I’m currently spending a couple of days in Margate for meetings. It’s the perfect place to clear a head and reflect, as we approach the end of the academic year. I love being by the sea, something about the calm water and huge skies.
Our meetings have taken place in the Turner Contemporary, a stunning building just a stones throw from the sea shore, with a fantastic exhibition programme. The gallery has really spearheaded Margate’s regeneration and is the main attraction for many people visiting the town.
However, one thing I didn’t realise about Margate was the brilliant selection of independent shops. The Old Town is home to a number of vintage/antique and independent designer retail spaces. It is so refreshing to walk through a town and not be bombarded with the same old names.
Instead there are chic cafes, bijou galleries, delis, jewelers and fashion designers. I couldn’t help but notice the number of empty buildings being redesigned, many by young start-ups for retail space. There really is a great creative energy to the area.
At just over an hour’s train journey from London, Margate is well worth a visit. Here were some of the highlights I enjoyed strolling around.
