Visit Thanet Press Pack • • Escape to the

The Isle of Thanet is around 40 square miles (103.30 square km) with coast on three sides at the most north-easterly edge of , the MARGATE BROADSTAIRS Garden of . Historically the isle was ISLE OF THANET RAMSGATE separated from the mainland by a significant waterway, the . Today the isle is easily accessible with excellent road links to the national motorway network. It takes just 75 minutes from London’s St Pancras International aboard HS1, the country’s only high-speed rail service. Rail services also link Thanet to other London stations and mainland Europe (Eurostar) via Ashford International. Cross-Channel services are available from the Port of and Eurotunnel. Thanet’s three resorts – Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate – have golden sandy beaches, chalk cliffs and mainline railway stations. They are geographically so close to each other but their personalities could not be more different.

2 www. visitthanet .co.uk Thanet’s unique selling points

• 16 spectacular sandy beaches and bays – 14 THANET VISITOR ECONOMY with Blue Flags and/or Seaside Awards (21 awards in total - applied for and awaiting • 4.2 million visitors each year. confirmation) • 7,950 jobs. • North East Kent Marine Protected Area – the • Contributes £319 million to the local economy coastline is covered by international and each year (Cambridge Model Economic Impact national designations for its marine and bird survey 2017). This figure does not include the

Margate Main Sands life. value of language schools to the local • Longest continuous stretch of coastal chalk in economy, which 2013 research found to be Britain. £41 million. • The only Royal Harbour in the country. THANET PEOPLE • – the largest purpose- built gallery in the South East, outside London, • Thanet population: 141,300 (ONS mid-2017, which will be hosting the Turner Prize 2019 March 2019 version). from 28 September 2019 to 12 January 2020.. • Mean age: 42.6 years (2017 mid-year • Dreamland, the UKs original pleasure park, population estimates ONS) reimagined. • Rich historic connections and Royal Harbour, Ramsgate commemorations such as the evacuation of Dunkerque, helping hold the frontline in WW1 and WW2, the arrival of the , the invasion of , the start of Roman Britain led by Julius Caesar and the arrival of England’s first Christian. • Famous literary and artistic connections such as Charles Dickens, JMW Turner, Augustus Pugin and . • High Speed 1 from St. Pancras International – Margate (90 mins), Broadstairs (85 mins) and Ramsgate (75 mins). Botany, Broadstairs www. visitthanetbusiness .co.uk 3 Margate Harbour Arm Botany Bay Royal Harbour, Ramsgate Why visit?

Londoners have been escaping to the Isle of rare chalk reefs teem with wildlife . The bays Britain, almost touching mainland Europe , yet Thanet for more than 200 years to enjoy fthe offer the closest surfing beaches to the capital now, thanks to HS1 , just 75 minutes from laidback seaside vibe, breathtaking sandy city and are a popular destination for southeast central London . Today a new generation is beaches, fresh sea air and romantic Turner skies. boarders. discovering this original seaside escape exploring Turner Contemporary gallery, the iconic At the very edge of the Garden of England , Artists, writers and musicians have long been pleasure park Dreamland and an expanding three Georgian and Victorian resorts, each with inspired by this almost-island and continue to be range of attractions and boutique hotels . its own distinctive character – Margate, drawn here. Turner said Thanet has “the loveliest Broadstairs and Ramsgate – cluster around the skies in all Europe” while for Dickens , Broadstairs bays at the far end of the peninsula . was “the freshest, freest place”. More recently,Tracey Emin declares in neon on There’s a retro feel to these harbour towns, with Margate seafront: “I never stopped loving you”. their impressive 18th and 19th century architecture . Their classic seaside heritage The Isle’s a historic landing plac e reflecting for and kitsch, eclectic attractions, and live arts and the story of Britain : Julius Caesar and the music venues alongside a variety of Romans, the first Saxons and the , led by independent places to shop, eat, drink and stay Hengist and Horsa , arrived and settled here delight thousands of visitors every year. while St Augustine who brought Christianity to southern England stepped on land at Thanet’s Miles of low chalk cliffs edge the peninsula, Ebbsfleet on his way to nearby . sheltering a string of secluded, unspoiled sandy bays . Chalk rockpools , chalk stacks and For this is the furthest south east you can go in

