Well, hello to you, my reader chums! Summer is here, and that means beach days, warm weather, every ounce of Pimms, and limitless ice cream. The summer, in my opinion, is best spent at the seaside, and I'm lucky, I'm a beach baby and have always had the beauty of the sands on my doorstep.
Whether you're a Kent local or planning a seaside staycation, here are the best things to see and do in Thanet this summer.
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What things are there to do in Thanet?
The beach scene
Thanet is renowned for its beaches, from Ramsgate, Broadstairs, and Margate main sands and all of the gorgeous bays found around and in between. Whether you're looking for a busy and bustling day at the beach or a quiet break on the quieter bays, there is a beach for you in Thanet.
The busier beaches
In the summertime, it's inevitable for any coastal town to get busy, and that's the same with Thanet. Visitors from near and afar and locals alike bustle down to the sands as soon as the sunshine hits, and crowds are likely on many of the more popular beaches. If you love the busy amusements, the exciting beer gardens, or ice cream shops after ice cream shops, there are many beaches you'll love.
The beaches with the best atmosphere are the town's main sands, including Ramsgate, Broadstairs (Viking Bay), and Margate. All three of these beaches have many independent restaurants, quaint shops, the cutest cafes, and bars with a lovely atmosphere.
The family-friendly beaches
Thanet is a brilliant hub for families as there is so much to see and do for all different ages. It all depends on what you're looking for on a family day out. I would say Minnis Bay, St Mildred's, Westbrook beach, and Broadstairs beach have the perfect atmosphere for families. Minnis Bay has a slightly quieter appeal but is a long stretch of sand and has a couple of places to eat near the beach, and a park right next to the beach too. St Mildred's and Westbrook are slightly smaller stretches of sand and a great spot for picnics. Broadstairs has the joy of amusements, a gorgeous stretch of sands, is ice cream galore, and has many things to do for all of the family.
The quieter beaches
For a day away from the bustle and dreamy shorelines, you're spoilt for choice in Thanet. There are plenty of stretches of sand I adore in Thanet for a slightly quieter day. Stone Bay, Pegwell Bay, Joss Bay, Kingsgate Bay, Palm Bay, and Botany Bay are a few of my favourites. The bays in general are quieter areas and perfect if you need a bit of vitamin sea and some fresh sea air.
The Insta-worthy beaches
I've only recently appreciated how much a lot of my local beaches look like I'm abroad, and are picturesque in so many ways that sometimes I'm taken aback by how lucky I am to have this beauty on my doorstep. If you're looking for a beach to surprise you with its beauty, there are a few to note. My favourite stunning beaches are Dumpton Gap, Botany Bay, Epple Bay, and Minnis Bay.
Activities
Seaside towns are a hub for things to do, and Thanet is no different. The 'Isle of Thanet' as it's known, has an assortment of activities for all ages, whether you're heading over for a girls' weekend, going on a trip with your family, or with your partner.
Dreamland
Dreamland in recent years has become one of the top places to be in Thanet, especially in the summer months. It's known for its markets, football match events, concerts, and many types of gatherings. The park has an assortment of rides, the famous Scenic railway, and plenty of indoor amusements to keep you occupied. It also has a cool roller disco, great food, and is an iconic place for a drink or bottomless brunch.
Shell Grotto
Located in Cliftonville, Margate, Shello Grotto is a renowned attraction when in Thanet. The Grotto is estimated to be around 2000 years old and believed to be a place of worship back in the day. The passageway is filled with shells, hence the name. The Grotto has shells on the walls and floors, so not only is it a great place for a photo, but there is so much history to learn there.
Ramsgate Tunnels
Thanet has a lot of wartime history about it, including the Ramsgate Tunnels. The Ramsgate Tunnels were built during the war as a way for the citizens to shelter themselves from the bombings. It's the largest network of civilian tunnels in the UK, and there, you're able to go on a walking tour. It's a great place for everyone to learn a lot about wartime history on a guided tour and then go for a spot of cake in their cafe too, after the tour.
Independent shopping scene
I don't know about you, but I love independent shops and small businesses as I can find quirky and unique items in them. Thanet is a hub for independent shopping across the main towns of Ramsgate, Broadstairs, and Margate. Margate's old town, especially, is known for vintage clothing shops and homeware and has something for everyone.
