What Are The Best Beaches in Margate?
Botany Bay at Sunrise
Margate is renowned for its stunning coastline and sandy beaches, making it a perfect destination for beach lovers and one of the best day trips to the beach from London
It’s one of the UK’s most iconic beachside towns, since it welcomed eager Victorian bathers in the early 20th century. Margate is also home to the first rollercoaster that was built in the UK (which is still operating at Dreamland).
Come summer time, Margate feels more like the Med, with its shallow crystal blue sea, gorgeous pink sunsets and beach parties making the most of the long summer evenings.
Whether you're looking to relax, swim, or explore, Margate's beaches offer something for everyone.
Here’s a guide to the best beaches in Margate that you don’t want to miss.
Margate's Main Sands has delighted holiday makers for over 150 years
Margate Main Sands
Margate Main Sands (right in front of the train station) is the town's most famous beach, known for its golden sands and family-friendly atmosphere.
Located right in the heart of Margate, with some of the best bars and restaurants curving round it, it’s easily accessible and offers a range of amenities including cafes, arcades, and plenty of ice cream. In the summer there’s a beach bar, rides and attractions for the kids and there’s a new beach sauna from Seascrub Sauna.
What to do:
● Enjoy a swim in the shallow bay - there are lifeguards on duty in the summer months
● Save on single use plastic and use the town’s first refillable water station
● Grab a beer on the beach from SeaShed Margate
● Visit Dreamland, the nearby amusement park
Don’t Miss Insider Tips:
● Arrive early to secure a good spot
● Bring a beach umbrella for shade
● Check tide times (swimming is easier at high tide here)
● Dogs are banned on the beach until September
Pick up a plastic bag from the Rise Up Clean Up bag stations and take your rubbish home with you. Margate sadly suffers really badly from litter from beach visitors in the summer, don’t be part of the problem.
Get up close to Botany Bay's white chalk cliffs
Botany Bay
Botany Bay is a hidden gem located a short drive from Margate. Known for its picturesque chalk cliffs, chalk arches and clear waters, it’s a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers.
What to do:
● Explore the rock pools at low tide
● Go fossil hunting along the cliffs
● Enjoy a peaceful picnic with a view
Don’t Miss Insider Tips:
● Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the rocks
● Bring binoculars for bird watching
● Check for any tide warnings before you go
Do note that dogs are banned on the beach between 10am-6pm until 30 September. Remember to leave no trace and take any rubbish home with you.
Westbrook Bay
Just a stone’s throw from Margate Main Sands, Westbrook Bay (to the left back towards Westgate) offers a quieter alternative with all the charm of a classic British beach. It’s popular with locals and perfect for those looking to escape the crowds, with plenty of rockpools and space to run about.
What to do:
● Paddleboarding and kayaking
● Build sandcastles
● Relax on the soft sand
● Pop by The Shakespeare pub for a post beach drink
Don’t Miss Insider Tips:
● Great for early morning walks or games where you need lots of space
● Ideal for families with young children due to the shallow waters
St Mildred’s Bay
St. Mildred's Bay is a lovely, smaller beach located west of Margate. It’s perfect for a more relaxed beach day, with excellent facilities and a welcoming atmosphere.
What to do:
● Swimming and sunbathing
● Visit the beachfront restaurant for a delicious meal
● Play in the children’s playground nearby
Don’t Miss Insider Tips:
● Ideal for a quieter beach experience
● Check the tide times as the beach is smaller at high tide
● Fantastic to watch the sun go down
Don't miss a visit to one of the UK's largest tidal pools
Walpole Bay
Around a 40 min walk from Margate train station is Walpole Bay, home to one of the UK’s largest tidal pools, which is used by a large strong community of sea swimmers.
Walpole Bay beach ebbs and flows with the tide but you’ll find rockpools here, plenty of chalk reef, and lots of space for beach picnics and barbeques. It’s also home to the Haeckels Community Sauna which runs for free from a converted shed on wheels.
What to do:
● Conquer your fear of the sea by swimming in the pool (only accessible at low tide). You can also take sea swimming lessons here.
● Paddleboard along the coast
● Go crabbing from the tidal pool wall
Don’t Miss Insider Tips:
● Head down for sunset for a beach fire or picnic
● Come prepared, there are no facilities here
● Check out the sauna times on their Facebook page
Whatever beach you choose in Margate you can be guaranteed one of the best beach days in the UK, thanks to the golden sands, shallow waters and mild currents.
Essential Beach Tips for Margate
Do be careful in the sea though and follow the RNLI’s advice for sea swimming.
Check Surfers Against Sewage’s app on water quality before you swim. Sewage discharges are sadly a regular reality.
Remember to pack plenty of suncream.
Check tide times for paddleboarding and swimming.
Take all your rubbish home with you or pick up a plastic bag to collect it in from Rise Up Clean Up.