Seaside town less than 2 hours from London making a 'resurgence' with 'Ibiza' bars

Once bustling tourist hotspots, many of Britain's seaside towns have been "forgotten" over the past few decades. The rise of budget foreign holidays, city breaks becoming more popular, unpredictable weather, and a lack of financial investment have all contributed to Brits across the nation favouring other holiday options, leaving these coastal gems neglected.

However, these family-friendly beach retreats never lost their allure, and a "remarkable revival" is now underway. Margate, in Kent, has been singled out by travel experts at National Geographic as one of the few seaside towns making a comeback.

This resurgence can be attributed to several factors, but at its core is an "unshakeable sense of community and culture".

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The travel gurus at National Geographic further elaborated: "Overcoming the restrictions of seasonality is top of every coastal town's wish list. Margate, on the eastern tip of Kent, is the exemplar of this," reports .

"When the weather sends visitors scurrying inland from the 656ft expanse of sand, there's a near-endless array of distractions: artistic, retro, retail or just good old-fashioned seaside fun. Culture, embodied by the Turner Contemporary, helped the town turn the corner - but it's the unshakeable sense of community that's driving the resurgence."

Margate, a bustling seaside town with over 51,766 residents, is a melting pot of creativity, activism, and inclusivity. Just an hour and 40 minutes by train from the heart of London, it's a top pick for city dwellers seeking a golden sandy beach.

So popular has Margate become that it's earned nicknames like "Shoreditch-on-Sea or the Camden of the south-east," or "Shoreditch-on-Sea or the Camden of the south-east," thanks to the influx of urbanites, or "hipsters" who are snapping up affordable homes and reshaping the local culture.

Local entrepreneur Keith Marsh, of Sunset Rock Shop, observed, "Every shop in Market Place was for sale or derelict. Now you've got your hipsters coming down, and every shop is occupied."

The town has even drawn comparisons to Ibiza, boasting a range of trendy bars and eateries for both locals and tourists to savour. The Main Sands beach, stretching about 200 meters, is a key attraction in Margate.

Thanks to a dedicated group of local volunteers, the beach remains pristine. Rise Up, Clean UP Margate is a community-led initiative committed to preserving Margate's beaches and ensuring clean waters.

Currently, the beach holds a four-star rating on TripAdvisor. One visitor commented: "It was lovely to see Margate main sands buzzing with people today. The sands were clear, but sadly, the seaweed was quite potent. Honestly, think it's one of the best beaches in the UK.

Another remarked: "It's on par with Weymouth but much quieter. We visited from Allhallows Haven and came back for another day! The beach is amazing. There are lifeguards everywhere, and it feels safe and clean. There are enough shops to potter around in, and Dreamland was fantastic. I'm looking forward to coming back."

For those holidaying with their families, Margate boasts one of the UK's most iconic amusement parks: Dreamland. This seaside attraction first opened its doors in 1880.

Dreamland is "home to vintage-style rides and amusements, a roller disco, and a great line-up of must-see ticketed live music and events. Rides, amusements, and the roller disco are open seasonally from spring through the end of summer."

However, at the heart of the town's identity is the Turner Contemporary gallery, which opened its doors in 2011. According to the gallery's website, it has welcomed over 4.5 million visitors and has contributed approximately £100 million to the local economy.

If you're planning your stay in Margate, National Geographic suggests No 42 by GuestHouse. This establishment opened in the summer of 2023 and "has an enviable location fronting the beach and opening onto the High Street to the rear.

"It's a well-heeled crowd who come for the 21 stylish rooms and the brand's signature Pearly Cow surf-and-turf restaurant."