Sightseeing
The Shell Grotto | Grotto Hill, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2BU
@shellgrotto
The Shell Grotto is an ornate subterranean passageway with, you guessed it, shells. Almost all the surface area of the walls and roof is covered in mosaics created entirely of seashells, totalling about 2,000 square feet of mosaic, or 4.6 million shells. Looking like a film set from an Indiana Jones movie, it truly is a sight to behold. It was discovered in 1835, but its age and purpose remain unknown.
170 abantu bendawo batusa
Shell Grotto
33 Grotto HillThe Shell Grotto | Grotto Hill, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2BU
@shellgrotto
The Shell Grotto is an ornate subterranean passageway with, you guessed it, shells. Almost all the surface area of the walls and roof is covered in mosaics created entirely of seashells, totalling about 2,000 square feet of mosaic, or 4.6 million shells. Looking like a film set from an Indiana Jones movie, it truly is a sight to behold. It was discovered in 1835, but its age and purpose remain unknown.
Margate Caves | Northdown Rd, Margate CT9 1QH
@margatecaves
Originally dug as a chalk mine in the 18th century, the Margate Caves went largely forgotten for over 100 years before being rediscovered and restored for personal recreation and then eventually as a tourist attraction. It reopened again last year and has a café, shop and exhibition spaces
72 abantu bendawo batusa
Margate Caves
1 Northdown RdMargate Caves | Northdown Rd, Margate CT9 1QH
@margatecaves
Originally dug as a chalk mine in the 18th century, the Margate Caves went largely forgotten for over 100 years before being rediscovered and restored for personal recreation and then eventually as a tourist attraction. It reopened again last year and has a café, shop and exhibition spaces
Turner Contemporary | Rendezvous, Margate CT9 1HG
@turnercontemporary
The Turner Contemporary commands the same expansive sea views that JMW Turner immortalised in his works, with the artist insisting that Margate offers “the loveliest skies in all of Europe”. Catch a rolling programme of exhibitions and events at this wonderful gallery.
351 abantu bendawo batusa
Turner Contemporary
RendezvousTurner Contemporary | Rendezvous, Margate CT9 1HG
@turnercontemporary
The Turner Contemporary commands the same expansive sea views that JMW Turner immortalised in his works, with the artist insisting that Margate offers “the loveliest skies in all of Europe”. Catch a rolling programme of exhibitions and events at this wonderful gallery.
Carl Freedman Gallery | 28 Union Cres, Margate CT9 1NS
@carlfreedmangallery
Another wonderful new addition to Margate’s blossoming art scene.
22 abantu bendawo batusa
Carl Freedman Gallery
28 Union CresCarl Freedman Gallery | 28 Union Cres, Margate CT9 1NS
@carlfreedmangallery
Another wonderful new addition to Margate’s blossoming art scene.
The Crab Museum | 9 Broad St, Margate CT9 1EW
@crabmuseum
Opening September 2021 and we are very excited about this one!
9 abantu bendawo batusa
Crab Museum
9 Broad StThe Crab Museum | 9 Broad St, Margate CT9 1EW
@crabmuseum
Opening September 2021 and we are very excited about this one!
