Walpole Bay Hotel
Step back in time at this historic Edwardian hotel, a living museum with a unique Napery Gallery and adjacent tidal pool.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy cream tea & museum
Walpole Bay Hotel
Best Time
Enjoy cream tea & museum
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at this historic Edwardian hotel, a living museum with a unique Napery Gallery and adjacent tidal pool.
"It's truly magical, but without any airs & graces."
📞 Book Directly
For hotel reservations, call the Walpole Bay Hotel directly. It's the only way to ensure your booking!
🕰️ Embrace the Past
The hotel is a museum! Allow ample time to explore its unique collections and time-warp atmosphere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Napery Gallery
Throughout the hotel
A unique collection of over 300 decorated linen napkins, framed and adorning the walls. A true testament to guest memories.
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool
Adjacent to the hotel
The UK's largest tidal pool, offering a unique swimming experience with sea views. A refreshing dip awaits!
Period Rooms & Museum
Hotel interior
Explore beautifully preserved Edwardian rooms and a fascinating museum filled with social history artifacts.
Elegant Dining Room
Ground floor
Enjoy traditional meals and delightful cream teas in a charming dining room with a pianist.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Time Warp
Tidal Pool Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📞 Book Directly
For hotel reservations, call the Walpole Bay Hotel directly. It's the only way to ensure your booking!
🕰️ Embrace the Past
The hotel is a museum! Allow ample time to explore its unique collections and time-warp atmosphere.
🏊♀️ Check Tide Times
For the best experience at the tidal pool, check tide times before your visit.
🍰 Savor Cream Tea
Don't miss the delicious cream tea in the elegant dining room, complete with freshly baked scones.
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Book Directly
For hotel reservations, call the Walpole Bay Hotel directly. It's the only way to ensure your booking!
🕰️ Embrace the Past
The hotel is a museum! Allow ample time to explore its unique collections and time-warp atmosphere.
🏊♀️ Check Tide Times
For the best experience at the tidal pool, check tide times before your visit.
🍰 Savor Cream Tea
Don't miss the delicious cream tea in the elegant dining room, complete with freshly baked scones.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Seafront
The hotel is a tranquil haven, yet close enough to stroll to Margate's pubs, shops, and galleries.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Walpole Bay Hotel for its unique, time-warp atmosphere and exceptional preservation of its 1920s charm. The Napery Gallery and the adjacent tidal pool are standout features, complemented by friendly staff and delightful cream teas. While some may find the decor dated, most appreciate it as an authentic historical experience.
"Our review is based on a visit for a few drinks, we didn't stay in any of the rooms but we took a tour and they looked amazing. When we arrived we had a friendly welcome from the front desk and we were then shown around the basement rooms. So much to see, a very interesting time warp with so many fascinating features. The lift was such a great centerpiece. The upper floors and napkin gallery was so lovely, many unique pieces. We really enjoyed walking around. We finished our visit with drinks in the bar served by a lovely girl in costume. A lot of work has gone into preserving this beautiful hotel for everyone to enjoy."
Paula
"I visited the Walpole Bay Hotel in Margate today and absolutely loved it. The staff were so friendly and welcoming, and they kindly showed me around the amazing napkin galleries. The whole place had such a cosy, special atmosphere — thank you for such a lovely experience!"
Rose Prince
"Oh my god this place is a real hidden gem- close enough to Margate to stroll along the seafront to all the pubs, shops & galleries, but far enough from the centre to be a tranquil haven from the modern world.
The museum is incredible - there are items of social history everywhere. We particularly loved the typewriters & carpet cleaners, tucked away in what were once bathrooms & sculleries. It's truly magical, but without any airs & graces.
On arrival, we were upgraded to a four-poster suite with balcony, as it was our 23rd wedding anniversary - a lovely surprise! It was very comfortable, with period furniture in keeping with the surroundings. We had a cream tea in the elegant dining room, where staff were friendly & attentive, but not intrusive. The freshly baked scones were delicious!!
Breakfast this morning was a buffet affair and again, very tasty. The informal atmosphere was perfectly balanced - friendly but not too casual - and enhanced by Jane, the owner, chatting with each group of guests in turn about their stay and the hotel.
Finally, a word about the Napery - a collection of over 300 linen napkins from the hotel, which various guests have decorated with original designs over the years. These have been framed and now adorn the walls - everything from children's doodles to illustrators' artwork. They form a unique gallery depicting special memories of stays at the hotel.
The whole place is an absolute joy!"
Joanna Astbury
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From London St Pancras, take a train to Margate. The Walpole Bay Hotel is about a mile's walk along the seafront from the station.
Information on parking availability is not widely publicized, but it's recommended to check with the hotel directly for the most up-to-date details.