4 www. visitthanet .co.uk On the menu Where to stay

Thanet has a wide range of eateries and fine Contemporary and richly restored quality dining opportunities. boutique hotels are to be discovered across the isle, many with stunning views of sea, sands and Angela’s Margate aims ‘to serve delicious, Thanet’s stunning sunsets. ethically sourced, sustainable seafood, alongside simple, seasonal vegetable-based dishes’, and is Stylish and chic B&Bs and guest houses are featured in The Good Food Guide, receiving the flourishing alongside delightful self-catering Editors Award in a new category, ‘Best for town houses, flint-faced fisherman’s cottages Sustainability’. and apartments. Outdoor enthusiasts have an excellent selection of caravan and camping sites Broadstairs Food Festival Hantverk and Found is a fish and seafood restaurant, with a small selection of vegetarian Find full details of Thanet’s quality assessed dishes and local cheese and charcuterie on offer, accommodation at which is listed in the Michelin Guide. www. visitthanet .co.uk/plan-your-visit- introduction/places-to-stay Gadds No 11 , produced by The Ramsgate Brewery, is Kent Beer of the Year runner-up in the Taste of Kent Awards 2019, which are run by Produced in Kent. Go to www.visitthanet.co.uk/stay-and-eat/eating-and- drinking/food-awards/ to see more award winning restaurants. Farmers’ Market (last Sunday of Mannings Seafood Stall, Margate each month excluding December) is a popular source of local goodies while foodies are spoiled for choice at Broadstairs’ Food Festivals in October. Numerous places serve great local fish ‘n chips while the traditional taste of a seaside holiday can be experienced at Mannings , a family-run cockle and whelk stall in Margate and Cannons seafood stall in Ramsgate.

‘Room with a view’ www. visitthanetbusiness .co.uk 5 “the freshest, freest place” Charles Dickens “the loveliest skies in all Europe” JMW Turner “I never stopped loving you” Tracey Emin

6 www. visitthanet .co.uk Roots, revival and regeneration

ROOTS The resorts shared much in common – golden From the mid-20th century wider access to sands, sweeping beaches and hidden bays package holidays abroad gradually took its toll The origins of the district’s three distinctive framed by impressive chalk cliffs. on the Thanet visitor economy. Increasingly resorts – Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate – cheaper flights and the rapid growth of resorts in However, each developed differently. Ramsgate’s and their surrounding villages lie in farming and destinations such as Spain meant more people waterfront reflects its maritime heritage fishing. chose to go abroad for their one or two-week including its working Royal Harbour and port. family sun and sand holidays. Thanet continued The passion for the health benefits of sea air and Broadstairs grew up around its traditional fishing to be popular as a daytrip or weekend bathing, which started among the aristocracy in roots with narrow streets frequented by Charles destination but many of the larger hotels and the 18th century, led to a building boom and Dickens. Margate’s wide and open seafront was guest houses had to close followed by larger development of the towns to cater for a rapidly shaped by its capacity to develop the heyday of entertainment venues. growing number of wealthy visitors. classic seaside fun and entertainment alongside With an increase in ferry services from London the narrow, cobbled streets of its Old Town. and even more significantly the arrival of the As the visitor economy grew so did the number railways, many more people gained access to the of wealthier people wishing to enjoy much more coastal resorts, each of which has its own of the year on the healthy coast or spend their mainline stations. retirement in an area where they had enjoyed Investment in buildings and businesses followed happy summer holidays. Grand houses and gated providing accommodation and entertainment communities were built along the coast on the for holidaymakers, group excursions and day outskirts of the main resorts as were many trippers from the capital and beyond. estates of classic bungalows.

