While many might dream of exotic holidays, some of the best beaches are right here in the UK. British seaside towns have long been a favourite holiday spot and are currently enjoying a revival. Margate, the classic beach town in Kent, is now a trendy hotspot.
We took a look at Margate and two other seaside spots to visit this summer, finding the top places to stay, eat, and explore. For adults, Margate is all about art. It's the birthplace of Tracey Emin (who we actually spotted) and home to the Turner Contemporary gallery.
Keep your eyes peeled for the Antony Gormley sculpture of a man looking out to sea. There's a wealth of galleries to discover, including the Carl Freedman Gallery and the new Margo In Margate. Beyond the art, take a swim in the UK's largest tidal pool and then warm up in the free beach sauna.
Make sure to check out the numerous excellent vintage and bric-a-brac shops. For the kids, the wide sandy beaches are ideal for building sandcastles and playing ball games. And of course, a trip to the iconic and beautifully restored art deco-fronted Dreamland fair which hosts a variety of gigs and events during the summer is essential.
When it comes to food in Margate, The Old Kent Market is a food hall situated in an old cinema that offers everything from a Greek kitchen to the smallest, most charming pub you've ever seen. If you're in the mood for a vibrant atmosphere and mouth-watering cheese toasties, make your way to The Greedy Cow located in the heart of the ol.