Main Sands Margate
A classic sandy seaside bay with a lively promenade, offering swimming, kids' rides, and delicious seafood snacks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Main Sands Margate
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A classic sandy seaside bay with a lively promenade, offering swimming, kids' rides, and delicious seafood snacks.
"Lovely sandy beach, but town questionable, lot of homeless drunks in open park."
Beware of Seagulls! 🐦
Seagulls are notorious for swooping and stealing food. Keep your snacks secure!
Tidal Pool Caution ⚠️
The tidal pool is great for paddling, but the surfaces can be very slippery.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Main Sands Beach
Central Margate
Expansive sandy bay perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and family fun. Backed by a lively promenade.
Tidal Pool
Low tide on Main Sands
A natural pool revealed at low tide, ideal for paddling and safe swimming. Be cautious of slippery surfaces.
Promenade & Amusements
Along Main Sands
Classic seaside entertainment with seafood snacks, shops, and amusement arcades.
No.42 Rooftop Bar
Overlooking Main Sands
Enjoy cocktails with stunning views of the sea and beach. A perfect spot for sunset.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating Margate's Seaside Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beware of Seagulls! 🐦
Seagulls are notorious for swooping and stealing food. Keep your snacks secure!
Tidal Pool Caution ⚠️
The tidal pool is great for paddling, but the surfaces can be very slippery.
Parking Options 🅿️
Street parking can be pricey; consider larger parking garages for potentially better rates.
Seaside Eats 🍟
Enjoy classic fish and chips or seafood snacks along the promenade.
Tips
from all over the internet
Beware of Seagulls! 🐦
Seagulls are notorious for swooping and stealing food. Keep your snacks secure!
Tidal Pool Caution ⚠️
The tidal pool is great for paddling, but the surfaces can be very slippery.
Parking Options 🅿️
Street parking can be pricey; consider larger parking garages for potentially better rates.
Seaside Eats 🍟
Enjoy classic fish and chips or seafood snacks along the promenade.
Paddleboard Fun 🏄♀️
Rent paddleboards directly on Main Sands for a fun day on the water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Margate Main Sands for its lovely sandy expanse, ideal for sunbathing and family fun. The tidal pool at low tide is a hit for paddling, though caution is advised due to slipperiness. While the beach is a highlight, some reviewers note the town itself can be a bit rough around the edges with visible homelessness and public intoxication.
"Lovely sandy beach. The tide pool is super useful during low tide ( but be careful is super slippery to get in and out). Also beware of the mob of seagulls ...they will swoop and steal your food 🫣"
Aisha Muda
"This beach by the seaside is next to the harbour. We didn't go down to the sand, but there didn't seem to be too much rubbish on it.
When it's low tide you can see the Antony Gormley Another Time Statue. There are restaurants, shops and amusement arcades around.
The weather was overcast and windy when we visited, but it must be nice to enjoy fish and chips in better weather.
There's different parking options around. Street parking is generally more expensive than some of the big parking garages. It's a bit of a walk from the train station to this point, but not too far."
J L
"Lovely beach but town questionable lot of homeless drunks in open park , hopefully one off"
martin allsopp
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a train from London to Margate, which is a popular day trip destination. From the Margate train station, it's a walk to Main Sands.
Driving is also an option, with various parking facilities available around the beach.
Yes, there are several parking options. Street parking is available but can be more expensive than parking garages. Some TikToks show accommodation right on the beach, implying convenient access.
Yes, it's a manageable walk from the Margate train station to Main Sands, though not extremely close.
While not directly about Main Sands, some users mention Margate as a starting point for exploring other coastal areas.
Many visitors opt for a train from London for a convenient day trip. +1 Driving is also a popular choice for those who prefer flexibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Margate Main Sands is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee.
As a public beach, Margate Main Sands is accessible at all hours. However, amenities like shops and amusements will have their own operating times.
The tidal pool is a natural feature of the beach and is accessible during low tide without any booking required.
Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions for the beach itself. However, be mindful of local bylaws and any event-specific regulations.
Visiting on weekdays, especially in the mornings, is recommended for a less crowded experience.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, paddling in the tidal pool, and exploring the promenade with its shops and amusements.
Yes, it's a sandy beach with shallow areas and amusement arcades, making it family-friendly.
Yes, paddleboard rentals are available directly on Margate Main Sands.
The tidal pool is a natural feature revealed at low tide, perfect for paddling. Be aware that the surfaces can be very slippery.
The beach offers classic seaside views, and the rooftop bar at No.42 provides excellent panoramic vistas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are numerous options along the promenade, including classic fish and chips at places like Sunset Fish Bar,
Yes, Margate is known for its seafood, with options like fish and chips readily available near the beach.
Absolutely! It's a great spot for a picnic, but be very cautious of seagulls trying to steal your food.
While specific options aren't detailed in the provided content, the town has a growing food scene, so exploring beyond the immediate promenade is recommended.
Classic fish and chips are a must-try, as are other seafood snacks available along the promenade.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach itself, the tidal pool at low tide, the promenade with its amusements, and the views from No.42 rooftop bar are all great for photos.
Yes, it's considered a very photogenic spot, especially with its sandy shores and classic seaside atmosphere.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for photography.
The Haeckels Community Sauna is an iconic structure on the sands, and the Antony Gormley 'Another Time' statue can sometimes be seen at low tide.
Drone usage regulations vary by location and time. It's advisable to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone over the beach.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Just be sure to keep a close eye on your food to deter the famously bold seagulls! 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
The town has a vibrant arts scene and numerous cafes and bars, like the rooftop bar at No.42, perfect for a solo cocktail with a view. +1 It's a place where you can embrace spontaneity and enjoy a relaxed pace. 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Margate's Seaside
The promenade backing the beach is lined with classic amusement arcades, seafood stalls, and shops, adding to the lively atmosphere. Beyond the main beach, the tidal pool at low tide provides a safe and fun area for younger children to paddle and explore.
+1 The area has also become known for its artistic and cultural scene, with the Turner Gallery nearby and unique installations like the Haeckels Community Sauna adding character to the shoreline. +1While the beach itself is a major draw, it's worth noting that some visitors have observed a more gritty side to the town, with mentions of homelessness and public intoxication.
Activities and Experiences on Main Sands
The tidal pool, a natural phenomenon at low tide, is a highlight for families, providing a safe and shallow area for children to splash and play. For those interested in unique wellness experiences, the Haeckels Community Sauna offers an immersive seaside spa experience, combining hot sauna sessions with refreshing dips in the sea.
+1 The beach also occasionally hosts community events, such as CPR awareness drives, showcasing the town's active spirit. Even simple activities like enjoying fish and chips from a local vendor while watching the waves are a cherished part of the Margate experience. For a different perspective, consider the rooftop bar at No.42, which provides a chic setting for enjoying drinks and soaking in the coastal views.
+1 The beach has also been a venue for more unconventional events, like vintage Vespa races, highlighting its versatility. Whether you're seeking active pursuits or relaxed enjoyment, Margate Main Sands offers a diverse range of ways to spend your day.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit