Margate Main Sands
The Classic British Seaside Experience on Kent’s Iconic Coast
Few beaches capture the nostalgic charm of the British seaside quite like Margate Main Sands. With its golden sand, lively promenade, and sweeping views across the North Sea, this historic stretch of coast has been welcoming visitors for more than 250 years.
Located in the heart of Margate’s seafront, just steps from Dreamland and the Old Town, Margate Main Sands combines traditional seaside fun with contemporary culture. Whether you’re visiting for a family day out, a romantic coastal escape, or a classic fish-and-chip lunch by the sea, it’s one of the best beaches in Kent for a full day of sun, sea, and entertainment.
About Margate Main Sands
Margate’s beach has long been a favourite among day-trippers from London and across the South East. The bay’s wide, gently sloping sands and safe, clean waters make it ideal for swimming, paddling, and building sandcastles.
During low tide, the beach stretches far out to sea, revealing rock pools teeming with marine life, while at high tide, it’s perfect for a refreshing dip. The bay is also lifeguarded in summer, offering peace of mind for families.
The beach faces west, making it one of the best places in Kent to watch a spectacular sunset over the water — a fitting end to a day on the coast.
Things to Do at Margate Main Sands
1. Relax on the Beach
Bring your towel and enjoy miles of soft golden sand, perfect for sunbathing, beach games, or a gentle paddle in the shallows. The bay is sheltered and flat, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for visitors of all ages.
2. Visit Dreamland Margate
Right behind the promenade, Dreamland offers vintage fairground rides, roller disco, live music, and food stalls — all with a nostalgic seaside twist. It’s free to enter and open seasonally from April to October.
3. Explore Margate Old Town
A few minutes’ walk from the beach, Margate Old Town is filled with independent shops, galleries, and cafés. Don’t miss Turner Contemporary — one of the UK’s leading modern art galleries — and the quirky Shell Grotto, a mysterious underground passage lined with millions of seashells.
4. Water Sports and Activities
In summer, visitors can hire paddleboards, kayaks, and pedalos directly from the beach. The calm, shallow waters make it a great place to try water sports for the first time.
5. Eat and Drink by the Sea
The promenade is lined with ice cream parlours, fish and chip shops, and restaurants serving everything from oysters to wood-fired pizza. Local favourites include Melt Gelato, Buoy and Oyster, and Peter’s Fish Factory — a Margate institution.
Family-Friendly Facilities
Margate Main Sands is one of the best-equipped beaches in Kent, with excellent facilities that make it perfect for families and group visits.
Public Toilets: Available along the promenade.
Lifeguards: On duty from May to September.
Deckchair & Sunbed Hire: Available during the summer season.
Accessible Beach Ramps: Step-free access from the main promenade.
Dog Policy: Dogs are not permitted on Main Sands from 1 May to 30 September; they are welcome on nearby beaches out of season.
Parking: Several pay-and-display car parks nearby, including Harbour Arm and Trinity Square.
Events and Activities
Margate Main Sands plays host to a wide variety of events throughout the year, from seaside festivals and classic car shows to open-air cinema screenings and live music on the beach.
In summer, the beach forms the backdrop for Dreamland’s outdoor concerts, and in winter, the promenade comes alive with Christmas lights, markets, and seasonal celebrations.
How to Get There
Address: Margate Main Sands, Marine Terrace, Margate, Kent CT9 1XJ
By Train: High-speed Southeastern services run from London St Pancras to Margate in around 90 minutes. The beach is a 5-minute walk from Margate Station.
By Car: Follow the A299 (Thanet Way) from the M2; parking is available close to the beach.
By Bus: Regular Stagecoach services connect Margate with Ramsgate, Broadstairs, and Canterbury.
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.
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.