Seaside town less than 2 hours from London is making a 'resurgence'
Once bustling tourist hotspots, many of Britain's seaside towns have been "forgotten" over the past few decades. The rise of budget foreign holidays, city breaks becoming more popular, unpredictable weather, and a lack of financial investment have all contributed to Brits across the nation favouring other holiday options, leaving these coastal gems neglected.
However, these family-friendly beach retreats never lost their allure, and a "remarkable revival" is now underway. Margate, in Kent, has been singled out by travel experts at National Geographic as one of the few seaside towns making a comeback.
This resurgence can be attributed to several factors, but at its core is an "unshakeable sense of community and culture".
The travel gurus at National Geographic further elaborated: "Overcoming the restrictions of seasonality is top of every coastal town's wish list. Margate, on the eastern tip of Kent, is the exemplar of this," reports the Express.
"When the weather sends visitors scurrying inland from the 656ft expanse of sand, there's a near-endless array of distractions: artistic, retro, retail or just good old-fashioned seaside fun. Culture, embodied by the Turner Contemporary, helped the town turn the corner - but it's the unshakeable sense of community that's driving the resurgence."
Margate, a bustling seaside town with over 51,766 residents, is a melting pot of creativity, activism, and inclusivity. Just an hour and 40 minutes by train from the heart of London, it's a top pick for city dwellers seeking a golden sandy beach.
So popular has Margate become that it's earned nicknames like "Shoreditch-on-Sea or the Camden of the south-east," or "Shoreditch-on-Sea or the Camden of the south-east," thanks to the influx of urbanites, or "hipsters" who are snapping up affordable homes and reshaping the local culture.
Local entrepreneur Keith Marsh, of Sunset Rock Shop, observed, "Every shop in Market Place was for sale or derelict. Now you've got your hipsters coming down, and every shop is occupied."
The town has even drawn comparisons to Ibiza, boasting a range of trendy bars and eateries for both locals and tourists to savour. The Main Sands beach, stretching about 200 meters, is a key attraction in Margate.
Thanks to a dedicated group of local volunteers, the beach remains pristine. Rise Up, Clean UP Margate is a community-led initiative committed to preserving Margate's beaches and ensuring clean waters.
Currently, the beach holds a four-star rating on TripAdvisor. One visitor commented: "It was lovely to see Margate main sands buzzing with people today. The sands were clear, but sadly, the seaweed was quite potent. Honestly, think it's one of the best beaches in the UK.
Another remarked: "It's on par with Weymouth but much quieter. We visited from Allhallows Haven and came back for another day! The beach is amazing. There are lifeguards everywhere, and it feels safe and clean. There are enough shops to potter around in, and Dreamland was fantastic. I'm looking forward to coming back."
For those holidaying with their families, Margate boasts one of the UK's most iconic amusement parks: Dreamland. This seaside attraction first opened its doors in 1880.
Dreamland is "home to vintage-style rides and amusements, a roller disco, and a great line-up of must-see ticketed live music and events. Rides, amusements, and the roller disco are open seasonally from spring through the end of summer."
However, at the heart of the town's identity is the Turner Contemporary gallery, which opened its doors in 2011. According to the gallery's website, it has welcomed over 4.5 million visitors and has contributed approximately £100 million to the local economy.
If you're planning your stay in Margate, National Geographic suggests No 42 by GuestHouse. This establishment opened in the summer of 2023 and "has an enviable location fronting the beach and opening onto the High Street to the rear.
"It's a well-heeled crowd who come for the 21 stylish rooms and the brand's signature Pearly Cow surf-and-turf restaurant."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
You'll never guess where the tiny 'UK's best island' is
The UK's best islands have been named - and the winner is a tiny spot off the coast of northwest Wales. It's a peaceful escape with plenty to explore and miles of beautiful beaches If you're on the hunt for a staycation spot, look no further - the UK's best islands have been revealed. Topping the list is Anglesey, located off the northwest coast of Wales. Despite having a modest population of just 70,000, the island attracts a million tourists each year. But don't let these figures put you off; it never feels overcrowded. In fact, it's the ideal location for a tranquil escape, perfect for unwinding and disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Telegraph assessed 35 factors across more than 40 islands, with Anglesey outshining popular holiday destinations such as Jersey, Skye, and the Isle of Wight. There's plenty to keep you occupied, including a 140-mile coastal path that encircles the island, the romantic Llandwyn Island, and wildlife spotting at South Stack Lighthouse. Even a simple afternoon spent exploring the marine life in the rockpools at the nearest beach can be delightful. For those less inclined towards hiking and nature spotting, Anglesey boasts the 13th-century Beaumaris Castle and the Halen Môn sea salt company's visitor centre, reports the Express. Additionally, there's the Copper Kingdom - once the world's largest copper mine, and Holy Island, renowned for its high concentration of standing stones, burial chambers and other religious sites. GeoMôn, a Unesco World Heritage site of extraordinary geological importance, showcases 1.8 billion years of Earth's history, the oldest fossils in England and Wales, and rock formations from nearly every geological period. The publication hailed Anglesey as "Wales's biggest island romped to the top of the ranking", with its 25 historic sites and the Michelin-starred delights of Sosban and the Old Butchers in Menai Strait. A stone's throw from the island lies the stunning Eryri National Park (formerly known as Snowdonia), where those keen on challenging hikes can tackle peaks like Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest mountain in the UK outside Scotland. Reaching Anglesey is a breeze by car or train via Bangor to Holyhead, a bustling cruise and ferry port offering frequent services to Dublin. The island boasts an array of accommodation options, including self-catering holiday homes, hotels, and B&Bs. The Telegraph's roundup of the UK's best islands also features the Isle of Wight, Jersey, Mull, Skye, Guernsey, Mainland (Orkney), St Mary (Isles of Scilly), Isle of Man, and Arran.
North Wales Live
2 hours ago
- North Wales Live
Stunning Welsh island with incredible beaches named the best in Britain
For those in search of the perfect staycation destination, look no further - the UK's top islands have been revealed. Taking the crown is Anglesey, situated off the northwest coast of Wales. With a modest population of merely 70,000, locals are vastly outnumbered by the annual influx of a million tourists. However, don't let these figures deter you; it never feels overcrowded. On the contrary, it serves as an idyllic retreat for those seeking tranquillity, an opportunity to decelerate and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The Telegraph conducted a comparison of 35 aspects across over 40 islands, with Anglesey triumphing over popular holiday destinations such as Jersey, Skye, and the Isle of Wight. There's a wealth of activities on offer, from traversing the 140-mile coastal path that encircles the island, to visiting the enchanting Llandwyn Island, or spotting puffins and other wildlife at South Stack Lighthouse. Even a simple afternoon spent exploring the marine life-rich rockpools at the nearest beach can be a delightful experience. If outdoor pursuits aren't your cup of tea, Anglesey also boasts the 13th-century Beaumaris Castle and the visitor centre of the Halen Môn sea salt company, reports the Express. Additionally, there's the Copper Kingdom - once the world's largest copper mine, and Holy Island, renowned for its high concentration of standing stones, burial chambers, and other religious sites. Anglesey, home to the Unesco World Heritage site GeoMôn, is a region of exceptional geological significance, boasting 1.8 billion years of Earth's history, the oldest fossils in England and Wales, and rock types from almost every geological period. The publication praised Anglesey as "Wales's biggest island romped to the top of the ranking", with its 25 historic sites and Michelin-starred dining at Sosban and the Old Butchers in Menai Strait. Just a short drive away lies the stunning Eryri National Park (formerly known as Snowdonia), where those keen on challenging hikes can tackle the peaks, including Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the UK's highest mountain outside Scotland. Access to Anglesey is straightforward by car or train via Bangor to Holyhead, which also serves as a cruise and ferry port offering regular services to Dublin. The island provides a variety of accommodation options, from holiday lets and hotels to B&Bs. The Telegraph's list of the UK's best islands also features the Isle of Wight, Jersey, Mull, Skye, Guernsey, Mainland (Orkney), St Mary (Isles of Scilly), Isle of Man, and Arran.
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful seaside city named an Ibiza dupe in Europe's 'cheapest' country
The short-term rental platform, Airbnb, has named one Albanian city a "White Isle dupe" - offering resplendent and pristine beaches and a vibrant nightlife at a fraction of the cost of Ibiza Airbnb has named this city a ' White Isle dupe' in a report detailing the UK's top travel trends for summer 2025. Offering beach clubs and an ever-growing nightlife scene, this Albanian city is ideal for those that want an Ibiza experience on a budget. 'Brits are increasingly seeking vibrant fun-filled settings that offer the same bohemian charm and buzzing nightlife as Ibiza's White Isle - but without the hefty price tags,' according to Airbnb. Durrës, Albania is one such gem. Airbnb confirms that searches for the city situated on the Adriatic Coast are 'booming' at the moment as Brits explore cheap holiday destinations. But Durrës is more than a destination dupe, it has a rich history that is ready to be unpacked by tourists. Durrës is one of the oldest and most significant port cities in the Balkans, with a history that dates back nearly 3,000 years. Its impressively storied history has earned Durrës the title 'eternal city' on the Adriatic Sea. One of the biggest draws to the area are undoubtedly its sandy beaches. Durrës is home to some of Albania's most stunning beaches, equally equipped for water sport enthusiasts and lazing sunbathers. The most popular beach in the city is its namesake beach: Durrës Beach. The golden arc of sand has been compared to the French Riviera and is defined by shallow water and soft sand. Keep in mind though that there are hidden rocks that lurk in port-adjacent areas so you may want to pack water shoes. Travellers looking for a bit of adventure can rent jet skis or try parasailing on Durrës Beach. Beach volleyball is also commonly found on the north end, as are yoga sessions hosted by the bigger beach clubs. Heading north from Durrës Beach, travellers will arrive at another local gem: Golem Beach. Located 20 kilometres south of Durrës' city centre, Golem beach is worth a visit with about 3.5 kilometres of soft, golden sand and turquoise waters. There are plenty of other beaches - both hidden gems and hotspots - that are fairly easy to reach from the city centre. Beaches near Durrës Spille Beach Portez Beach Kallmi Beach Cape of Rodon Kavaja Cliff Currila Beach If you're looking for a more cultured experience, there are also numerous galleries, theatres and museums to explore within Durrës. One of the most frequented is the Archeological Museum showcasing artifacts spanning multiple eras. If you're looking for more modern amenities and cultural enrichment, the southern side of the city is the better bet. Here, you'll find buzzy restaurants and resorts, as well as the much-raved about nightlife scene. In its list of White Isle destination dupes, Airbnb also names Tivat, Montenegro and Agadir, Morocco as places to keep on your radar. Tivat is tagged as a 'Monaco-meets-Ibiza' coastal city and its pier recently enjoyed a multi-million dollar makeover. Contrastingly, Agadir in North Africa promises laidback charm and surf-friendly shores for those interested in hitting the waves.
