, and Find out why your group would love it here… Group and Travel Trade Guide 2018

Ramsgate Royal Harbour

Phyllida Barlow’s sculptures tower over visitors. Credit Manu Palomeque

Turner Contemporary – art by the sea Spitfire and Hurricane Museum – legendary fighter aircraft Broadstairs Food Festival 10th anniversary (Autumn)

For group visit ideas and information go to www.visitthanet.co.uk/groups or call 01843 577577 Viking Bay, Broadstairs

Why Visit Margate, Welcome Broadstairs and Ramsgate? The seaside resorts of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, are situated on the north-eastern coast of . Each has their own character delivering great-value, quality attractions and facilities for the group travel trade. • Located just 75 miles (121km) • Visit the Pugin and St Augustine 15 sandy beaches from and 20 miles Visitor Centre and bays with (32km) from The area is rich in history and heritage with strong links to great names. See if you • Discover world class collections more Blue Flag agree with who loved to holiday in Broadstairs and described it as • See world-class art at Margate’s at the Powell-Cotton Museum, beaches than any ‘Our English watering place’ and , designer of the interiors of the international art gallery Turner Quex House and Gardens Contemporary other district Houses of Parliament, lived in Ramsgate in the house he designed ‘The Grange’. • Ramsgate, the only Royal • Experience JMW Turner’s Harbour and Marina in the The internationally acclaimed Margate’s Turner Contemporary, is named after the Margate (Turner Contemporary, country famous artist JMW Turner, who frequently visited the and described the skies Turner Itinerary) here as ‘the loveliest in Europe’. Take a ride through the decades on Gallopers, • Miles of glorious coastline Big Wheel and Grade II* Scenic Railway alongside arcades, side shows, events and • , UK’s and 15 sandy beaches and bays original pleasure park with more Blue Flag beaches than roller disco at ‘The UK’s original Pleasure Park’ Dreamland. any other district • Explore Charles Dickens’ Take an indoor safari and discover Major Powell-Cotton’s extensive world class Broadstairs (Dickens House • Itinerary suggestions – Pugin’s collection of his African Adventures, alongside a historic house, acres of gardens, Museum, , annual Ramsgate, Frontline Thanet, farmers market and much more. Or get close to iconic fighter aircraft at the Spitfire Dickens Festival) Beside the Original Seaside, Dickens’ Watering Hole and Hurricane Museum. • Learn about AWN Pugin (The Grange, St Augustine’s • Accommodation available Church, Pugin Town Trail for groups (self-guided walk))

01843 577577 [email protected] www.visitthanet.co.uk/groups Free to enter and pay to ride. Peak and off peak wristbands available from as little as £9. See website Dreamland for full details Group discounts available (10% or more) for groups of 10+. Group discounts available for Octopus A unique vintage with live music, Garden and Roller Disco street food and pop-up entertainment For a bespoke group booking or quote please email [email protected] or call 01843 295887

Public pay and display car park and coach parking onsite Belgrave Road, Margate CT9 1XG

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Dreamland has a wide range of delicious food and drink Credit Hufton + Crow around the park to suit all tastes and budgets

Please check the website for times

01843 295887 Turner Contemporary [email protected] Credit Jason Pay www.dreamland.co.uk

See world-class art in a stunning seaside setting Entry to the gallery is free

Turner Contemporary is one of when visiting the town, with Dreamland Margate is considered class entertainment spaces and capturing part of the site’s rich There is a drop-off point the most distinctive galleries in spectacular views out to sea. outside the gallery and a to be the oldest-surviving much more, set against the history. the UK, showcasing the best in Original works by Turner are coach park nearby amusement park in Great Britain: backdrop of the beach. The ride line-up features the UK’s contemporary and historical art. regularly on display at the the site of Dreamland (as it was With interactive art installations, oldest wooden rollercoaster - the Through a rolling programme gallery, from a single work Special group packages available, re-named in 1920) dates back to adventurous street food from grade II* listed Scenic Railway, of temporary exhibitions and to sketchbooks and entire including tours, creative sessions, the British railway boom and the catering and shop discount around the world served from the Magic Mouse, Wedgwood events, the gallery offers a space exhibitions. The iconic building, early 1870s when, in its original vintage trucks, eclectic bars Tea Cups. The has been for everyone to embrace their designed by award-winning form, the ‘Hall by the Sea’ was Turner Contemporary’s café and a broad programme of live lovingly restored to its former curiosity. Inspired by Britain’s David Chipperfield Architects, operated by the circus tycoon, serves delicious modern seasonal entertainment, the park has a 1940s glory. best-loved painter, JMW Turner, has been voted as a 21st Century cuisine, with food and drink ‘Lord’ George Sanger. hugely unique offering for visitors. the gallery is situated on the landmark by British Airways. sourced locally where possible There’s plenty of fun for the Following significant additional same site where Turner stayed A stand out cultural destination, little ones too, with a selection Tuesday – Sunday and Bank investment in 2017, Dreamland the park has a garden walkway of smaller rides to enjoy, as Holidays Autumn/Winter 10am – was re-landscaped to provide that gives everyone the well as live shows and pop-up 5pm, Spring/Summer 10am – 6pm a space that brings together an opportunity to admire its antique entertainment throughout amusement park with lovingly menagerie cages from the 1800s, the park. 01843 233000 restored vintage rides, world- [email protected] www.turnercontemporary.org/visit

