Things To Do In

Margate

Margate Old Town is a complete gem – so many shops, cafes, art galleries. It has such a buzz about it. The Old Barrel Store is slap, bang in the middle of the Old Town, but is quietly set back from the main street to enable you to get away from it all too!

Old Kent Market

Once a cinema; this beautiful old building has now been refurbished into a market creating a new community hub with a number of amazing eating joints including the Greek Kitchen, mama Mia Pizzeria, Mae’s Bar and our personal favourite, Bagel Mama.

Distance From Old Barrel Store:

0.1 miles, 2 minute walk

Dreamland

Dreamland is an amusement park and entertainment centre based on a traditional English seaside funfair. Very popular with children, this is a great day out for the whole family. WIth the pandemic, Dreamland is limited facilities available (Cinque Port restaurant and bar is open) but all rides are expected to open in 2022. (update as of December 2021).

Distance From Old Barrel Store:

0.5 miles, 10 minute walk

The Shell Grotto

One of the most enduring mysteries in Margate, the Shell Grotto is an ornate subterranean passageway made of 4.6 million shells in a myriad of images and patterns. Discovered around 1835, the walls have awe-inspiring art composed of Oriental and Egyptian symbols. It is estimated to be around 3000 years old and connected to various theories involving the Knights Templar, Freemasons and others. In private ownership, this is a must-visit in Margate.

Distance From Old Barrel Store:

0.3 miles, 7 minute walk

Turner Contemporary

A catalyst for the regeneration of Margate, this is a contemporary arts space on the sea front. The title commemorates the association of the town with noted landscape painter J. M. W. Turner, who went to school there, and visited throughout his life. Entry to the museum is free but you are required to book your slot. Opening times vary so please check on the website.

Distance From Old Barrel Store:

0.1 miles, 3 minute walk

Margate Caves

Originally dug as a chalk mine in the 18th century, the Caves were largely forgotten for over 100 years before being rediscovered and restored as a tourist attraction. The Caves reopened in September 2019 with a new Community Building, Café, Shop and Exhibition and Interpretation spaces that share the rich history of the Caves and explain how the landscape, ecology and geology of the area have become entwined in the town’s rich social and cultural history. The caves are usually open Friday to Sunday and bookings are recommended.

Distance From Old Barrel Store:

0.2 miles, 4 minute walk

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Eating and Drinking out

Margate is a paradise for foodies and the Old Town, sea front and Cliftonville have a scrumptious range of eating and drinking options. We’d recommend a morning coffee and croissant from Scissortail Coffee or the Margate Coffee Shed, a lovely breakfast (or brunch) at Fort Café, fish and chips on the promenade from Peter’s Fish Factory, cocktails in the evening at the Glass Jar followed by dinner at Hantverk and Found. Or one of the million other combinations possible with the options, all walking distance from the Old Barrel Store.

Eat at:

  • The Ambrette - gourmet Indian cuisine
  • Angela’s Restaurant – delicious, sustainable seafood
  • Bottega Caruso- Italian
  • Mama Jinny Thai Kitchen
  • Hantverk & Found – Japanese-style Seafood to die for
  • The Riz - Indian/South Asian in Cliftonville, 49 Northdown Road
  • Bebeached, Harbour Arm
  • Sands Hotel for afternoon tea and the sunset
  • Peter’s Fish Factory – best fish and chips in Old Town
  • The Greedy Cow - Old Town Square
  • Sands Hotel ice cream shop and rooftop bar, Marine Drive
  • GB Pizza, Marine Drive

Cocktails and drinks at:

  • The Lifeboat Inn, Old Town Square
  • The Glass Jar, Marine Drive
  • The Lighthouse Bar, Harbour Arm
  • Underground Bar, Duke Street
  • The London Tavern, Addington Street
  • Two Halves, Marine Drive

Old Barrel Store Margate

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