Surfing in Joss Bay
Love to surf? Then Joss Bay is the beach for you. It's renowned for its surfing scene, and the surf school there is a recognised provider for surfing lessons. Whether you're looking to begin surfing or love to do it on the regular, you will love Joss Bay. And, it makes a dreamy spot for sunbathing afterwards or to watch the sunset. Joss Bay has a lot on offer!
Turner Contemporary
I can still remember when the Turner Gallery opened, and to this day, there is always more to see. The Turner is not for everyone, but it's free and amazing for a mooch. If you know nothing about art or would love to see the cool exhibits, it's perfect for a rainy day and to learn something new. It's located right on the Margate seafront and is known for its abstract view of art.
The many museums
I love a museum, I'm a bit of a nerd like that, as it's always exciting to learn more. Thanet has more history to it than you would think, considering the size, however, the museum scene is large. From the Powell-Cotton Museum in Birchington, the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum, the Margate Museum to Ramsgate Maritime Museum and the Dickens House Museum, and so many more.
Mini-golfing
Mini-golfing always reminds me of my childhood, as in Thanet, there are loads of different mini-golfing courses. There's the Liliput mini-golf course in Broadstairs, located right near the beach, the Lost Adventure Golf indoors in Margate, and, in Manston, the Rascal Bay course. There's a course for all types of weather, and they're all varied too.
Bugsys Bowling
If it's a colder day or you fancy an evening activity, bowling is always a good shout, and Bugsys Bowling in Margate has been the place to go for years. I've spent many brilliant evenings in Bugsys, and it's a family favourite for many locals in Thanet.
Pegwell Bay Country Park
Thanet has more than beaches in terms of scenery and coastal walks. There is also a lot to see in terms of parks and nature trails. Pegwell Bay Country Park is one of my favourite walks for a bit of tranquillity and to get that taste of country air. There are lots of different walks you're able to take in the park, and it includes a park for kids, a small cafe, and lots of spots for a picnic.
Where are the best places to eat in Thanet?
The food scene in Thanet is certainly a memorable one, from independent family-run restaurants to quirky cafes and dream-worthy beach bars. I could easily list many that I adore, and here are a few of my favourites.
Restaurants
Bottega Caruso
I will rave about this restaurant forever and always. It's a family-run Italian restaurant, located in Margate Old Town. The produce is freshly made from homemade pasta to the variety of dishes on the menu, and they have their own deli in store, so you're able to buy all of their products to take away. If you're looking for Italian food made correctly, this is the restaurant that needs to be top of your list.
The Minnis Bay Bar and Brasserie
This restaurant has both good food and beach views over Minnis Bay, what more can you want? The menu is varied but traditionally British with something for everyone, and there is the option to dine inside and out, for that alfresco meal in the summer and a hearty meal when the summer days aren't so warm. I've come back time and time again as it's a classic place to dine for all walks of life.
The Med
For tapas lovers and the taste of Mediterranean cuisine, The Med in Margate Old Town is for you. They offer a varied menu with tapas dishes, including the staples of king prawns and potatoes bravas to delicious pizzas and cocktails. And, it's the perfect spot when the sun is shining to dine outside.
The Little Sicilian
Italian food is my favourite, and I'm always very keen to find the next best Italian eaterie. Like Bottega Caruso, The Little Sicilian is an Italian paradise with Italian food made how it is meant to be. Located in Broadstairs, the gorgeous restaurant has the ambience of a traditional Italian place to dine, and all the food is crafted from fresh ingredients - you can really taste the difference. And, the staff are super lovely and friendly.
Cafes/brunch
Salt
Think smoothie bowls, delicious cakes and hot drinks for breakfast, brunch or an afternoon snack. Salt in Broadstairs has to be one of my favourite cafes. I love its vibe, the food is yummy, and there's always something for everyone, whether you'd like a hot lunch or something quick. As its opposite, Broadstairs train station, it's a key location for commuters or tourists.
Giant Coffee
Another one of my favourite cafes is Giant Coffee, which has a shop in Broadstairs and Margate. I love their selection of hot drinks, including matcha and how every day, they have freshly baked goods on the counters to try.
