Margate Main Sands Guide
Few beaches capture the nostalgic spirit of the British seaside quite like Margate Main Sands. With its long stretch of golden sand, lively promenade, and sweeping views across the North Sea, this much-loved beach has been welcoming visitors for more than 250 years.
Located in the heart of Margate, just steps from Dreamland and the Old Town, Margate Main Sands blends traditional seaside fun with modern culture. Whether you’re visiting for a family day out, a coastal weekend, or a sunset stroll with fish and chips in hand, it’s one of Kent’s best beaches for a full day by the sea.
About Margate Main Sands
Margate’s gently sloping bay and calm, clean waters make it ideal for swimming and paddling. At low tide, the beach stretches far into the distance, revealing sand flats and small rock pools teeming with sea life. Lifeguards patrol the beach during summer, and its west-facing position provides some of Kent’s most spectacular sunsets.
Highlights include:
Wide golden sands and calm, shallow waters
Lifeguarded swimming areas (May–September)
Deckchair and sunbed hire
Accessible ramps and promenade facilities
Iconic sunsets over the North Sea
Things to Do at Margate Main Sands
1. Relax on the Beach
Enjoy a classic day out on the sand. Bring a picnic, rent a deckchair, or simply watch the tide roll in. The bay’s flat layout makes it perfect for families.
2. Visit Dreamland Margate
Just behind the promenade lies Dreamland, one of the UK’s oldest amusement parks. Expect vintage rides, roller discos, and summer concerts - all with a retro seaside twist.
3. Explore Margate Old Town
A short stroll inland leads to cobbled streets, art galleries, and independent shops. Don’t miss Turner Contemporary, overlooking the sea, or the mysterious Shell Grotto, lined with millions of shells.
4. Try Water Sports
In summer, you can hire paddleboards, kayaks, or pedalos directly from the beach. The calm bay is ideal for beginners.
5. Eat and Drink by the Sea
Margate’s promenade is lined with classic and contemporary eateries - from Buoy and Oyster and Peter’s Fish Factory to Melt Gelato. For cocktails with a view, head to the Harbour Arm.
Why Visit Margate Main Sands
With its vintage seaside atmosphere, sandy beach, and lively town centre, Margate Main Sands remains one of the most popular and picturesque beaches in Kent.
Perfect for families, couples, and culture lovers alike, it offers the ideal mix of relaxation and entertainment, just 90 minutes from London. Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying for the weekend, Margate’s main beach captures the timeless charm of the English seaside - with plenty of modern flair.
Visitor Information
Location
Marine Terrace, Margate, Kent CT9 1XJ
View: Overlooks Margate Bay and the North Sea, steps from Dreamland and the Old Town.
Getting There
By Train: Margate Station (5-minute walk to the seafront).
By Car: Follow the A299 (Thanet Way) from the M2 towards Margate.
Parking
Pay-and-display car parks near Harbour Arm and Trinity Square within easy walking distance.
Facilities
Public toilets, showers, cafés, deckchair hire, lifeguards (summer), and accessible beach ramps.
Plan Your Trip
Stay: Seafront hotels, guesthouses, and boutique B&Bs near the beach.
Nearby: Dreamland, Turner Contemporary, Margate Old Town, and Shell Grotto.
Accessibility
Margate Main Sands is wheelchair accessible, with ramps from Marine Terrace and the promenade, accessible toilets, and nearby disabled parking spaces. Beach wheelchairs are available for hire during the summer months from Thanet District Council.
Our guide on where to get the very best coffee in Margate.