Top Things to do in Isle of Thanet
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What to do and see in Isle of Thanet, England: The Best Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Isle of Thanet, United Kingdom including The Shell Grotto, Joss Bay, Viking Bay, Stone Bay, Ramsgate Tunnels, The Hornby Visitor Centre, Margate Main Sands, Botany Bay, Margate Old Town, Turner Contemporary.
Restaurants in Isle of Thanet
1. The Shell Grotto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,231 reviews
Pre-booking essential. The Shell Grotto is one of the world’s most mysterious places: a series of underground rooms and passageways covered by 2000sqft of exquisite mosaic created with 4.6 million shells. Discovered in 1835, nobody knows who created it, when, or why. “The grotto is simultaneously haunting and homely. It could be a lost pagan shrine or have ‘A Present From Margate’ picked out in the shells - it wouldn’t matter. It’s still magical, mysterious and (once it’s in your head) impossible to forget.” Far From the Sodding Crowd: More Uncommonly British Days Out, Penguin Books.
Reviewed By Choxbird - Norfolk, United Kingdom
This is only a very small attraction but well worth a visit .. Had to prebook ticket due to the Covid-19 situation ... Amazing and mysterious display of shells lining a tunnel and underground room .. Friendly staff and nice gift shop .. Well worth a visit when in Margate :-)
2. Joss Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By Taz3619 - Hawkinge, United Kingdom
Loved this beach had a fab day out car park is great £5.00 all day in farmers field opposite beach there is a shop toilets and rock pooling when tide is out. Still space on beach when tide is in but get there early as gets busy real quick on hot days definitely going again and will reccomend to anyone.
3. Viking Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 877 reviews
Reviewed By SueW80
This beach is wonderful all year round but during the summer season it is especially interesting. There are activities for younger children, for example, bouncy castles, swingboats, a vintage roundabout and Punch and Judy Show. There is also a watersports school offering surfing, stand-up paddling and kayaking for older children and adults. There are lots of cafes on the beach and around the promenade. It is a really traditional English seaside resort - quaint, charming and very photogenic!
4. Stone Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By hawkes2an - Cranbrook, United Kingdom
Just round the corner from Viking Bay (the main beach at Broadstairs) is the lovely Stone Bay. There's a promenade from Viking Bay to Stone Bay som its accessible for both pushchair and wheelchair users. Sone Bay, with its long stretches of sand, is a great beach for familys and for taking a walk on. At this time of the year it's also dog friendly because you can take your dog onto the beach at any time but, from May to September, dogs are not allowed on the beach between the hours of 10.00 am and 6.00 pm.
5. Ramsgate Tunnels
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,457 reviews
Your tour starts with a short film show in a 150 year old Victorian Railway Tunnel before heading off into purpose built Air Raid Precaution tunnels under the town of Ramsgate. Hear about the “Mad Mayor” who saved the town Discover how the tunnels were built See where a town below the town evolved Listen to stories of life underground
Reviewed By pauleym658
Didn't know what to expect today, but it was a real treat and great history lesson. Air raid shelter tunnels 2 and a bit miles built in 8months with massive foresight... Thoroughly enjoyed the history and artifacts. Need sturdy shoes to walk the tunnels of which you may cover approx 1 mile underground. Enjoyable afternoon with the family. Avoid taking very young children!
6. The Hornby Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 428 reviews
Relive the story of Britain’s best loved toys. Come and see our fascinating displays, featuring rare products from the Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix and Corgi archives. Track the history of Hornby’s iconic model trains from Frank Hornby’s early home-made toys in sheet metal, through the development of Hornby ‘O’ gauge and Hornby-Dublo. Trace the development of Scalextric, the legendary slot car racing system, from its launch in the 1950s through to the latest detailed models. Follow the history of Airfix from the introduction of the 1949 Ferguson TE20 tractor kit through to the brand’s latest releases. Learn how Airfix models are made and see over 80 years of history, from the Mettoy tinplate toys of the 1930s to the high quality Corgi collectables of today. Experience our interactive displays, treat yourself to something in our retail shop and unwind in our Just The Ticket Café.
Reviewed By sassietech - Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Loved this Hornby visitor centre. Great value for money and loads to see. Wished we had some children with us to share the fun. Husband is enthused about taking up model making again after chatting to some modellers who were showing there today.
7. Margate Main Sands
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 769 reviews
Reviewed By margareth566 - Greater London, United Kingdom
This beach is clean and sandy perfect on a sunny day. But good for a stroll at any time lots of bars and eateries close by as well.
8. Botany Bay
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 473 reviews
Reviewed By HolidaymakerfromHove - Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom
We visited whilst on a short holiday to Kent. We managed to park easily in a residential road and walked down a slope to the sandy beach. The cliffs are amazing. We enjoyed a walk along the beach followed by a walk along the cliff top to get a view of Kingsgate castle which is positioned dramatically on top of the cliffs. Highly recommended.
9. Margate Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 668 reviews
Reviewed By maidstoneminx - Southampton, United Kingdom
Not everything is open but possibly more places open at the weekend? Very clean, gentrification with vegan cafes, galleries and retro/ vintage clothes. Antiques and bric a brac too. Superb old school jeweller near the square and Margate museum.
10. Turner Contemporary
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2,044 reviews
**Please note Turner Contemporary is temporarily closed until further notice in response to the COVID-19 situation. Find out more at turnercontemporary.org.** Turner Contemporary is a pioneering visual arts organisation using our namesake’s spirit of radical enquiry to activate art and people, in our galleries and beyond. Located in an elegant purpose-built gallery, designed by David Chipperfield Architects, the gallery looks out on the very views that JMW Turner immortalised in many of his key works. Turner Contemporary presents a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions, events and learning opportunities which make intriguing links between historic and contemporary art. The gallery offers a space for everyone to discover different ways of seeing, thinking and learning.
Reviewed By Flyer566603 - London, United Kingdom
Love this place. It’s the second time I’ve been and apart from being a great exhibition space with interesting exhibitions the shop is the best gallery shop I’ve come across. Wonderful views out to sea too!
