7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Margate

Digital nomads in Margate have the unique advantage of being situated on the beautiful Kent coast, with easy access to a variety of destinations perfect for weekend getaways. Whether you're looking for popular tourist spots or hidden gems off the beaten path, there's something for everyone within a short distance from Margate. Here are seven fun weekend getaway destinations that offer a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Canterbury

Just a short journey from Margate, Canterbury is a historic English cathedral city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's famous for the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, which is the headquarters of the Church of England and a site of pilgrimage for centuries. Visitors can also enjoy the charming cobbled streets, the Canterbury Tales attraction, and the serene River Stour, which offers punting tours.

How to Get There: Canterbury is easily accessible by train from Margate, with a journey time of around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the service.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to explore the city's medieval walls and gatehouses, which offer a glimpse into Canterbury's past.

Where to Stay: The House of Agnes is a quaint bed and breakfast with a lovely garden, while the ABode Canterbury offers modern luxury in the heart of the city.

Where to Eat: The Goods Shed is a farmer's market and food hall that showcases the best of local Kent produce, perfect for a fresh and delicious meal.

Rye

The charming town of Rye is a picture-perfect destination with its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and a rich smuggling history. Mermaid Street is particularly famous for its quaint, old-world feel. Rye also offers a range of antique shops and cozy cafes, as well as nature reserves nearby for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

How to Get There: Rye can be reached by train from Margate with one change, usually at Ashford International, and the total journey time is around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Travel Tip: Climb to the top of the church tower at St. Mary's for a stunning view of the rooftops and the surrounding countryside.

Where to Stay: The Mermaid Inn, with its own history dating back to the 12th century, offers a unique stay with traditional features.

Where to Eat: The Fig is a delightful eatery known for its creative dishes and use of local ingredients, making it a must-visit for foodies.

Whitstable

A seaside town known for its oysters, Whitstable offers a blend of beach life, arts, and culture. The annual Whitstable Oyster Festival is a highlight, but year-round you can enjoy the town's galleries, boutiques, and the working harbor. The pebble beaches and colorful beach huts add to the town's charm.

How to Get There: Whitstable is a short train ride away from Margate, taking approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Travel Tip: Take a leisurely walk along the Saxon Shore Way for some of the best coastal views in Kent.

Where to Stay: The Crescent Turner Hotel boasts stunning sea views and stylish rooms, making it a popular choice for visitors.

Where to Eat: Wheelers Oyster Bar is an iconic spot in Whitstable, offering the freshest seafood in a quaint and historic setting.

Dungeness

For those seeking an unusual destination, Dungeness is a starkly beautiful shingle beach that feels almost otherworldly. It's one of the largest expanses of shingle in Europe and is classified as a National Nature Reserve. The area is home to a unique variety of wildlife, and the Dungeness lighthouse offers panoramic views of this unique landscape.

How to Get There: Dungeness can be reached by car from Margate in about 1.5 hours, as there is no direct train service to this remote location.

Travel Tip: Visit the late artist Derek Jarman's famous Prospect Cottage and its renowned garden, which thrives against all odds in the harsh Dungeness environment.

Where to Stay: The Pilot Inn provides comfortable accommodation and is known for its hospitality and proximity to the nature reserve.

Where to Eat: The Britannia Inn is a cozy pub where you can enjoy traditional British fare with a view of the unique Dungeness landscape.

Deal

Deal is a delightful seaside town that has retained its old-world charm with a beautiful pebble beach, a picturesque pier, and a historic town center. The Deal Castle, built by Henry VIII, is a must-visit, and the town's conservation area is lined with former fishermen's cottages and narrow alleys.

How to Get There: Deal is easily accessible by train from Margate, with a journey time of around an hour.

Travel Tip: Take a leisurely stroll along Deal's award-winning High Street, which boasts a variety of independent shops and eateries.

Where to Stay: The Royal Hotel, located on the seafront, offers comfortable rooms with stunning views of the English Channel.

Where to Eat: The Lane Cafe & Restaurant is a popular spot for its delicious brunch options and homemade cakes.

Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre

For a trip back in time, the Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre is an off-the-beaten-path destination that offers a fascinating insight into Britain's Roman past. The ruins here are among the most significant Roman sites in the UK, marking the spot where the Romans first landed during their conquest.

How to Get There: The site is best reached by car from Margate, taking around 30 minutes.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to walk through the triumphal arch, which would have been a grand entrance for anyone arriving in Roman Britain.

Where to Stay: The Bell Hotel in Sandwich offers a mix of modern comfort and history, being one of the oldest inns in England.

Where to Eat: The George & Dragon in Sandwich is a historic pub that serves hearty meals in a traditional setting.

Herne Bay

Herne Bay is a classic British seaside town with a two-mile promenade, a Victorian bandstand, and a pier. It's a quieter alternative to some of the busier coastal towns, making it perfect for a relaxing weekend. The town also has a small museum and a vibrant arts scene, with galleries and studios dotted around.

How to Get There: Herne Bay is a quick train ride from Margate, taking around 20 to 40 minutes.

Travel Tip: Check out the Herne Bay Clock Tower, a distinctive landmark that dates back to 1837 and is believed to be one of the world's oldest freestanding clock towers.

Where to Stay: The Marine Hotel offers a comfortable stay with sea views and is located just a short walk from the beach and town center.

Where to Eat: Makcari's Coffee Lounge is a popular spot for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, with views overlooking the seafront.

Whether you're looking for history, nature, or just a quiet spot by the sea, these destinations offer a wonderful escape for digital nomads based in Margate. Each place has its own unique charm and is well worth a visit for a refreshing break from the digital world.