Margate Old Town Broadstairs Harbour Ramsgate Main Sands www. visitthanetbusiness .co.uk 7 REVIVAL Meanwhile, the impressive Georgian and Victorian architecture of Ramsgate, overlooking In recent years, fashions in holidays have its historic Royal Harbour and modern marina, changed once again. Popularity of package reflects its maritime heritage as well as its 18th holidays has declined in favour of a widening and 19th century role as a very popular health interest in independent travel to more unusual and leisure destination with the wealthy. Perhaps destinations. More people want to be travelers reflecting its importance as a port and proximity joining the local community rather than tourists. to Europe, the resort is now famous for its busy Concerns about the environmental costs of waterfront continental café culture. flying abroad are also heightened and the REGENERATION popularity of the staycation and long-weekend break has increased dramatically. At the same Public and private investment in regeneration Turner Contemporary, Margate time, people have become more interested in re- has seen the arrival of HS1, improvements to the discovering different areas of the UK enabled by road infrastructure, development of Ramsgate’s the new trend for taking one or two short breaks Royal Harbour and marina, and the rebirth of during the year alongside the main holiday. Margate as an internationally acclaimed destination. There is a growing desire to escape big towns and cities to get outdoors and enjoy the health Regeneration is totally refreshing the visitor benefits of walking and cycling, alongside a industry in Thanet and bringing benefits to the wealth of water sports. Thanet with its superb wider economy across the resorts and their coastline and beaches, alongside its history and villages. heritage in three highly distinctive resorts in easy High Speed 1 links Margate, Broadstairs and reach of London, is ideally placed to cater for the Ramsgate to St. Pancras International in 90, 85 needs of today’s visitor economy. and 75 minutes respectively, while other rail services link Thanet to other London stations and Margate captures the fun and entertainment of the Great British Seaside Holiday alongside a mainland Europe (Eurostar) via Ashford cultural and creative revolution inspired by the International. Cross-Channel services are internationally acclaimed Turner Contemporary available from the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel, gallery and the regeneration of Margate Old . Town with a wealth of cafés, galleries and 4.2 million visitors each year contributing more independent shops. than £319 million to the local economy and Broadstairs, with its narrow streets, flint-faced supporting 7,950 jobs (Cambridge Model cottages and picturesque harbour that would still Economic Impact Survey 2017), (this does not be recognised by its most famous resident, include £41 million generated by local language Charles Dickens, retains its traditional seaside schools). atmosphere including two 1950s-style ice-cream parlours. Westcliff, overlooking Royal Harbour, Ramsgate 8 www. visitthanet .co.uk People working in London are making their initiative for Destination Management Plans initiatives in Thanet encouraging the restoration homes in Thanet and others are opting to invest (DMP). Working with the local tourism industry and conservation of historic properties such as in second homes on the isle. the five-year plan includes staff training, tourism Ramsgate being awarded Heritage Action Zone marketing initiatives, highlighting grant and status by Historic England, one of only ten towns Thanet is attracting new investment in 21st advantageous funding streams available to small in the county. century boutique hotels, guest houses, and medium-sized businesses alongside restaurants, cafés and outdoor leisure Enhancing the quality of life for residents and investment opportunities available locally, opportunities alongside new and relocating visitors alike plays a major role in many other countywide and nationally. businesses. regeneration initiatives attracting new businesses The need to deliver and continuously refresh an and investment in other sectors across the The isle now has world class attractions, such as all-round high-quality visitor experience is also district and its business parks. Find out more Turner Contemporary and The Powell-Cotton improving the quality of life enjoyed by everyone about the regeneration of Thanet at: Museum and Quex House, at Birchington, voted living and working in the district. For example, www. visitthanetbusiness .co.uk. the UK’s most inspiring museum. Meanwhile, Council worked with an artist and there is a long list of other key attractions – There is also a full events calendar with long- landscape architect to make sure flood defences many relatively new such as Dreamland and The standing favourites such as Broadstairs Folk constructed in Margate were designed to Ramsgate Tunnels – alongside traditional Week, Minster Show celebrating its 133rd enhance the regeneration of Margate Old Town favourites such as Margate’s Shell Grotto and the anniversary in 2019, and Ramsgate Week to Conservation Area and to provide a new amenity Dickens House Museum at Broadstairs. newer additions to the calendar such as area on the seafront. has Screamland and the Ramsgate Festival. Find out Turner Contemporary, designed by award- also played an active role in the redevelopment more on www. visitthanet .co.uk winning architect Sir David Chipperfield, opened of Dreamland. to the public in 3 million visits from all over the New schemes have also been introduced by the world. council in Margate to improve the street scene Thanet District Council was the first local and bring problem and derelict buildings back authority in Kent to take up on the Visit England into use as family homes. There are also major

Margate Flood Defences Ramsgate Tunnel Powell-Cotton Museum and Quex House, Birchington www. visitthanetbusiness .co.uk 9 What’s New

TURNER CONTEMPORARY Alongside the operator’s new and rejuvenated offer, which opened on 26 May 2017, the council Turner Contemporary will host the Turner Prize has undertaken the next phase of redevelopment 2019 from 28 September 2019 to 12 January to restore the front of the cinema building and Turner Contemporary, Margate 2020. One of the best-known prizes for the bring the iconic Sunshine Café, offering visual arts in the world, the Turner Prize aims to panoramic views over Margate Sands, back to life. promote public debate around new www. thanet .gov.uk/info-pages/dreamland- developments in contemporary British art. Every developments other year, the prize leaves Tate Britain and is presented at a venue outside London. MARGATE CAVES DREAMLAND, MARGATE Margate Caves are set to open to the public in summer 2019 following a long campaign to Dreamland is one of Britain’s oldest surviving develop a new tourist attraction in the town. amusement parks and has been an essential part They were closed in 2004 following a structural of Margate’s identity for nearly 100 years. survey. Thanet District Council’s efforts to secure the site Since 2011, campaigners determined to save the has unlocked significant regeneration works and, Dreamland Cinema Building caves have gained major funding from the Big along with the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Lottery Fund and Heritage Lottery Fund, boosted Dreamland Trust and other public organisations, by a crowdfunding initiative. Find out more has helped secure £18m of public funding. It is about this exciting project at: likely that the site’s jewels – the Grade II* listed www. margatecaves .co.uk. Scenic Railway; the Grade II* listed cinema complex and the Grade II listed menagerie cages - would have further degenerated without this intervention.