Haeckels | handcrafted candles, cosmetics and fragrances, plus an on-site spa
@haeckels
47 abantu bendawo batusa
Haeckels
18 Cliff TerraceHaeckels | handcrafted candles, cosmetics and fragrances, plus an on-site spa
@haeckels
Madam Popoff Vintage | high-end, impeccably-curated vintage fashion
@madampopoffvintage
15 abantu bendawo batusa
Madam Popoff Vintage
4 King StMadam Popoff Vintage | high-end, impeccably-curated vintage fashion
@madampopoffvintage
Werkhaus Margate | one of Margate’s best-loved vintage/utilitarian clothing stores
@werkhausmargate
12 abantu bendawo batusa
Margate Washhouse
30 High StWerkhaus Margate | one of Margate’s best-loved vintage/utilitarian clothing stores
@werkhausmargate
Little Bit | creative gifts, clothing and other treats
@littlebitmargate
9 abantu bendawo batusa
Little Bit
1-3 Broad StLittle Bit | creative gifts, clothing and other treats
@littlebitmargate
Hotpod Yoga | dreamy hot yoga studio in the heart of the old town
@hotpodyogamargate
8 abantu bendawo batusa
Hotpod Yoga Margate
39-41 High StHotpod Yoga | dreamy hot yoga studio in the heart of the old town
@hotpodyogamargate
Sister Joan | our excellent local salon specialising in complete style refreshes
@sisterjoansalon
SISTER JOAN
270 Northdown RdSister Joan | our excellent local salon specialising in complete style refreshes
@sisterjoansalon
Quex Park | Quex View Rd, Birchington CT7 0BB
@quexbarn
Just across the road from us is Quex Park, with a wonderful farm shop (our top pick for stocking your caravan kitchen) which has a whole host of activities and things to do for kids. There is paintballing and a maize maze and a fabulous barn restaurant with genuine Neapolitan pizzas, including delicious vegan options.
43 abantu bendawo batusa
Quex Park
Park LaneQuex Park | Quex View Rd, Birchington CT7 0BB
@quexbarn
Just across the road from us is Quex Park, with a wonderful farm shop (our top pick for stocking your caravan kitchen) which has a whole host of activities and things to do for kids. There is paintballing and a maize maze and a fabulous barn restaurant with genuine Neapolitan pizzas, including delicious vegan options.
Food scene
The Sun Deck | Royal Crescent Promenade, Westbrook, CT9 5AJ
@thesundeckmargate
Summertime pop-up (April-October) featuring the wonderful Bus Cafe (@thebuscafe), Po’Boy Fish & Chips (@poboycreole), Garage Coffee (@garageroasted) Pork & Co (@porkandco) and Sun Deck Cocktail Bar (@thesundeckmargate). A great outdoor option with live music, a variety of eating/drinking options and spectacular sunset views.
50 abantu bendawo batusa
The Sun Deck
Royal Crescent PromenadeThe Sun Deck | Royal Crescent Promenade, Westbrook, CT9 5AJ
@thesundeckmargate
Summertime pop-up (April-October) featuring the wonderful Bus Cafe (@thebuscafe), Po’Boy Fish & Chips (@poboycreole), Garage Coffee (@garageroasted) Pork & Co (@porkandco) and Sun Deck Cocktail Bar (@thesundeckmargate). A great outdoor option with live music, a variety of eating/drinking options and spectacular sunset views.
Forts | 8 Cliff Terrace, Margate , CT9 1RU
@fortscoffee
Forts is a new coffee shop in Margate and a must-visit for coffee lovers. They also make interesting sandwich creations.
65 abantu bendawo batusa
Fort's Cafe
8 Cliff TerraceForts | 8 Cliff Terrace, Margate , CT9 1RU
@fortscoffee
Forts is a new coffee shop in Margate and a must-visit for coffee lovers. They also make interesting sandwich creations.
Skinny Dip | 235 Northdown Rd, CT9 2PJ
@skinnydipcoffee
Fairtrade coffee and some of the best grilled cheese sandwiches in town, plus vegan options.
18 abantu bendawo batusa
Skinny Dip Coffee
235 Northdown RdSkinny Dip | 235 Northdown Rd, CT9 2PJ
@skinnydipcoffee
Fairtrade coffee and some of the best grilled cheese sandwiches in town, plus vegan options.
Dalby Cafe | 4-6 Dalby Rd, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2EX
@dalbycafe
A place to grab a full English breakfast with no frills. Delicious and affordable, a Club Jupiter icon.
37 abantu bendawo batusa
The Dalby Cafe
4-6 Dalby Rd
Dalby Cafe | 4-6 Dalby Rd, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2EX
@dalbycafe
A place to grab a full English breakfast with no frills. Delicious and affordable, a Club Jupiter icon.
