Margate

Margate is a coastal town in Kent that sits along the Thames Estuary, offering roughly 2 miles (3 kilometers) of sandy beach. The main street climbs from the harbor up into the old town, passing rows of Victorian houses and modern galleries that sit among traditional shops and cafes.

In the 15th century the town became part of a maritime alliance with Dover and other ports, providing ships to the Crown in exchange for trading rights. During the Georgian and Victorian periods the harbor developed into a popular seaside resort for Londoners arriving by steamboat.

The name comes from an Old English word meaning sea gate, and today families spend their time walking along the shore while local fishermen continue working the waters offshore. During warmer months visitors gather on the promenade, where ice cream vendors and small shops have shaped the town's character for generations.

The railway station sits about a 15-minute walk from the seafront, and trains run throughout the day toward London. Most attractions lie within walking distance, and summer weekends can get crowded.

A restored amusement park from the 1920s houses a wooden roller coaster that has been running for over a century. The ride follows its original track layout and is considered one of the oldest working examples of its kind in Europe.