Is Margate Worth Visiting in Winter?
Yes. Margate is absolutely worth visiting in winter, and for many people it is the best time to experience the town. Quieter streets, a slower pace, cultural events, great food and a strong sense of local life make winter in Margate feel more authentic and more affordable than the summer months.
This guide explains why Margate works so well off season, what there is to do, and why winter visitors often end up coming back again and again
There’s lots to see in Margate in winter, don’t let the weather put you off
Why Margate shines in winter
Margate in winter is calmer, more spacious and easier to navigate.
Accommodation prices are lower, restaurants are easier to book, and the town feels like it belongs to the people who live here rather than the crowds.
The light along the coast is properly dramatic in winter, the beaches are ideal for long walks (and you might even have them to yourself) but the creative community is fully active.
Galleries, theatres, pubs and independent shops all operate year round, giving visitors a chance to see Margate as a lived in town rather than a summer resort.
Winter is also when Margate’s food and culture scene really shows its depth, with plenty of offers and midweek deals.
What to do in Margate in winter
Art and culture
The Turner remains a major draw all year, with winter exhibitions often quieter and more contemplative. Independent galleries, studios and project spaces across Old Town and Cliftonville continue to programme shows, talks and workshops throughout the colder months.
Plus for 2026, The Turner has put together a month long Winter Wellness Festival that kicks off at the end of January. Here are our picks for the Winter Wellness Festival.
Offseason Margate
Offseason is one of the key reasons Margate is worth visiting in winter. It is a town wide DIY cultural programme that runs for a weekend in January (in 2026, this is 23-25 Jan), bringing exhibitions, performances, and one off events to a wide range of venues across Margate, that go beyond traditional art galleries.
Offseason focuses on contemporary culture, community led projects and creative experimentation and the raw talent that exists in Margate. For more on what’s on, check our handy what’s on guide or follow Offseason on Instagram.
Offseason Margate
Taking place 23-25 Jan 2026
Food and Drink
Margate has built a reputation as one of Kent’s most interesting food destinations, and winter is when chefs have more freedom to experiment.
Seasonal menus, specials and tasting events are common, as are midweek deals and it is much easier to get a table at popular restaurants.
Check out our favourite places to eat here.
Plus of course, Margate isn’t lacking in cosy pubs like the Rose in June or The Shakespeare.
Margate Restaurant Week
Margate Restaurant Week is another winter highlight and a strong reason to plan a visit outside the main season. Now in its second year, the event usually takes place in early February (2-6 Feb 2026) and invites local restaurants to offer special fixed price menus.
Margate Restaurant Week makes it easy to explore Margate’s food scene at excellent value, often with three course menus designed specifically for the week and this year costing just £20.26.
It encourages visitors to try new places, return to favourites and build a trip around food without peak season prices.
Make sure you book as Margate Restaurant Week is super popular
Walks and Wellbeing
Winter walks along the seafront, from Walpole Bay to Botany Bay or just through Dane Park to see the changing of the seasons are a highlight.
Cold sea dips, sauna sessions, yoga classes and wellness events run all year and attract a strong local following during the quieter months.
We love the beachside saunas on the Main Sands (Sea Scrub Sauna) and the Haeckels community sauna at Walpole Bay.
Margate has the most beautiful light in the winter
Shops and markets
Independent shops in Old Town stay open through winter, with fewer crowds and more time to browse.
Makers markets, craft fairs and pop ups continue regularly, particularly in the run up to Christmas and into the New Year. Check our weekly what’s on guide for more details.
ATTRACTIONS suitable for winter
There are plenty of year round, inside and warm attractions too, in case the wind or the weather isn’t playing ball. Here are some of our favourites:
The award-winning The Escapement escape room on Northdown Road
Bugsys’s bowling for a retro afternoon
Have a round of indoor mini golf at The Flamingo
Book a massage at Eucalyptus
Win a prize at the old school arcades down by Main Sands
Uncover Victorian graffiti down in Margate Caves
Head underground and marvel at the Shell Grotto
Is Margate busy in winter?
Margate is quieter in winter but not empty. Weekends still feel lively, particularly when there are exhibitions, festivals or food events on. Weekdays are calmer and ideal for people looking for a relaxed coastal break.
Shops, restaurants, galleries and venues remain open, and the town retains its sense of energy without feeling overcrowded.
Is winter a good time for a Margate weekend break?
Winter is one of the best times for a Margate weekend break. Visitors can expect better value accommodation, easier bookings, more meaningful interactions with local businesses and a programme of cultural events that runs well beyond summer.
Whether you are interested in food, art, wellbeing, walking or simply spending time by the sea, Margate offers plenty to do in winter.
Final answer: is Margate worth visiting in winter?
Yes. Margate is worth visiting in winter if you want culture, good food, creative energy and a coastal town that feels real rather than seasonal.
With Offseason, Margate Restaurant Week and a strong year round community, winter visitors often discover a deeper side of Margate that summer never quite reveals.
For current events, food guides and what’s on listings throughout the winter months, Don’t Miss Margate’s weekly newsletter will keep you updated with everything you need to plan a trip or a local weekend.