4 www.visitthanet.co.uk/groups [email protected] 5 Powell-Cotton Museum Quex House and Gardens

Visit their website for group rates or to receive a tailor- made quotation for your visit

Free and unlimited coach parking. Coach drivers receive a complimentary refreshment voucher for £5

Group rates for 20 and over – Adults £7.45 and Concessions £5.45

Mama Feelgoods Boutique Café caters for pre-booked groups of up to 100 guests serving delicious homemade dishes from an extensive menu. Afternoon cream teas and the finest selection of tea and Hornby Visitor Centre coffee are also available. Lunch bookings essential

There are acres of beautiful informal gardens Museum and Gardens open Fascinating displays about some of Group rate for 8 and over – Mid-January to Mid-December Adults £3.50, Concession £1.75 to explore, including herbaceous borders, 10am – 5pm (closed on the nation’s best loved toys, iconic brands Mondays, except Bank exotic trees and a woodland walk of Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix and Corgi. Drop off and coach parking Holidays) onsite. Coach drivers receive Quex House open from Easter free entry Naturalist, explorer and proudly displaying fascinating to 31st October yearly 1 – 4pm The Hornby Visitor Centre, the iconic brands of Hornby, (closed on Mondays, except FREE guided tours of the Visitor collector Major PHG Powell- furniture, objet d’art and a Bank Holidays & occasionally features treasures from the Scalextric, Airfix and Corgi. Centre are available subject to Cotton established a museum beautiful library. closed for wedding functions. Company’s archives dating back Visitors are able to see some advance booking in the gardens of Quex House to Please check in advance of as far as the 1920s, including stunning model rail layouts There are acres of beautiful house his extensive world class your visit) fascinating displays about some and also try their skills on a informal gardens to explore, Open 7 days a week collection, consisting of 19th of the nation’s best loved toys, Scalextric circuit. 10am – 5pm (April – Sept), including herbaceous borders, 01843 842168 century natural history from with sections dedicated to 10am – 4pm (Oct – March) exotic trees, a woodland walk, [email protected] and , oriental fine listed statues and a Victorian www.quexpark.co.uk arts, antique furniture, ceramics, 01843 233524 Walled Garden. Also at Quex Park, [email protected] weaponry and local archaeology. Quex Craft Village and Quex Barn www.hornby.com/visitorcentre Quex House is a Regency mansion farmers market and restaurant. also open to the public and

6 www.visitthanet.co.uk/groups [email protected] 7 Adult £7, Senior £5, Credit: John Coverdale Credit: Michael Desbruslais Child (3-16 years) £4, Under 3’s are Free

Free. Donations welcome Drop off point and coach Pugin and St Augustine parking available nearby Drop off point and coach parking available nearby Visitor Centre and Shrine Group visit arranged by prior agreement and advance notice Range of cafes and restaurants available nearby Come and see the ideal design church is also the Shrine of St Café on Site of Augustus Pugin, the man Augustine, the first Archbishop Credit: Kane Guy Daily 10am – 4pm who designed Big Ben and the of , who landed near Tours 1st October to 31st March Wednesday – Sunday at 10am, Houses of Parliament, at the here in AD 597. A fascinating 01843 606756 12pm and 2pm and 1st April – [email protected] home of the Gothic Revival historical and active place! 30th September Wednesday – www.augustine-pugin.org.uk on Ramsgate’s clifftop. The Ramsgate Tunnels Sunday at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. Special Tours as advertised Home to over 1,000 people 01843 588123 during the darkest period of WWII [email protected] Free access to information www.ramsgatetunnels.org display in Cartoon Room on Reopened May 2014, this during the darkest period of Wednesday afternoons. Weekly complex of underground tunnels WWII – come and experience how guided tours of main rooms at was home to over 1,000 people life underground was for them. The Grange £4 per person

