Visiting Ramsgate
Watching people walk down Harbour Parade from the apartment window is enjoyable in its own right, but you’ll want to at least consider leaving the building and seeing the natural beauty around you, the historical landmarks and their amazing stories, and all the new adventures practically on your doorstep.
Thanet Beaches
Local Attractions
Shopping in Ramsgate
The first stop is obviously the beaches. The soft sand is fantastic for sunbathing on a sunny day. Just park yourself there on Ramsgate Main Sands, not more than a 2 minute walk from the flat, grab an ice cream and watch the waves come in. You may catch a glimpse of France on a really clear day.
“Ramsgate rivals Broadstairs and Margate in looks, yet doesn’t receive the same attention.”
Several new boutique shops and cafes have opened recently in Ramsgate. Addington Street is home to several interesting and quirky independent shops and galleries. Also, heading up the High Street toward the Ramsgate train station you’ll find a record store, board game shop, thrift shops, vintage clothing and furniture stores.
You can also walk from here to Broadstairs along the beaches and cliffs for some gorgeous views or even further to Margate if you’re up for the challenge. You’ll pass about 8 or 9 different award-winning beaches where you can swim, surf, sail, SUP, rockpool, cycle, jog or grab a bite to eat and relax.
“The Kent seaside town is a fine hub for exploring Thanet’s pop-up attractions, history and natural beauty – and excellent transport links make it easy”
Dreamland vintage theme park and the Turner Contemporary museum, both a short drive or train journey to Margate from here, are well worth an afternoon or two. Dreamland is home to the oldest wooden rollercoaster, 25 thrill rides, roller disco, arcade, and, for those who plan ahead, a stunning outdoor concert venue bringing in worldclass acts. Turner Contemporary’s rolling programme of exhibitions and events always offers something different and unexpected. The gallery, designed by David Chipperfield Architects, looks out on views that JMW Turner used for his famous paintings of the area.
You can also visit worlds from other times just under your feet. The Ramsgate Tunnels are only a 5 minute walk along the beach from you here. The tour will show you how a Victorian Railway Tunnel became a purpose built Air Raid Precaution system under the town where, on 24th August, 1940, about 26,000 people survived an onslaught of 500 German bombs dropped in 5 minutes. Another remarkable, somewhat spooky, yet stunningly beautiful underground destination lies beneath a hill in Margate. The Shell Grotto is a series of rooms and passageways covered by 2000 square feet of mosaic created with 4.6 million shells. Discovered in 1835, nobody knows who created it, when, or why. It is truly unforgettable.
If you’re staying with us long enough to venture further out, then you’ll want to consider spending some time in Canterbury which is an easy 15-20 minutes away on the train. Canterbury has a vibrant pedestrian shopping centre, but before you load up your bags with fancy gifts to take home you’ll want to travel the Venice-style canals of the city in a canalboat. The Marlowe Theatre hosts all the leading plays, musicals, comedy and orchestral performances. And, of course, the amazing cathedral will leave an impression not just for its magnificence but the dramatic historical events surrounding it.
