The Ultimate Londoner’s Guide to Living, Eating, Culture and Entertainment in Thanet, Kent
Thanet has quietly become one of the most exciting coastal destinations in the South East of England. Located just over an hour from London by high-speed train, the towns of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate now attract visitors, creatives, entrepreneurs and families looking for a better lifestyle by the sea.
What was once known simply as a traditional seaside resort has evolved into a thriving cultural destination. Independent restaurants, vibrant cafés, art galleries, music venues and beautiful beaches have made Thanet one of the most talked about coastal areas in Britain.
Across social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, Margate and the surrounding towns regularly trend thanks to their creative energy, incredible food scene and unique coastal charm.
As someone who has lived and worked here for decades, I can honestly say that we have never known Thanet to be as vibrant, exciting and full of opportunity as it is today.
Damien Cooke FNAEA MARLA
Founder – Cooke & Co Estate & Letting Agents
Margate – The Creative Seaside Capital
Margate has undergone an extraordinary revival in recent years. Artists, chefs, entrepreneurs and creative businesses have helped transform the town into a cultural hotspot.
Margate is now widely recognised as one of the UK's most exciting coastal towns.
Turner Contemporary
The Turner Contemporary art gallery sits proudly on Margate’s seafront and has become one of the most visited galleries outside London. Inspired by the dramatic skies and light that fascinated the painter JMW Turner, the gallery hosts internationally recognised exhibitions and major cultural events throughout the year.
Margate is also home to internationally renowned artist Tracey Emin, whose studios and exhibitions have helped bring global artistic attention to the town.
Dreamland Margate
Dreamland is one of the most famous seaside amusement parks in the UK. The historic Scenic Railway roller coaster remains the oldest wooden roller coaster in the country.
In recent years Dreamland has evolved into a major music and events venue hosting concerts, festivals and large entertainment events. Investment from major music companies including Universal Music has helped establish Dreamland as a significant live entertainment destination.
Margate Old Town
The charming streets of Margate Old Town are filled with independent boutiques, art galleries, vintage shops and artisan coffee houses. It has become one of the most photographed areas in Kent and a favourite destination for weekend visitors from London.
The Food Scene – One of the Best on the Kent Coast
Thanet’s food scene has grown dramatically in recent years, attracting chefs and restaurateurs from across the country.
Visitors can now enjoy everything from award-winning seafood restaurants to trendy brunch cafés and traditional seaside dining.
Trending Cafés and Social Media Favourites
Many of Thanet’s cafés regularly trend on Instagram and TikTok thanks to their stylish interiors and creative menus.
- Rise & Bunn – hugely popular brunch café attracting visitors from London.
- Spoke & Co – a creative coffee and brunch venue loved by locals and visitors.
- The Dalby Café – a Margate institution serving traditional breakfasts since the 1940s.
- Café Ingo – Scandinavian inspired café known for its relaxed atmosphere and quality food.
The Dalby Café in Cliftonville has become one of Margate’s best known traditional cafés, famous for its friendly atmosphere and consistently excellent reviews.
Outstanding Restaurants
Thanet now offers an impressive range of restaurants including seafood, Mediterranean and modern British cuisine.
Well known dining destinations include:
- Sargasso
- Angela’s seafood restaurant
- Buoy and Oyster
- Wyatt & Jones in Broadstairs
- The Tartar Frigate overlooking Viking Bay
Broadstairs in particular is famous for its harbour-side dining with excellent Spanish, Greek, Italian and seafood restaurants clustered around Albion Street and the harbour.
Classic Seaside Food Institutions
Alongside modern restaurants, Thanet also preserves many classic British seaside establishments.
- Peters Fish Factory in Margate – famous for its traditional fish and chips and collaboration with Fortnum & Mason.
- The Dalby Café – beloved traditional café.
- The Charles Dickens Pub in Broadstairs overlooking Viking Bay.
- The Lifeboat Ale & Cider House in Margate.
Even the reopening of the Wimpy restaurant in Broadstairs attracted national attention, showing the enduring charm of classic British seaside dining.
Broadstairs – Beaches, Restaurants and Dickensian Charm
Broadstairs is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful seaside towns in Kent. Its sandy beaches, independent shops and restaurants create a relaxed village atmosphere.
Viking Bay
Viking Bay is one of Kent’s most famous sandy beaches and remains a favourite destination for swimming, paddleboarding and family days by the sea.
Restaurants and Dining
Broadstairs offers some of the best dining on the Kent coast including:
- Wyatt & Jones
- The Tartar Frigate
- Spanish and Mediterranean restaurants along Albion Street
- Traditional seaside cafés and bakeries
Ramsgate – Royal Harbour Dining and Historic Architecture
Ramsgate is home to the only Royal Harbour in the United Kingdom. The marina is surrounded by restaurants, cafés and bars overlooking the harbour.
Popular venues include:
- Little Ships Restaurant
- Bon Appetit French Restaurant
- Royal Harbour Brasserie
- Waterfront cafés and bars
The Granville Theatre
The Granville Theatre on Ramsgate’s East Cliff hosts concerts, live shows and the popular annual pantomime.
Ramsgate Tunnels
The Ramsgate Tunnels are an extraordinary network of underground shelters used during World War II and now offer guided historical tours.
Shopping Across Thanet
Thanet offers a mixture of independent shopping streets and larger retail centres.
Margate Old Town
Independent art galleries, vintage stores and craft boutiques.
Northdown Road Cliftonville
One of Kent’s longest shopping streets with independent shops and cafés.
Broadstairs High Street
Boutiques, gift shops, bakeries and galleries.
Westwood Cross Shopping Centre
The main retail destination in Thanet featuring national retailers, cinema and restaurants.
Beaches and Outdoor Lifestyle
Thanet is famous for its spectacular coastline and sandy beaches.
Popular beaches include:
- Margate Main Sands
- Botany Bay
- Joss Bay
- Viking Bay
- Minnis Bay in Birchington
These beaches attract swimmers, surfers, paddleboarders and walkers throughout the year.
Festivals and Events
Thanet hosts an exciting calendar of events including:
- Margate Soul Festival
- Broadstairs Folk Week
- Margate Jazz Festival
- Broadstairs Food Festival
- Dickens Festival
Why Londoners Are Moving to Thanet
The combination of beaches, culture, food, arts and fast rail connections to London has made Thanet one of the most desirable coastal locations in the South East.
Many professionals now choose to live by the sea while commuting occasionally to London.
The creative energy, friendly communities and relaxed coastal lifestyle make Thanet a truly special place to live.
Cooke & Co – Local Experts Since 1992
Cooke & Co have been helping buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants across Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate since 1992.
As a truly independent estate agency deeply rooted in the local community, we take pride in introducing people to everything this wonderful coastline has to offer.
If you are thinking of moving to Thanet or investing in property here, our experienced team would be delighted to help guide you.
Margate Office: 01843 231833
Ramsgate Office: 01843 851322
Broadstairs Office: 01843 600911