Many visitors arrive by train to Margate and then enjoy a scenic walk along the seafront to the hotel.
Yes, the hotel is accessible via public transport with train services to Margate and then a walk or local bus.
The Walpole Bay Hotel is approximately a 40-minute drive from Canterbury.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the hotel is a place to stay, many visitors come to explore its museum and enjoy its amenities like afternoon tea. Specific entry fees for the museum or other areas are not always clear, but a tour is often offered.
The hotel operates as a museum throughout the year, with its collections accessible to guests and often available for tours. It's best to inquire directly about specific tour times.
Yes, many visitors drop in for lunch, afternoon tea, or to take a tour of the hotel's unique museum and collections.
While not explicitly stated as a separate ticketed attraction, tours of the hotel's museum and collections are often part of the experience for visitors and guests.
It is recommended to book hotel reservations by calling the Walpole Bay Hotel directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Walpole Bay Tidal Pool is the largest tidal pool in the UK, built in 1937. It offers a unique swimming experience adjacent to the hotel.
The Napery Gallery is a unique collection of over 300 decorated linen napkins, created by guests over the years and framed to adorn the hotel's walls.
The hotel occasionally hosts special events, such as jazz evenings or 'Evening With' experiences featuring notable personalities.
Expect a charming, old-fashioned atmosphere reminiscent of the 1920s, with friendly service and a unique museum-like feel.
Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy a day trip to Margate, incorporating a visit to the Walpole Bay Hotel for its unique charm, afternoon tea, or a tour.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The hotel offers meals in its elegant dining room and is particularly known for its delightful cream teas, often accompanied by live piano music.
Yes, afternoon tea is a popular offering at the Walpole Bay Hotel, featuring freshly baked scones and a charming ambiance.
The restaurant serves traditional meals, with a focus on classic dishes and a welcoming atmosphere.
Breakfast is typically a buffet affair for hotel guests, described as tasty and served in an informal yet friendly atmosphere.
While specific menus aren't detailed, traditional hotel dining often accommodates dietary requests. It's best to inquire directly with the hotel when booking or visiting.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the hotel's unique Edwardian architecture, the Napery Gallery, vintage decor, and the stunning views of the tidal pool.
Yes, photography is generally welcomed, especially for capturing the hotel's unique museum-like features and historical ambiance.
The seafront location offers beautiful sunset views, especially over the tidal pool.
Vintage, historical, and architectural photography styles work well to capture the hotel's timeless charm.
Drone usage is typically restricted in most public areas and near hotels. It's advisable to check local regulations and hotel policy before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a room with a balcony for extra space and views. The hotel's proximity to Margate's main attractions, like Dreamland, also makes it a convenient base for family outings. Remember to pack towels if you plan on swimming in the tidal pool!
🥂 Couples & Romantic Getaways
The nearby tidal pool offers a unique seaside experience, and the hotel's tranquil location provides a peaceful retreat from the bustle of modern life, while still being close enough to explore Margate's vibrant art scene and vintage shops.
🏛️ History Buffs & Museum Lovers
Don't miss the opportunity to take a guided tour, where staff can share fascinating anecdotes and point out hidden gems. The hotel's commitment to preservation makes it a standout attraction for those seeking an authentic historical experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Step Back in Time: The Walpole Bay Hotel Experience
+1One of the most captivating aspects of the hotel is its Napery Gallery, a remarkable collection of over 300 linen napkins decorated by guests throughout the years. These framed artworks, ranging from simple doodles to intricate illustrations, adorn the walls and tell stories of memorable stays. Beyond the Napery, the hotel houses a fascinating museum filled with social history artifacts, including typewriters and carpet cleaners, tucked away in former bathrooms and sculleries. This dedication to preserving history makes the Walpole Bay Hotel a truly special destination.
Visitors often rave about the friendly and welcoming staff, who are happy to share the hotel's history and offer tours. The hotel also boasts an elegant dining room where you can enjoy traditional meals and the highly recommended cream teas, often accompanied by live piano music. For those seeking a unique seaside escape, the Walpole Bay Hotel offers a tranquil haven with a rich history and a charm that’s hard to find elsewhere.
The Majestic Walpole Bay Tidal Pool
The water in the tidal pool is generally warmer than the open sea, making it a more comfortable option for a dip, especially outside of peak summer months. The surrounding promenade provides excellent vantage points for admiring the pool and the coastline. Many visitors, including those staying at the hotel, take advantage of the pool for a refreshing swim or simply to enjoy the seaside ambiance.
Visiting the tidal pool is a quintessential Margate experience. Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just looking for a scenic spot to relax, the Walpole Bay Tidal Pool offers a unique connection to the sea and the historic charm of the area. Remember to check the tide times for the best access and to fully appreciate this impressive seaside feature.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit