Margate and the Turner
a free turner by the sea
A free world-class gallery, a wide sandy beach and a salty old town. The seaside that got its cool back.
Free to visit · Margate · Kent · St Pancras → Margate · CT9 1HG
Margate is the seaside town that got its cool back. The reason to come is Turner Contemporary, a serious modern gallery right on the harbour that is free to walk into, every time.
Around it is the rest of a proper day out: the wide sandy Main Sands, the winding Old Town full of vintage shops and free entry into Dreamland's park (the rides are paid, the wander is not). Turner reckoned Margate had the loveliest skies in Europe and on a good evening you will agree.
Getting there from London: St Pancras to Margate, 1h30 high speed, advance singles from £15 each way (cheaper on the slower Victoria line). Turner Contemporary and the beach are free. The high-speed Javelin is the fastest way down.
Getting there: Turner Contemporary sits right on the harbour, a five minute walk from Margate station along the front.
Best time to go: Time it for low tide and the Main Sands stretch for miles. The gallery is free and open most days, so a wet afternoon is no excuse.
Official site: https://www.turnercontemporary.org
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