Store Room by Curve | 1D Print Works, Union Row, Margate CT9 1PP
@storeroombycurve
Another coffee shop for coffee lovers. Lots of interesting brews with the beans roasted locally in Margate.
35 abantu bendawo batusa
Curve Roasters Storeroom
12 Union RowStore Room by Curve | 1D Print Works, Union Row, Margate CT9 1PP
@storeroombycurve
Another coffee shop for coffee lovers. Lots of interesting brews with the beans roasted locally in Margate.
The Grain Grocer | 216 Northdown Rd, Margate, CT9 2QU
@thegraingrocer
Natural food store and cafe in the middle of Margate’s Northdown Road with great coffee and smoothies. Perfect for picking up a veggie picnic for the beach.
46 abantu bendawo batusa
The Grain Grocer
216 Northdown RdThe Grain Grocer | 216 Northdown Rd, Margate, CT9 2QU
@thegraingrocer
Natural food store and cafe in the middle of Margate’s Northdown Road with great coffee and smoothies. Perfect for picking up a veggie picnic for the beach.
New Street Bistro | 23 New St, Margate CT9 1EG
@new_street_bistro
One of our favourites in Margate. New Street Bistro is run by a cracking father and son team who specialise in seasonal dishes. The focus is very much on quality over quantity here, but they can adapt ingredients for kids etc.
26 abantu bendawo batusa
New Street Bistro
23 New StNew Street Bistro | 23 New St, Margate CT9 1EG
@new_street_bistro
One of our favourites in Margate. New Street Bistro is run by a cracking father and son team who specialise in seasonal dishes. The focus is very much on quality over quantity here, but they can adapt ingredients for kids etc.
Roost | 19 Cliff Terrace, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 1RU
@roostmargate
Roost should 100% be your go-to restaurant for family-friendly grub. While it may sound like a place that’s just for fried chicken, this local favourite actually has a pretty big menu of diner food and some very tasty vegetarian/vegan options too.
41 abantu bendawo batusa
Roost Restaurant & Cafe
19 Cliff TerraceRoost | 19 Cliff Terrace, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 1RU
@roostmargate
Roost should 100% be your go-to restaurant for family-friendly grub. While it may sound like a place that’s just for fried chicken, this local favourite actually has a pretty big menu of diner food and some very tasty vegetarian/vegan options too.
Bottega Caruso | 2-4 Broad St, Margate CT9 1EW
@bottegacaruso
This family run restaurant specialises in Italian recipes that have been passed down through the generations. No wonder food critic Grace Dent gave them top marks and caused a six week waiting list in the process.
60 abantu bendawo batusa
Bottega Caruso
2-4 Broad StBottega Caruso | 2-4 Broad St, Margate CT9 1EW
@bottegacaruso
This family run restaurant specialises in Italian recipes that have been passed down through the generations. No wonder food critic Grace Dent gave them top marks and caused a six week waiting list in the process.
Pizza GB | 14a Marine Dr, Margate CT9 1DH
@gbpizzamargate
Much-loved sourdough pizza joint, particularly great for larger groups.
92 abantu bendawo batusa
GB Pizza Co
14a Marine DrPizza GB | 14a Marine Dr, Margate CT9 1DH
@gbpizzamargate
Much-loved sourdough pizza joint, particularly great for larger groups.
Ralph’s | 7a Market Place, Margate CT9 1EN
@ralphsmargate
Another great place for sourdough pizza in Margate’s Old Town. There’s a focus on vegetarian options here.
27 abantu bendawo batusa
Slab Margate
15 The ParadeRalph’s | 7a Market Place, Margate CT9 1EN
@ralphsmargate
Another great place for sourdough pizza in Margate’s Old Town. There’s a focus on vegetarian options here.
Dive Tacos | Margate Harbour Arm, CT9 1AP
@dive.margate
Creative tacos and wonderful margaritas, with outside seating on the harbour arm.
28 abantu bendawo batusa
DIVE - Tacos & Margaritas
Unit 6 Harbour ArmDive Tacos | Margate Harbour Arm, CT9 1AP
@dive.margate
Creative tacos and wonderful margaritas, with outside seating on the harbour arm.
Sargasso | Harbour Arm, CT9 1AP
@sargasso.bar
Recently taken over by the team behind Brawn Restaurant in London, this is a perfect spot with both indoor and outdoor seating.
51 abantu bendawo batusa
SARGASSO
Stone PierSargasso | Harbour Arm, CT9 1AP
@sargasso.bar
Recently taken over by the team behind Brawn Restaurant in London, this is a perfect spot with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Dolma Bar | Tom Thumb Theatre, 2A Eastern Esplanade, CT9 2LB
@dolma.bar
Balkan pop-up in Margate’s smallest theatre, Dolma Bar specialises in wrapped Bulgarian dishes.
51 abantu bendawo batusa
Tom Thumb Theatre
2A Eastern EsplanadeDolma Bar | Tom Thumb Theatre, 2A Eastern Esplanade, CT9 2LB
@dolma.bar
Balkan pop-up in Margate’s smallest theatre, Dolma Bar specialises in wrapped Bulgarian dishes.
Dory’s | 24 High Street. Margate. Kent. CT9 1DS
@dorys_of_margate
If you’re a fan of seafood, Dory’s is your best bet for fresh sharing style food that feels fancy, but not too much so. Little sister to the slightly more formal, green-Michelin-starred seafood restaurant Angela’s (@angelas_of_margate), Dory’s seafood bar overlooks Margate Main Sands.
71 abantu bendawo batusa
Dorys
24 High StDory’s | 24 High Street. Margate. Kent. CT9 1DS
@dorys_of_margate
If you’re a fan of seafood, Dory’s is your best bet for fresh sharing style food that feels fancy, but not too much so. Little sister to the slightly more formal, green-Michelin-starred seafood restaurant Angela’s (@angelas_of_margate), Dory’s seafood bar overlooks Margate Main Sands.
Dory’s | 24 High Street. Margate. Kent. CT9 1DS
@dorys_of_margate
If you’re a fan of seafood, Dory’s or Angela's is your best bet for fresh sharing style food that feels fancy, but not too much so.
Dory's is the sister to the slightly more formal, green-Michelin-starred seafood restaurant Angela’s (@angelas_of_margate), Dory’s seafood bar overlooks Margate Main Sands.
104 abantu bendawo batusa
Angela's
21 The ParadeDory’s | 24 High Street. Margate. Kent. CT9 1DS
@dorys_of_margate
If you’re a fan of seafood, Dory’s or Angela's is your best bet for fresh sharing style food that feels fancy, but not too much so.
Dory's is the sister to the slightly more formal, green-Michelin-starred seafood restaurant Angela’s (@angelas_of_margate), Dory’s seafood bar overlooks Margate Main Sands.
Barletta at The Turner | Margate Harbour CT9 1HG
@barlettamargate
Delicious menu of small plates with a focus on seafood and fabulous cocktails, in the Turner Contemporary.
29 abantu bendawo batusa
Barletta
Barletta at The Turner | Margate Harbour CT9 1HG
@barlettamargate
Delicious menu of small plates with a focus on seafood and fabulous cocktails, in the Turner Contemporary.
