Margate Beaches

Overview

Margate is a classic British seaside town, famous for its inviting sandy shores perfect for a traditional beach holiday. You can definitely enjoy a swim in the sea here, especially at high tide. The town offers a unique mix, attracting families looking for seaside fun as well as couples and young adults drawn to its vibrant arts scene and retro charm.

The heart of the action is Margate Main Sands, a large, sandy beach right in town. For stunning photos, head to Botany Bay Beach with its famous white cliffs and chalk stacks. If you're looking for waves, Joss Bay Beach is Kent's prime surfing destination. Nearby Broadstairs offers a different feel, with Viking Bay providing a charming setting for family seaside outings.

Beyond these highlights, don't miss Walpole Bay, known for its vast, historic tidal pool offering a unique swimming experience. Whether you seek bustling town beaches, dramatic coastal scenery, or unique bathing spots, Margate serves as a great base. Explore our full guide for details on these and other beaches in the area, including potentially quieter options.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Margate actually good for a proper beach holiday?

Yes, Margate is a classic British seaside resort town built around its main sandy beach. It offers traditional seaside holiday elements like sandy shores (Margate Main Sands), tidal pools (Walpole Bay), amusement parks (Dreamland nearby), fish and chip shops, and arcades, making it suitable for a traditional beach break, especially for families and those seeking a nostalgic seaside experience.

Margate Main Sands

Is Margate more for families or young people/couples?

Margate attracts a diverse crowd. Families enjoy the main sandy beach, Dreamland, and traditional seaside fun. However, Margate also has a vibrant arts scene, trendy cafes, bars, and vintage shops, particularly around the Old Town, making it popular with young adults, couples, and creatives looking for a seaside break with a cultural, retro vibe.

Can you swim in the sea at Margate beaches?

Yes, swimming is popular at Margate's beaches, particularly Margate Main Sands and Walpole Bay, especially during high tide. Walpole Bay also features a large tidal pool offering safer, calmer swimming conditions regardless of the tide. Water quality is monitored, and information is usually available online or locally. As with any sea swimming, check conditions and be aware of tides.

Margate Main Sands

Are Margate beaches sandy?

Margate Main Sands, the town's primary beach, is known for its large expanse of golden sand, especially at low tide. Other nearby beaches like Botany Bay and Joss Bay are also predominantly sandy. Walpole Bay has sand but is also known for its large tidal pool and rockier sections.

Botany Bay Beach

Joss Bay Beach

What's the best area to stay in Margate for easy beach access?

Staying in Margate Old Town or along the seafront provides the most direct access to Margate Main Sands and the harbour area. Accommodation around the Cliftonville area offers proximity to Walpole Bay and Palm Bay. Check listings for properties mentioning sea views or short walks to the beach.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Margate Main Sands

Palm Bay Beach

Which beach is better: Margate or Broadstairs?

It depends on what you're looking for. Margate offers a large main beach, a retro vibe, Dreamland, and the Turner Contemporary gallery. Broadstairs has a more traditional, perhaps quainter feel with several smaller, picturesque sandy bays like Viking Bay and Joss Bay, often described as more family-oriented. Both have sandy beaches suitable for swimming.

Viking Bay

Joss Bay Beach

Are dogs allowed on Margate beaches?

Dog restrictions apply on Margate's main beaches during the peak season. Typically, from 1st May to 30th September, dogs are not allowed on Margate Main Sands, Walpole Bay, Botany Bay, Joss Bay, and St Mildred's Bay between 10 am and 6 pm. Outside these hours and dates, dogs are usually welcome. Always check local signage for the most current rules.

Margate Main Sands

Botany Bay Beach

Joss Bay Beach

What's the Walpole Bay tidal pool like?

The Walpole Bay Tidal Pool is a large, historic seawater bathing pool built into the shoreline. It fills naturally with seawater at high tide, providing a vast area for swimming and paddling that remains accessible even when the tide goes out. It's a unique feature, offering a different swimming experience compared to the open sea. Check tide times as access and water depth vary.

People Also Ask

Is it easy to park near Margate beaches?

Parking can be challenging, especially during peak season and sunny weekends. There are several pay-and-display car parks near Margate Main Sands and the town centre, but they fill up quickly. On-street parking is limited and often restricted. Consider arriving early, using public transport (Margate has a train station), or exploring car parks slightly further out and walking.

Margate Main Sands

What's the best way to get between the different beaches like Botany Bay and Margate Main Sands?

You can drive between beaches, but parking can be difficult at popular spots like Botany Bay. The Stagecoach 'Loop' bus service connects Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate, stopping near several beaches. For the adventurous, walking or cycling along the coast is possible via the Viking Coastal Trail, offering scenic views between bays, though distances vary.

Botany Bay Beach

Margate Main Sands

Are there quieter beaches near Margate if the main one is too busy?

Yes, while Margate Main Sands can get very crowded, Walpole Bay often feels a bit calmer, especially away from the tidal pool. Further along the coast, beaches like Palm Bay or Westbrook Bay (towards Westgate-on-Sea) can be less busy. Heading towards Broadstairs offers smaller coves like Kingsgate Bay which might be quieter, though access can be trickier.

Palm Bay Beach

Westbrook Bay

What is there to do at Margate beach besides sunbathing?

Margate Main Sands offers traditional seaside activities like building sandcastles, paddling, and swimming. Nearby, you'll find amusement arcades, cafes, fish and chip shops, and the Dreamland amusement park. The Turner Contemporary art gallery overlooks the harbour. Walpole Bay is great for exploring the tidal pool. Coastal walks along the Viking Coastal Trail are also popular.

Margate Main Sands

Is Botany Bay worth visiting and is it hard to get to?

Botany Bay is famous for its stunning chalk stacks and cliffs, making it very picturesque and popular for photos. It's definitely worth visiting for the scenery. Access involves steps down the cliffside, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Parking is very limited and restricted nearby, often requiring a walk from designated parking areas or using public transport.

Botany Bay Beach

Do you have to pay to use Margate beaches?

No, access to all the main public beaches in Margate, including Margate Main Sands, Walpole Bay, Botany Bay, and Palm Bay, is free. You may need to pay for parking, refreshments, or specific attractions like Dreamland, but entry onto the sand itself is free.

Botany Bay Beach

Palm Bay Beach

What are the tides like in Margate and why do they matter?

Margate experiences significant tidal ranges, meaning the sea goes out a long way at low tide, revealing vast sandy expanses on Margate Main Sands. Tides are crucial for swimming (best at high tide in the sea), accessing the Walpole Bay tidal pool (which retains water at low tide but is submerged at high tide), and exploring rock pools. Always check tide times before visiting.