Staples
Artisan pastry lovers, Staples is for you! If you adore cruffins, croissants or any type of pastry, you'll love the selection available across the Staples Stores in Thanet. They often have new flavours, including sweet and savoury, plus cakes too!
Cliffs
Keeping up with the hipster theme, Margate has taken to that vibe with the many cool cafes within its old town. But, there are also many when you step away from its old town and towards Cliftonville, including the Cliffs. Cliffs has that old-school atmosphere that serves up a brunch with something for everyone and has its own record store, too.
Bars
Harpers
Harpers Bar is one of those cool and underrated bars tucked away in the hype of Broadstairs, from the bustling Royal Pavilion to the Dolphin Pub, but that doesn't take away from its quality. If you prefer something a little bit more intimate for your drinks and love a good cocktail, Harpers is a great choice - and it's only a few minutes walk from Viking Bay too.
The Counting House Bar
To get that taste of extravagance and top-class cocktails, The Counting House Bar does just that and is located along Broadstairs High Street. They offer an assortment of cocktails, one for every type of drinker, and the interior is unique, to say the least, with metal-style walls and tables, and super Insta-worthy.
Mariners Bar
For that taste of a classic British pub vibe, The Mariners Bar has got you. It's located on Ramsgate Harbour and looks over towards the boats, giving you the view and the vibes. The drinks are reasonable, everyone is always so friendly, and they're renowned for having live bands in, so you'll be singing along all evening.
Imperial Bar Meze
Located on Margate seafront, the Imperial Bar Meze has really upped its game for drinks and offers an assortment of cocktails and drinks, with a cool vibe about it. Plus, you're able to sit outside and overlook the beach and are close by to a strip of many other fun cocktail bars to dabble in, like the Sun Deck. There is also Margate steps, which is a great spot for watching the sunset and having a glass of wine.
Where to stay
I've been lucky enough to live in Thanet my entire life, but as a seaside hub, there are many incredible places to stay, from hotels to apartments. Whether you're visiting Ramsgate, Broadstairs, or Margate, there is a place with your name on it.
I hope you enjoyed this post. Are you planning a trip to the coast?
Thank you for reading <3
Thanet sounds like an amazing place. I love mini golf and supporting independant shops so this would be perfect for me. Also love the sound of Shell Grotto. I think I'll look into having a trip here xx
ReplyDeleteIt's the best!! I hope you can visit one day xx
DeleteThanet sounds bloody lovely. I'd love to go to a roller disco for a fun girls day out!
ReplyDeleteRosie
It's so much fun!
DeleteSounds like a great place to go to! I’d love to go here someday. Just a shame I live on the other side of the country 😂 xx
ReplyDeleteOh that is a shame!
DeleteThanet seems like a lovely place to spend beautiful summer days and nights! I hope I will visit some day. For the time being my travelling abroad has been postponed.Thank you for sharing all these useful info!
ReplyDeleteThank you lovely xx
DeleteAs a Kent girl myself I absolutely love Thanet! There are so many amazing things to do and see!
ReplyDeleteThere really are!
DeleteI have never been to thanet but it seems like a lovely place to be. I love going to the beach and I'm sure I'll love Thanet hahaha. I'll save this post for if I ever visit Thanet.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to visit one day!
DeleteGreat post! You've got such a great variety of ideas here. I love the sound of Dreamland and the tunnels in particular - they sound so cool! Thanks for sharing x
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteThe mention on pimms made my mouth water, such a great summer drink. Thanks for sharing so many ideas on what to do in Thanet, definitely want to go now, especially for the restaurants and museums.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can visit one day!
DeleteOMG! I love this list of things to do in Thanet! I would love the chance to visit one day. Thanks for sharing x
ReplyDeleteLynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Thank you!
DeleteThanet sounds like a lovely place to visit for holidays. I’m just hearing of a place like this and would really do more research and visit if I can. Thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
DeleteI love you museums and looking at old historical stuff. I would love to check them in Thanet and see what they got!
ReplyDeleteSame here, thank you!
DeleteThanet sounds amazing and I love how there is beach for everyone there!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Lovely
www.mynameislovely.com
It's the best!