WILDES
4-5 Market PlaceFabulous cocktails in the heart of the old town
Little Swift
7-8 Marine DrNorthdown Brewery
Channel RoadNorthdown Brewery | tours, tap room, and pop-up pizza joint
@northdownbrewery
The George & Heart | our favourite poshed-up pub with rooms
@georgeandheart
53 abantu bendawo batusa
The George & Heart Bar
44 King StThe George & Heart | our favourite poshed-up pub with rooms
@georgeandheart
The Rose in June
49-50 Trinity SquareThe Rose In June | our favourite pub
@rose_in_june_margate
The Tap Room | much-loved local old-school boozer
@thetaproomcliftonville
46 abantu bendawo batusa
The Tap Room
4 Prices AveThe Tap Room | much-loved local old-school boozer
@thetaproomcliftonville
Hotwood Pizza | 25 Station Rd, Westgate-on-Sea CT8 8RB
@hotwoodpizza
Independent, authentic pizza in the heart of Westgate, around the corner from the wonderful arthouse cinema The Carlton.
Hot Wood Pizza
25 Station RdHotwood Pizza | 25 Station Rd, Westgate-on-Sea CT8 8RB
@hotwoodpizza
Independent, authentic pizza in the heart of Westgate, around the corner from the wonderful arthouse cinema The Carlton.
Morelli’s | 14 Victoria Parade, Broadstairs CT10 1QS
@morellisgelato
The ultimate ice cream. It was sold in the early 1900s from a bicycle before making it to the Harrods food hall, and Broadstairs! You can either sit in for waffles, or take out. MUST VISIT!
61 abantu bendawo batusa
Morelli's Gelato
14 Victoria ParadeMorelli’s | 14 Victoria Parade, Broadstairs CT10 1QS
@morellisgelato
The ultimate ice cream. It was sold in the early 1900s from a bicycle before making it to the Harrods food hall, and Broadstairs! You can either sit in for waffles, or take out. MUST VISIT!
Quex Park | Quex View Rd, Birchington CT7 0BB
@quexbarn
Just across the road from us is Quex Park, with a wonderful farm shop (our top pick for stocking your caravan kitchen) which has a whole host of activities and things to do for kids. There is paintballing and a maize maze and a fabulous barn restaurant with genuine Neapolitan pizzas, including delicious vegan options.
43 abantu bendawo batusa
Quex Park
Park LaneQuex Park | Quex View Rd, Birchington CT7 0BB
@quexbarn
Just across the road from us is Quex Park, with a wonderful farm shop (our top pick for stocking your caravan kitchen) which has a whole host of activities and things to do for kids. There is paintballing and a maize maze and a fabulous barn restaurant with genuine Neapolitan pizzas, including delicious vegan options.
Neighbourhoods
LOCAL BEACHES
Birchington Vale is close to the village of Birchington, alongside four picturesque sandy bays, all easily accessed and providing great sunbathing and watersports opportunities, with sailing and windsurfing. This stretch of the Kent coast features absolutely beautiful beaches. You can’t really go wrong with wherever you end up, but here’s the selection to choose from!
Minnis Bay & Minnis Bay Tidal Pool (8 minute drive from park)
A fantastic all-round beach with sandy and stony areas. There’s a large tidal swimming pool and great rock pools to explore at low tide. incredible beach views and is extremely popular with dog walkers.
Westbrook Bay Beach (6 minute drive from park)
A quieter beach between Birchington and Margate featuring signature blue and yellow beach huts. You’ll also find crazy golf here.
Margate Main Sands (8 minute drive from park)
Margate’s main beach features beautiful golden sands but can get quite busy. There are rides for children here as well as a beach bar. There’s also a tidal pool and lots of rock pools - great for crabbing!
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool (12 minute drive from park)
If you’re looking for a quiet beach, Walpole Bay is where the locals hang out. There’s a tidal pool which is great for kids and for crabbing but you’ll have to walk around to Palm Bay for refreshments. It’s also regularly quite seaweedy!
Palm Bay Beach (12 minute drive from park)
Another slightly quieter beach bay, with a cafe and parking.
