Margate: kitsch, traditional and so-called epicenter of the hipster renaissance of the English seaside. Move over Brighton and Hastings, everyone is talking about this once quiet Kentish seaside town. So why is everyone suddenly talking about Margate? Well they aren’t. They’ve actually been talking about it for a few years and significantly as an artistic and cultural destination since 2011 when native resident Tracey Emin supported the opening of the David Chipperfield Architects-designed Turner Contemporary gallery. Firmly placed on the creative map, the gallery has since encouraged a revival in visitors from further afield including London residents keen to embrace the potential of a new creative hub outside of the capital. In addition to its creative flare, the town also boasts the Dreamland Expo – the regenerated amusement park which was closed between 2005 and last year, and it is also within close proximity to fellow popular seaside towns Whistable and  Broadstairs, areas of natural beauty including Botany Bay and a collection of up and coming hotels and restaurants. With house prices also pitched in an entirely different realm to those in London and other parts of the south coast it is no wonder that this traditional seaside town is enjoying a resurgence. Famed for having lured London creatives away from the capital, Margate even boasts its own satirical online newspaper and a host of prestigious awards among its gastronomic outposts.

So with so much affection for the Kent coastline, Let Total Management Travel take you on a very (un)traditional day out at the seaside…

Images from left – right: Belvidere Place; SHO at Brighton Festival by Yinka Shonibare MBE – exhibited at Turner Contemporary until Sunday 30 Oct 2016

Eat:
The Ambrette
Award winning Anglo-Indian restaurant The Ambrette inspires locals and tourists alike to flock to try out their innovative dishes. Using locally sourced fresh ingredients this venue has enjoyed so much success it operates two other sister venues in Kent in Canterbury and Rye.
44 King St, Margate, CT9 1QE

The Sportsman
Boasting a Michelin star since 2008, The Sportsman is known locally as one of the best dining venues in Whistable, located a mere half an hour drive from central Margate. With a history of food and produce coming from this site – there is reference to an inn in its location referenced in the Doomsday Book – this is truly a gastropub with a lot of ancestry. With its own garden it grows fruit and vegetables and enjoys the fresh fish and seafood from the Thames Estuary only moments away.
Faversham Road, Seasalter, Whitstable, CT5 4BP

Sleep:
Belvidere Place
With just five double en suite rooms, this entirely unique and beautifully furnished boutique hotel is a mix of the traditional English seaside twinned with modern luxury. Family run and famed for its friendly and relaxed approach, Belvidere Place offers one of the best breakfasts in Kent. Located in local town Broadstairs, a ten minute drive away from Margate, we recommend staying here before embarking on your tour of the Kent coast.
Rooms from: £130 for a double room with breakfast
Belvedere Road, Broadstairs, CT10 1PF

Turner Contemporary across Margate seafront. Copyright Benjamin Beker

Do:
Turner Contemporary
Visit the Turner Contemporary Gallery, the largest exhibition space in the South East outside of London. Taking its name from the site on the seafront where JMW Turner stayed when visiting the town in the 19th century, this beautifully bright building with views over the north Kent coastline offers the opportunity to observe world-class art in a striking space. Previous exhibitions include Grayson Perry and of course, Turner.
Turner Contemporary, Rendezvous, Margate, CT9 1HG

Main image:  JMW Turner, Vermilion Towers as part of JMW Turner: Adventures in Colour at Turner Contemporary Saturday 8 Oct 2016 – Sunday 8 Jan 2017