DeleteI haven’t been to Thanet before, never even heard of it before. Looks like there is so much to see and do for fun. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLauren -bournemouthgirl.com
I hope you can visit one day xx
DeleteWow, I didn't realise there was so much to do! My Auntie lives close to Thanet, but I thought that there was the odd thing to do and that's it. I love the idea of a roller disco, skating is so fun! Em x
ReplyDeleteAh thank you! Yes, there is so much more than meets the eye xx
DeleteThanet sounds like a lovely place to visit and there's so much to do there, it's a bit far for me to travel though which is a shame! x
ReplyDeleteLucy | www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you!! Hope you're able to visit one day xx
DeleteI love these suggestions! When I visit a place I always like to have a list of things to do or places to visit :)
ReplyDeleteSame here!
DeleteI'm not far from Kent but I need to go and explore it more! Thanet looks like there's sooo much to see and do so I'll definitely be adding it to my list!
ReplyDeleteI hope you can visit one day!
DeleteThanet sounds totally amazing! I had a chance while back in school to visit Broadstairs for a couple of weeks and really loved having the seaside so close and the amazing scenery! x
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you've had the chance to visit before!
DeleteWOW lots to do in Thanet! I love a nice quiet beach so that's likely where I'd be looking to spend my day - so much to see and explore it sounds like.
ReplyDeleteThere really is xx
DeleteYou’ve provided me with many reasons to come back to the UK! Thanks for sharing all these magical sounding places.
ReplyDeleteAw I'm glad, thank you!
DeleteI've wanted to do the ramsgate tunnel tour for a while now. I didn't realise there were so many other fun things to do too.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can visit soon xx
DeleteWow, there are so many amazing things to do in Thanet! I've never been but I want to now hehe x
ReplyDeleteYay, I hope you can visit soon xx
DeleteI haven't ever heard of Thanet before. Sounds like a great place. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow, so many things to see and do! Didn't know there were many types of beaches haha. Hopefully there are more photos. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletewww.lifebeginsattwenty.com
Than you!
DeleteIs it even summer without a day at the seaside haha? I'm also a beach baby, all the way from sunny Mauritius! Thanks for sharing the amazing things to do in Thanet. Since I'm a fan of Mediterranean cuisine, I'd probably dine at The Med x
ReplyDeleteExactly!! I hope you get to visit soon xx
DeleteLove this! Totally agree with the limitless ice creams, I can't resist a Mr Whippy with raspberry sauce. It looks and sounds incredible, I just love being outside and the beach is so relaxing. Mini golf is always a winner! Thank you for sharing x
ReplyDeleteThank you so much xx
DeleteI am not too sure if I have visited Thanet before, but I have added it to my list as you have sold it to me haha! Plus I am near Kent so should be easy to travel to as well. Thank you for sharing xx
ReplyDeleteAw that's fab, I hope you can visit soon xx
DeleteSounds like a great summer spot! I’ve never heard of it but definitely need to add it to the list :)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThanet sounds like the perfect summer destination with so much to do! I'll have to add it to my list of places to visit!
ReplyDeleteTash - A Girl with a View
Amazing, thank you!!
DeleteThanet sounds lovely. It's a bit far for me to travel, but I do love a good seaside town.
ReplyDeleteClaire.X
www.clairemac.co.uk
Thank you!
DeleteI've never heard of Thanet before, it sounds like such a good seaside town to visit though! It's quite far from me!
ReplyDeleteCorinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
It's the best!
DeleteThanet sounds like so much fun! I love cute activities like mini golfing and I have always wanted to go to a roller disco it sounds like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteSarah | www.aspoonfulofvanilla.co.uk
I love it!
DeleteI just hope that I can visit this exciting place soon. Loved your suggestions!! Thank you so much for sharing this x
ReplyDeleteThankyou for sharing! Thanet sounds like a fabulous place. I will certainly be putting it on my to visit list!
ReplyDeleteThank you lovely xx
DeleteSounds like a lovely place to visit! You can never go wrong with a nice beach day and a bit of mini golf :)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThank you for making us discover your corner of the world. There are many interesting things to do, culinary wonders and beaches that look to be fantastic. It really makes you want to visit.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I hope you can visit x
DeleteThanks for sharing, I have not been to Thanet before, it looks like there is lots of to do :)
ReplyDeleteNic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes
This is a great post. I have not heard of Thanet but it sounds amazing. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI used to live in Sussex and had friends down that way, beautiful place thanks for sharing ��
ReplyDelete