Botany Bay (12 minute drive from park)
Botany Bay is a gorgeous beach with amazing natural rock formations. When the tide is out, Botany bay is a great location for fossil hunting and exploring the rock pools. It gets quite busy on sunnier days so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Joss Bay (14 minute drive from park)
This sandy cove is very popular and features a surf school, kids activities, a cafe & white chalk cliffs. Parking is in a field nearby and can get quite busy!
Viking Bay (14 minute drive from park)
The main beach in Broadstairs which unsurprisingly can get busy. Great location for all local eateries and attractions though!
Thanet District
LOCAL BEACHES
Birchington Vale is close to the village of Birchington, alongside four picturesque sandy bays, all easily accessed and providing great sunbathing and watersports opportunities, with sailing and windsurfing. This stretch of the Kent coast features absolutely beautiful beaches. You can’t really go wrong with wherever you end up, but here’s the selection to choose from!
Minnis Bay & Minnis Bay Tidal Pool (8 minute drive from park)
A fantastic all-round beach with sandy and stony areas. There’s a large tidal swimming pool and great rock pools to explore at low tide. incredible beach views and is extremely popular with dog walkers.
Westbrook Bay Beach (6 minute drive from park)
A quieter beach between Birchington and Margate featuring signature blue and yellow beach huts. You’ll also find crazy golf here.
Margate Main Sands (8 minute drive from park)
Margate’s main beach features beautiful golden sands but can get quite busy. There are rides for children here as well as a beach bar. There’s also a tidal pool and lots of rock pools - great for crabbing!
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool (12 minute drive from park)
If you’re looking for a quiet beach, Walpole Bay is where the locals hang out. There’s a tidal pool which is great for kids and for crabbing but you’ll have to walk around to Palm Bay for refreshments. It’s also regularly quite seaweedy!
Palm Bay Beach (12 minute drive from park)
Another slightly quieter beach bay, with a cafe and parking.
Botany Bay (12 minute drive from park)
Botany Bay is a gorgeous beach with amazing natural rock formations. When the tide is out, Botany bay is a great location for fossil hunting and exploring the rock pools. It gets quite busy on sunnier days so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Joss Bay (14 minute drive from park)
This sandy cove is very popular and features a surf school, kids activities, a cafe & white chalk cliffs. Parking is in a field nearby and can get quite busy!
Viking Bay (14 minute drive from park)
The main beach in Broadstairs which unsurprisingly can get busy. Great location for all local eateries and attractions though!
Izeluleko zedolobha
Ukuzulazula
Car-Free Travellers
Birchington Vale is a leisurely 30-minute bike ride from Margate’s harbour, via country roads to the village of Westgate-on-Sea. From Westgate it’s possible to cycle the promenade by the sea the entire way to Margate.
Cabs can be ordered to the site if you don’t want to drive. We recommend Central Cars (download the app) who will charge around £5-£7 for a cab to Margate. Booking is strongly recommended during the summer months in Margate, as local taxi companies have been hit hard by staff shortages post-Covid.
Central Cars: 01843 601601
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ABOUT BIRCHINGTON VALE HOLIDAY PARK
There's plenty to do in the park for guests, including a clubhouse bar and all-day restaurant, indoor pool with flume, crazy golf course, arcade and an adventure playground. Entertainment passes for activities can be purchased at Main Reception and cost £3.00 a day for children (5 and over) and adults. On-site you will also find a shop and launderette if required.
For information about the park itself, please visit Main Reception who will help you with up to date info on activities and entertainment. Please note that masks must be worn at all times when wa
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CARAVAN BASICS
The lockbox code is 7171, and attached you’ll find a fob. This enables access to the park when the road barriers are down; place this on the left hand side of the keypad to gain access. Any issues, press the warden button and inform them you are staying at Club Jupiter, 71 Palm Crescent. Club Jupiter is situated in a friendly, residential avenue within caravan park, so please respect our wonderful neighbours and keep noise to a minimum between the hours of 11pm-7am.
The Clubhouse complex contains a well-stocked on-site tuckshop, with milk (including non-dairy options), bread,