Mutts in Margate

We were in need of a breakaway and didn’t want to travel too far so decided to see what Margate had to offer. I hadn’t been here since 1979 and John had never been, we found a house in the old town which we knew had a lot to offer, bars, pubs, restaurants, quirky shops and dog friendly as well as a blue flag beach.

Day 1- 4th October – The drive down was fine apart from heavy traffic on the Dartford/M25 turnoff. We arrived at Smugglers Cottage around 17.45, parking is limited so we unpacked the car got the dogs settled and John found some residential parking (free) just a short walk away. There is a Morrison’s very close by so food wasn’t a problem.

Day 2 – 5th October – Weather was ok, so we decided to walk along the Promenade we had coffee at Garage coffee, great service and amazing views. The beach is stunning although a bit too rough for me to swim! As we were walking we saw lots of old buildings in disrepair which was such as shame as they could be bought back to life and be so beautiful. There are some new devolvement’s that are springing up along the beachfront, they are stunning. We went for a lunchtime drink in the Kings Head pub about 2 minutes’ walk from the house, very dog friendly and excellent service but doesn’t serve food. Tonight we had a takeaway from Edessa (Turkish) very good food and reasonably priced.

Day 3 – 6th October – Weather was pretty horrendous today with really high winds, took a walk around the town (not old) quite upsetting as its clearly in need of some money and regeneration, such as shame as a lot of places were closed this could be due to COVID or that we are out of season. So glad we are staying in the old town.

Day 4 – 7th October – The weather was much better today so we decided to explore the other end of Margate towards Cliftonville but not before we had coffees and pastries at the Seaside Patisserie which is opposite Smugglers Cottage. It was quite an interesting costal walk passing the Turner Museum and various buildings that were obviously beautiful in their era but again so many in disrepair. I had been recommended to stop at the Walpole Bay Hotel we had a drink on the Veranda. This hotel is full of character and old world charm, it’s also dog friendly and clearly very popular with all the rooms having a sea view. Tonight we went to the Lifeboat pub in the old town again very dog friendly and excellent service from the bar staff. They served local Kent ales which according John got the thumbs up!

Day 5 – 8th October – We had to vacate the Cottage at 10am so it was an early start.

There are some nice parts of Margate however, there are still a lot of areas that still need some TLC. I Have to say that the beach is stunning so I personally think well worth a visit. If you would like to know more about Margate and Smugglers Cottage please contact me.