Drop off point and coach parking available nearby

Range of cafes and restaurants Ramsgate Maritime Museum available nearby Pugin’s The Grange Adult £2.50, Child £1 Open on Wednesday afternoons from 2 – 4pm or by appointment. Drop off and coach parking Two guided tours for a maximum available nearby Pugin’s contribution to the townscape of of 20 people: advance booking Ramsgate brought lasting fame to the town essential to secure a place Range of cafes and restaurants available nearby Restored by Landmark Trust, a of the Houses of Parliament. The Please book tours in advance Grade I listed house designed Pugin family’s contribution to the through The Landmark Trust Easter Weekend, May Bank Booking Office on and lived in by 19th century townscape of Ramsgate brought Holidays and from 1st June 01628 825925 or architect Augustus Pugin who is lasting fame to the town and can – 30th September, Tuesday – Discover connections to ‘The Titanic’, see Ramsgate’s own Meridian Line [email protected] Sunday 10.30am – 5pm best known for the magnificent be seen from the East Cliff to the and objects raised from Stuart Warships lost on the . Enjoy interiors, furnishings and fittings West Cliff. a guided tour of Steam Tug Cervia, and learn the history of her working 01843 570622 life on the river Thames.

8 www.visitthanet.co.uk/groups [email protected] 9 Explore Charles Dickens’ favourite holiday resort Free entry From 1st April 2018 a 1/1 spitfire Groups (10 – 25 people) simulator, charges apply Adult £3.20, Under 16’s/ Students £2.20 Free onsite coach and car parking Drop off point and coach parking available nearby Onsite Merlin Café

Range of cafes and restaurants 1st November - 31st March daily available nearby 10am – 4pm, 1st April – 31st October daily 10am-5pm. Closed 24th December – 2nd January and 2018 SEASON: Mondays in January and February Good Friday 30th March – Friday The Spitfire and 15th June daily 1 – 4.30pm 01843 821940 Saturday 16th June – Sunday 9th [email protected] September daily 10am – 4.30pm www.spitfiremuseum.org.uk Hurricane Museum Monday 10th September – Sunday Bringing history alive for all the family Dickens House 28th October daily 1 – 4.30pm November Weekends only 1 – 4.30pm Closed December – March The Spitfire & Hurricane Museum during WWII. In addition to Garden where all visitors are Museum 2019 season reopen Good Friday is a unique site which not only the collection, the museum welcome to sit on the benches to Explore Charles Dickens’ the inspiration for Betsey 19th April displays the two iconic war boasts a small shop and a relax and reflect in an evocative relationship with Broadstairs Trotwood in . planes themselves but also fantastic café which serves teas, atmosphere. The Museum offers 01843 861232 through his letters and personal Also original prints, costumes a whole host of objects and coffees and quality hot food. bespoke educational sessions and (Group Bookings 863453) items in the home owned by and Victoriana. Guided tours artefacts which help tell the story Most important of all, the can accommodate group or coach [email protected] Mary Pearson Strong who was available. www.dickensmuseumbroadstairs.co.uk of life in, and around, Ramsgate Allied Air Crew Memorial bookings.

Adults £2, Child 50p RAF Manston Free onsite coach and car parking Walk around unspoilt and History Museum charming Broadstairs and you’ll March – October daily find Crampton Tower Museum 10am – 4pm, November – February www.cramptontower.co.uk Weekends 10am – 4pm dedicated to Thomas Crampton, celebrating buses, trams and 01843 825224 Bleak House railwayana. [email protected] Charles Dickens’ favourite holiday home and where he wrote www.rafmanston.co.uk Just outside Broadstairs David Copperfield. Also features The Smuggling Museum. experience a St Peter’s Village Adults £4, Child £2 Tour where costumed characters guide you through village history Daily 11am-5pm www.villagetour.co.uk War Graves tour available Located opposite the Spitfire and Hurricane Museum. Based on the history 01843 865338 of the airfield from 1916 with aircraft and artefacts dating back to WWI [email protected] www.bleakhousebroadstairs.co.uk

10 www.visitthanet.co.uk/groups [email protected] 11 Why not plan your visit around an exciting EVENTS 2018 event in our annual calendar? Below are some of the larger events taking place this year. For Adults £2,Concession (School groups, and beyond full event information please visit our website NUS Students and over 60’s) £1.50. www.visitthanet.co.uk Joint ticket with Tudor House £3, Concession £2.50

Drop off point and coach parking available nearby

Range of cafes and restaurants Margate Museum available nearby Wednesdays, Weekends all year plus Summer Bank Holidays 11am – 5pm. Learn about Margate’s history Last admission 4pm. Look out for special exhibition opening days.

Located in the Old Police Station of the , sea-bathing Broadstairs Folk Week 01843 231213 and Magistrates Court learn machines, paddle-steamers, [email protected] OCTOBER 2017 APRIL 2018 about Margate’s history as part shipwrecks and day-trippers www.margatemuseum.org Island Stories Margate Comic Festival (14 – 15) (until 27 April 2019) margatecomicfestival. quexpark.co.uk wordpress.com

Arp: The Poetry of Forms and JUNE 2018 Adults £2,Concession (School : ‘My Bed’/JMW Theatre Royal Margate – groups, NUS Students and over Turner (13 October 2017 until Heritage Open Days 60’s) £1.50. Joint ticket with 14 January 2018) SEPTEMBER 2018 Margate Museum £3, Concession turnercontemporary.org £2.50 Heritage Open Days (13 – 16) visitthanet.co.uk Drop off point and coach parking FEBRUARY 2018 available nearby Journeys with ‘The Waste Land’ Range of cafes and restaurants (3 until 7 May) available nearby turnercontemporary.org

Credit: Tom Parsons Photography Wednesday, Friday and Broadstairs Blues Bash (16 – 18) Weekends all year plus Summer Tudor House broadstairsbluesbash.com Royal Harbour Bank Holidays 11.30am – 2.30pm GEEK (16 – 18) geek-play.com History Festival Thought to be one of the oldest of its kind in Kent, it was Broadstairs Food 01843 227996 (15 – 17) rhhf.co.uk [email protected] built around 1525 and is believed to be the home of a Festival (28 – 30) www.margatemuseum.org wealthy yeoman farmer MARCH 2018 Broadstairs Dickens Festival broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk Ramsgate International Film (15 – 17) and TV Festival (15 – 18) broadstairsdickensfestival.co.uk OCTOBER 2018 ramsgateiftvfest.org Try to solve the mystery of the Shell Grotto’s 70ft of winding underground passages decorated with strange AUGUST 2018 Screamland (19, 20, 25 – 27, 31 symbols mosaiced in millions of shells. To plan your visit see www.shellgrotto.co.uk Broadstairs Spring Fair and 2 – 3 November) Broadstairs Folk Week (10 - 17) (30 – 1 April) dreamland.co.uk/screamland broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk

12 www.visitthanet.co.uk/groups [email protected] 13 How to get here

The seaside of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate are situated on the north-eastern coast of Kent and can be easily reached from London and mainland Europe via good road, rail, and Eurotunnel services.

Coach Parking • M25 links to M26, M20, M2 then A299 into Thanet Margate Broadstairs Ramsgate • St. Pancras International Station, London to Ramsgate – 75 minutes Dreamland, Margate (CT9 1XG) Joss Bay, Broadstairs (CT10 3PG) (CT11 9FT) • Ferry services into Dover (approx 20 miles/32 km from Ramsgate) 4 hours – £10, 24 hours - £20 Prices 1 April – 31 October £18.50 per 24 hours or part thereof • Eurotunnel into (approx 30 miles/42 km from Ramsgate) Margate Lido (CT9 1RX) 4 hours – £10, 24 hours - £20 by prior arrangement with Port All day £7 Vere Road, Broadstairs (CT10 1JF) Security tel 01843 587661 Prices 1 April to 31 October Until 31st March 2018 4 hours – £10, 24 hours - £20 Limited on-street parking at Prices 1 November - 31 March Victoria Parade (CT11 8DU) Planning to bring your group to our beaches & bays? Up to 24 hours - £10 and Royal Esplanade (CT11 0HE) 30 minutes drop off - £1 (all year) To help plan your group visit and keep safe on our beaches and bays, please take a Villages Millennium Way, Broadstairs look at this useful information Minnis Bay, Birchington (CT7 9QR) (CT10 2LA) Prices 1 April – 31 October www.visitthanet.co.uk/group-travel/group-beach-info Free on street parking 4 hours – £10, 24 hours - £20

Prices shown are 2017/18

14 www.visitthanet.co.uk/groups [email protected] 15 Ramsgate Royal Harbour

We can provide assistance with itinerary planning and destination literature. Free images for tour planners’, website and promotional material are available on request.

For more information, group visit ideas, accommodation and to sign up to receive our newsletter visit our website.

Included within this brochure is just a snapshot of what there is available in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate for group visits with lots more information on the area available on our website.

For group visit ideas and information go to www.visitthanet.co.uk/groups or call 01843 577577

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