Looking for the perfect beach to make the most of the warm weather this summer? Well, there's one you should try and avoid if you want a nice day out, according to UK consumer champion Which? . Margate is named the worst seaside town in Kent. Out of 120 locations, this famous beach is sat eleventh from the bottom - so there's little reason to visit.
However, KentLive was left "baffled" by the "dismal ranking" despite the beach needed a good clean-up. For instance, Margate is full of new bars, cafes and restaurants - and even more holiday homes. It's also home to the stunning Turner Contemporary which is known to "rival" culture offerings in London.
Like other seaside resorts, there is a promenade and boardwalks and a stunning tidal bathing pool, along with a children's play area with traditional swing boats. The beach has a café, a traditional seafood stall and amusement arcades nearby. House prices are also rising, with a climb of 25 per cent in one year.
The average price of homes sold in the past year is £340,406, according to Rightmove. That's up 3 percent on the previous year and 11 percent up on the peak of 2021, which saw average price sold at £306,826. To give context, overall, sold prices in Kent during the past year were down by -3 percent, and 3 percent up on the 2021 peak.
On TripAdvisor , people gave Margate Main Sands a sparkly four out of five stars in more than 844 reviews. However, they do mention the water and harbour being dirty with oil and fuel, along with rubbish and sewage waste. Reviewers also mention is the smell of seaweed and the whiff of sewage.
A more positive review said: "Margate seafront is such a beautiful place rain or sun, brilliant arcades, sandy beautiful beach, sea is dirty and cold (but standard for the UK). Lots of places to buy ice cream, fish and chips etc. As well as local supermarkets nearby.
" Previous reviews are more positive, with one writing: "Honestly, think its one of the best beaches in the UK." While another wrote: "Lovely large beach, soft sand, not busy even in summer schools." "Toilets only at one far end.
Very clean when we went, there are bins all along the sidewalk. A few rides for children at the back of the beach and plenty of arcades and restaurants along the beach front. Old Town end is lovely for food and drink.
" And this visitor advises getting there early, as it is popular: "This beach is well maintained and has lifeguards. Get there early to get a good spot, the beach offers a huge safe pool for all ages, the toilets were cleaned twice a day and all in all a great beach , plenty of places to eat and drink with plenty to do without getting wet." There's a lot to do if you come to visit Margate - from the Margate Museum, abundance of fish and chip shops and seafront pubs.
You can also visit the show-stopping Dreamland a stone's throw away. It is a much-loved amusement park and entertainment centre with all the fun of a traditional English seaside funfair..
