Canada, Greenland, Iceland and now Margate. My travel dreams are fulfilled! 😁
Margate is a seaside town on the southeast coast. Although Mum and Dad were great sandy beach lovers, they preferred the south coast resorts instead, so that’s where I spent most of my summer holidays in my younger years.
As a result, I’ve NEVER been to Margate, where ironically, it’s also known for its sandy beaches. We want to make the most of our short stay here and there’s a few nearby museums and the famous Turner Contemporary Art Gallery. There’s the iconic ‘Dreamland’ with vintage rides as well as the ‘old town’. So, plenty to see, but I hope the weather holds!
We set off from home by boarding the 11.19am out of Kettering. We’re sharing the trip with great mates Paul & Sue heading for St Pancras International. Ben was good enough to pick us up, and we were soon on the platform waiting for the train.
The second and final part of our journey was a short walk to the other side of St Pancras to grab a ‘Javelin’ high-speed train – the 12.40 -that would whisk us to our destination. What could possibly go wrong!?
Well, plenty! ☹️ Our train was cancelled and the legions of customer service staff weren’t exactly falling over themselves to explain the alternatives! Eventually, a CSA pointed us to… another CSA who pointed to the screen. Thanks, South Eastern Trains, we couldn’t have done it without you! 🤔
The next train was at 1.20 and so with about 40 minutes to wait, we grabbed a seat on the platform and tucked into our pre-prepared light lunch!
Thankfully, our train arrived and left on time and so we continued our nutritious lunch on board!
It was ponderous journey! I thought the train would be reaching speeds of a 100mph plus, but it topped out at just under 90 for just the final few miles.
2.59pm: Hello Margate!
Our later train meant it was ‘perfect timing’ for our 3pm check-in as our hotel was just a few minutes walk from the railway station.
We were soon checking-in and receiving the keys for our rooms at the Premier Inn.
It wasn’t the most attractive of views, but purely from a functional perspective, it ticked all the boxes as it was close to the beach, the eateries, and the town itself.
Actually, the drab exterior betrayed the modern interior and we were very impressed with our room. Thirty-minutes later, with our accommodation sorted, we headed for the town to orient ourselves.
The Seafront
4.03pm: We hit the seafront. It was cold and windy, but we braved the elements and no-one died of exposure! 😅
On the plus side, Margate has super-sandy beaches. However, looking around the seafront, it all looked a bit ‘tired’ and unloved – such a shame! ☹️
Old Margate
Away from the seafront, we explored the back streets of the old town. Again, somewhat sad in places with a lot of boarded-up shops with the plethora of vape outlets.
Pre Dinner Drinks
Actually, it was all a bit sad and depressing. Maybe fifty years ago, this whole area would have been a much more vibrant area, but not today! ☹️.
4.45pm: We chilled out in the Premier Inn’s Bar before taking the short (but very windy) back into town looking for somewhere to eat.
Margate Menu!
We’d spotted this one on our earlier walk around the town. In truth, we didn’t find that many places to eat, but we all fancied Fish & Chips, and this one ticked all the boxes – The Sunset Fish Bar.
A great plaice! 🥴
It was very quiet and initially, we were the only customers! We were even offered our drinks for free! – and that suited us!! 👍😁. The service was swift and shortly after our arrival a group of about six arrived to swell the numbers. The food was all freshly cooked and the portions were generous.
8.25pm: We all agreed that it had been a great meal. The only disappointment that they didn’t have ANY of the advertised Desserts – depriving me of my daily ‘choc fix’! 😕
As we wandered back to the Premier Inn, we commented how quiet the town was! It was sad to see that the iconic Margate was looking somewhat forgotten wit hhardly anyone else on the streets. Maybe it’ll come alive tomorrow night and over the weekend?
8.50pm: On arriving back at the Premier Inn, we left Paul & Sue to test the Bar’s nightcaps, whilst we headed back to our room.
Tomorrow
Tomorrow is the big day for me… 69 years young – and we have plans. I have a celebratory Indian Meal in the evening with Paul, Sue and fellow Nutters, Richard & Nicki who are joining us in the morning, heading for the nearby Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum. If time allows there’s also the Hornby Museum aka ‘WonderWorks’, too!
Nighty-night! 😴💤🥱
I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!
I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!
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