Margate Steps
Iconic seafront steps offering direct sea access and spectacular sunset views, a vibrant community hub.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular sunsets await
Margate Steps
Best Time
Spectacular sunsets await
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic seafront steps offering direct sea access and spectacular sunset views, a vibrant community hub.
"Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the sea. A perfect, serene end to your day."
🐦 Seagull Alert!
Guard your snacks! Aggressive seagulls are common. Eat away from the steps if possible.
🌊 Check Tide Times
Plan your sea access or walk based on tide levels for the best experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Spectacle
Margate Steps
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the sea. A perfect, serene end to your day.
Seafront Steps
Margate Steps
Unique steps leading directly into the sea, offering a distinctive coastal experience.
Community Gathering Spot
Margate Steps
A popular spot for local events, protests, and spontaneous performances. Feel the local vibe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Seagull Savvy Dining
Tide Times for Your Dip
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐦 Seagull Alert!
Guard your snacks! Aggressive seagulls are common. Eat away from the steps if possible.
🌊 Check Tide Times
Plan your sea access or walk based on tide levels for the best experience.
🚶♀️ Easy to Find
Follow landmarks like local shops and cafes to reach the steps.
🎶 Spontaneous Vibes
You might catch live music or community gatherings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐦 Seagull Alert!
Guard your snacks! Aggressive seagulls are common. Eat away from the steps if possible.
🌊 Check Tide Times
Plan your sea access or walk based on tide levels for the best experience.
🚶♀️ Easy to Find
Follow landmarks like local shops and cafes to reach the steps.
🎶 Spontaneous Vibes
You might catch live music or community gatherings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Margate Steps are praised for their stunning sunset views and unique direct access to the sea. However, visitors frequently caution about aggressive seagulls and occasional cleanliness issues, which can detract from the dining experience.
"Apparently a good place to catch sunset from. You can just sit on the steps and chill at any time.
When the tide is in you can walk down the steps into the sea it seems.
Be careful if you're eating as there are seagulls around ready to pounce!
Not sure where the name comes from.
Follow here and the IG link in profile for more travel and food and drink tips, ideas and reviews!"
J L
"We have always used these steps to sit down and eat/drink and enjoy the view. Sadly on busier days the place has become infested by psychotic seagulls that would snap the food from your fingers if they had the chance… not only this, the steps were covered in gull droppings - making the experience unpleasant and not great to be eating in…"
mark nichols
"It's worth checking the tide times if you want to swim off the Kings Steps. When the tide is high the water starts shallow then becomes deeper the futher out you go. When the tides is out your better off going onto the main sands as the water goes out along way and all that's left is wet sand. As the sun goes down you may see some of the most beautiful Sunsets."
Sheraleelynda Hazard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Margate Steps are easily located by walking past popular local spots like Angela's, The Bull's Head, and various shops and cafes in Margate Old Town.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, Margate has several car parks. It's advisable to check local parking apps or websites for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Margate is well-served by public transport, including train services. From the station, it's a walk or short bus ride to the seafront where the steps are located.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Margate Steps are a public access point to the seafront and do not require any tickets for entry.
The Margate Steps are accessible at all times, as they are part of the public seafront.
There is no admission fee to visit or use the Margate Steps. It's a free public space.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can sit and relax, enjoy the sea views, watch the sunset, and sometimes witness community events or performances.
Swimming is possible when the tide is in, but be aware of the water depth changes. Always exercise caution and be mindful of sea conditions.
According to some visitors, dogs are not permitted on the steps, which can be a drawback for some.
The golden hour before sunset offers stunning light for photography. Evenings generally provide beautiful views.
Public restrooms are typically available along the seafront in Margate, though their exact proximity to the steps may vary.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, it's a popular spot to sit and eat, but be extremely cautious of aggressive seagulls ready to snatch your food.
Yes, the area around Margate Steps is lined with various eateries, from cafes to restaurants, offering diverse dining options.
You can find everything from gelato to coffee and more substantial meals from the nearby establishments.
Some visitors have noted that the steps can be covered in gull droppings, making the experience unpleasant for dining.
📸 📸 Photography
The steps themselves leading into the sea, dramatic sunsets, and the general seafront panorama offer great photo ops.
Early morning or late afternoon/evening, especially during sunset, provides the most beautiful light.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local bylaws and aviation authority guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the steps themselves can be fun to explore, direct sea access is tide-dependent. For younger children, ensure supervision is paramount if they are near the water's edge. The general seafront area offers plenty of space for kids to run around, and nearby ice cream shops are always a hit.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles to capture the interplay of light on the water and the architectural lines of the steps. Be prepared for potential crowds during peak sunset times, and always be aware of your surroundings, especially with your equipment.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, consider packing your own snacks and drinks, but be extra vigilant about seagulls! Alternatively, the surrounding area offers numerous affordable cafes and takeaway options for a budget-friendly meal.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Seagull Menace
To mitigate this, it's advised to be extra vigilant with your food. Consider eating a short distance away from the immediate steps or finishing your meal before settling down to relax. While the steps offer a prime spot to enjoy the seafront, a strategic approach to eating is key to a pleasant visit.
This isn't to say you can't enjoy food here, but rather to be prepared. The visual of the steps leading into the sea is iconic, and many still choose to enjoy a takeaway while taking in the views, just with heightened awareness of their feathered companions.
Tides and Sea Access
Conversely, when the tide is out, the water recedes significantly, leaving behind a vast expanse of wet sand. In such conditions, it's often more practical to head onto the main sands for any water activities. Understanding the tide times is crucial for planning your visit, especially if swimming or wading is a priority.
Checking local tide charts before you go will ensure you can make the most of the sea access offered by the Margate Steps. It also allows you to time your visit to coincide with the most appealing conditions for your desired activity, whether it's a refreshing dip or simply enjoying the sound of the waves.
A Stage for Community
+1One notable instance saw a rally for Palestine taking place on the steps, highlighting their role as a platform for social and political statements. Similarly, impromptu performances, like those hinted at by artists, can transform the atmosphere, adding a vibrant, lively energy to the seafront.
This aspect of the Margate Steps adds another layer to the visitor experience. It means that depending on the day, you might encounter a peaceful gathering, a lively performance, or simply the quiet beauty of the sea. It's a reminder that public spaces often serve multiple purposes, reflecting the pulse of the community.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit