Margate and Botany Bay: A Fascinating Day Trip from London
One day, while searching for fun day trip ideas, I stumbled upon a stunning photo of Botany Bay. The bright white cliffs were so breath-taking that I couldn’t stop thinking about them. A few days later, I spotted an Instagram post about Margate and immediately thought it looked just as amazing. Both locations are on the southeast coast of England in Kent, just a 1.5 hours train ride from London, making them perfect for a day trip! I took it as a sign to plan a visit to these incredible spots!
Where are Margate and Botany Bay Located?
At the end of the last ice age, when the UK separated from mainland Europe, the Isle of Thanet formed. Surprisingly, it reconnected with the rest of England only about 500 years ago. Margate and Botany Bay, two coastal havens, sit within this fascinating land formation, now known as Thanet, which is part of Kent in England.
How to get to Margate from London by train?
A direct train from London Victoria to Margate takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, with a return trip costing around £31. If you don’t mind spending an extra 10 minutes, you can use the money you save to grab a coffee and snack. Alternatively, you can hop on a direct train from London St Pancras, which reaches Margate in about 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs around £40 for a return trip. If you’re traveling with a partner, family, or friends, make sure to use a railcard to save on your tickets!
What to do in Margate?
Shell Grotto
The first stop in Margate should be the Shell Grotto. Located just a 20-minute walk from Margate railway station, it sits tucked away in a quiet corner, slightly off the main road. You’ll enter the underground cave through a charming little shop. Although no one knows who built the grotto, locals discovered it in 1835. Inside, you’ll find 4.6 million shells arranged in beautiful patterns. The gift shop sells colorful shells, stones, and other unique collectibles. Visiting the Shell Grotto is a one-of-a-kind experience and a must-see in Margate!
Address: 33 Grotto Hill, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2BU
Timings: 10 to 5 pm (Wednesday to Sunday)
Visit Duration: 30 minutes
Ticket cost:
Adult: £4.5
Child (Aged 4 – 16): £2
Concession(Over 60s/ Students/Registered Disabled/ Armed Forces) : £4
Family (2 adult and 2 children): £10
Margate Caves
The Margate Caves offer another fascinating underground adventure, just a 5-minute walk from the Shell Grotto. Discovered in the 18th century, these white chalk caves reach a depth of around 90 feet. Colourful murals, including animal depictions, decorate the walls and add to the cave’s charm. Friendly guides share insights and answer questions about the cave’s history. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes, as the floors are quite uneven. A deep hole inside the cave measures around 50 feet, so keep a close eye on your belongings because if anything falls in, it cannot be retrieved!
At the entrance, you’ll find a gift shop and a cafe. There are several posters detailing the history of Margate and the caves, offering plenty of interesting information.
Address: 1 Northdown Rd, Margate CT9 1FG
Timings: 10 to 5 pm (Wednesday to Sunday)
Visit Duration: 30 minutes
Ticket cost:
Adult: £5
Child : £2.5
Concession: £4
Family: £12
How to get to Botany Bay from Margate by bus
Just outside the Margate Caves, you can catch the 8A Breeze bus from Dave Hill to Yardhurst Gardens. From there, it’s a quick 5-minute walk to Botany Bay. Once you get off at Yardhurst, walk straight ahead, take the next left, and you’ll arrive at Botany Bay.
What to do at Botany Bay
Botany Bay Beach
Botany Bay is a sandy beach framed by striking white cliffs. The contrast between the bright cliffs and the cool blue sea creates a vibrant and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. The beach is dotted with algae and shells, adding to its natural charm, and you can easily imagine how these diverse shells could have inspired creations like the Shell Grotto. On the cliffside, you’ll find caves and unique frame-like structures that make for excellent photo opportunities. During our visit, a pre-wedding shoot was in full swing against the stunning backdrop of the vibrant cliffs. While there are no shops or cafes nearby, a restaurant on the cliff top offers a convenient spot to grab a meal.
View From the Cliff Top
At the top of the cliff, there’s a lush green expanse where you can relax and take in the breath-taking views from the edge. From this vantage point, you can admire the stunning white cliffs that stretch across the entire visible coastline.
Further things to do in Margate and Botany Bay
A walk from Botany Bay to Margate
From Botany Bay, follow the signs for a scenic coastal walk to Margate. The one-hour route offers stunning views as you pass Foreness Point, Palm Bay Beach, and Walpole Bay. Set off in your sturdy boots and enjoy this beautiful seaside walk. (For another breezy seafront stroll, check out our Penarth & Barry Island day out in Wales—charming coastal vibes and sweeping sea views guaranteed!)
If you prefer not to walk, you can take the 8A Breeze Bus towards Canterbury from Yardhurst Gardens. Just remember that the last bus departs around 5:40 PM, so be sure to plan your return accordingly!
Margate Beach
Margate Beach is a stunning sandy retreat, perfect for relaxation. Sit back, unwind, and listen to the waves as they ebb and flow. Curl your toes into the warm sand, build a sandcastle, and reflect on the day’s beautiful experiences. Nearby, you’ll find plenty of shops and amenities where you can grab a snack or meal. When you’re ready to head back home, the train station is just a short walk away.
Where to eat in Margate and Botany Bay
Here are some dining suggestions close to the spots mentioned in the above itinerary.
At Margate Station
The Margate Coffee Station serves the best Spiced Chai Latte, making it a must-try during your visit. Open every day from 6 AM to 6 PM, it offers a fantastic selection of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free snacks. Whether you stop by at the beginning or end of your time in Margate, you’ll always find something delicious to eat and drink here.
Close to Shell Grotto and Margate caves
Mori Mori, located at CT9 2RE, is conveniently close to the Shell Grotto and Margate Caves. They offer delicious Japanese-inspired cuisine, serving lunch from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM, but they are open only from Thursday to Saturday. If you’re looking for a quick grab or brunch, Oast at CT9 2RL offers both savoury and sweet baked goods, along with great coffee or tea. They’re open from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, Thursday through Monday.
At Botany Bay Beach
The Botany Bay Restaurant and Pub at CT10 3LG is the only dining option in the area. It’s situated in a lovely spot and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. If you choose to dine outside, be mindful of the seagulls! They do have some vegan and vegetarian options available. While the food presentation is impressive, the taste could use a bit of improvement.
Near Margate Beach
There are plenty of great seafood options nearby. You can visit Colina Restaurant at CT9 1HF, open every day from 7 AM to 10 PM. For some classic fish and chips, head to Peter’s Fish Factory at CT9 1EZ. Dory’s, a small seafood bar at CT9 1DS, is open from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Thursday to Monday.
There aren’t any exclusive vegan or vegetarian restaurants, but several places offer these options. Pan Asian Cuisine at CT9 1HD is open from 11 AM to 10 PM, Tuesday to Sunday, and has some flavourful vegan dishes. Mullins Brasserie at CT9 1EN serves vegan and gluten-free mains and desserts and is open from 12 PM to 9 PM, Monday to Saturday. Alexandria Cafe at CT9 1EU offers delicious vegan options and is open from 12 PM to 6 PM, Thursday to Monday, with extended hours until 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. For more tips on navigating vegetarian dining and avoiding common pitfalls while travelling, check out our Vegetarian Travel Mistakes to Avoid post.
Your Adventure Awaits: Uncover the Wonders of Margate and Botany Bay!
Margate and Botany Bay are fantastic destinations to visit, whether it’s spring, summer, or autumn. So put on your sturdy boots and get ready to explore these incredible coastal gems in the southeast of England with this perfect guide!
