean flavour
• Saragossa for tapas on the Harbour Arm

Ramsgate has a more traditional but still appealing food scene. Near the marina, there’s a lovely row of restaurants with alfresco seating:

• Royal Victoria Pavilion – possibly the most regal looking Wetherspoons in the UK – can you really beat the combo of sea views with inexpensive prices?
• The Dining Rooms at Albion House for brunch
• JAH JAH Ramsgate for hearty food and a fun night out
• Alexandra Ristorante Italiano for great food with a sea view

Verdict? If you’re after a buzzy night out, Margate takes it. For long lunches with a view, Ramsgate’s marina is hard to beat.

Accommodation

Margate has plenty of quirky Airbnbs, stylish guesthouses, and boutique hotels like No.42 Guest House. Great if you want something fun, modern, and Instagrammable.

Ramsgate tends to lean towards elegant B&Bs like The Bedford Inn, Victorian townhouses, and cosy seaside hotels. Albion House, is a more boutique option.

So, Ramsgate or Margate?

If you want culture, nightlife, and a buzzing weekend with friends – Margate is the better choice. You’ll never be short of things to do and eat.

Personally, I really love the balance of active options in Margate – yoga, tidal pools and walks. This, coupled with the option for indulgence at wine bars and restaurants makes it an ideal weekend away for me.

If you prefer something calmer – a walk along the cliffs, a glass of wine overlooking a quiet harbour, and a slower pace – Ramsgate might surprise you.

The best part? You don’t actually have to choose. They’re just a 10-minute train ride apart, or a 9km walk along the Viking Coastal Path.

Written by Emma

Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.

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