© Frank Leppard 10 www. visitthanet .co.uk NEW DIGITAL DISCOVERIES PLAQUES 10 eye-catching new plaques can be seen at key locations across the Isle of Thanet. The plaques tease the reader with a hint of information that can be discovered, then upon entering a code into their mobile device, the location and its stories come alive through video, audio and imagery. www.visitthanet.co.uk/digitaldiscovery THE ESCAPEMENT AT RETORT HOUSE Six immersive new escape rooms, including a Harry Potter inspired adventure and an Orient Express train themed room, are due to open in June. Run by the couple behind The Escapement in Margate, the focus will be on story telling theatrics. www.escapementmargate.co.uk

© Dreamland

www. visitthanetbusiness .co.uk 11 Viking Bay, Broadstairs

12 www. visitthanet .co.uk Interesting Facts

• The Thanet coastline represents 20% of the • During the Middle Ages the island was owned UKs and 12% of Europe’s coastal chalk and we by two monasteries of Canterbury, which ran have the longest continuous stretch of chalk it as a farming estate dominated by massive cliffs in Britain. churches and administered from monastic granges. • The 19 miles of Thanet coastline boasts 16 beaches and bays, six with Blue Flag Awards • Even in its early period as a resort, Thanet was and Four with Seaside Awards (2018). considered close to London being conveniently reachable by boat. Simultaneously it was far • Thanet has 27 conservation areas and over enough removed from the capital to allow Viking Ship ’Hugin 2,000 listed buildings. visitors to feel that they could ‘let their hair • The whole of the Thanet coastline is down’. designated as part of the ‘North East Kent • Thanet has be described as the gateway island European Marine Sites’ covering a number of since it has been the point of arrival of a international nature conservations succession of continental people and ideas designations www. nekmpa .org.uk since the earliest human occupation of Britain. • The world’s largest offshore windfarm is • Thanet was home to both the man who saved situated off the Thanet coast. Stonehenge for the nation, Lord Lubbock (who • Thanet is unique. It is the most easterly of the was also the inventor of Bank Holidays) and British Isles and for this reason Stone Age the band most associated with Stonehenge, people buried their ancestors here so that they Hawkwind (who were also the precursors of could be nearest to the rising sun. St Augustine’s Cross Punk and New-Age Travellers). • Thanet has around 250 hectares of intertidal • The Georgian architecture of health and chalk reef that is home to an array of shorelife pleasure peppers the district as a monument from the white bivalve ‘piddock’ shells – which to the island’s life-enhancing properties and it entomb themselves for life there – to is no coincidence that Margate pioneered the seaweeds and vibrant rockpool life. mixed bathing rebellion among the Edwardian • Thanet’s latest marine designation is the new working class; a revolution led by the great Marine Conservation Zone in 2013 and covers Soubrette and Margate-lover Marie Lloyd. amongst other things the blue mussel beds • One of Thanet’s rarest and strangest wildlife and stalked jellyfish. can be found at the back of our chalk sea • The area has a rich agricultural tradition. caves – living algal communities cover the sides and back of the caves. Tudor House, Margate www. visitthanetbusiness .co.uk 13 Dreamland ©Oliver Dixon Margate Main Sands Margate Old Town Our three resorts

MARGATE

Margate is a classic seaside destination with deep oldest wooden roller coaster, the Grade II* listed • Major attractions and entertainments roots in the original development of visits to the Scenic Railway. alongside many hidden gems. coast for the health benefits of exhilarating sea air and salt water bathing. Along with the resort’s residents, visitors find • Time and space to relax and enjoy the resort’s themselves at the heart of the cultural and famous sunsets, clifftop walks and trails, and As the passion and fashion for seaside fun and creative arts revolution sweeping along the coast contemporary culture. frivolity became more accessible with boat trips of Kent. from London and the arrival of the railways, • Independent galleries, vintage and retro hotspots, and quirky shops along cobbled Margate and neighbouring Cliftonville became World-class art and cultural exhibitions at streets. synonymous with family holiday fun, weekend Turner Contemporary gallery. Turner escapes (including romantic liaisons) and daytrips. Contemporary from 28 September 2019 to • Easter Beer Festival (March/April), Mods and Visitors today soak up the sun, sands and sea 12 January 2020 will host the Turner Prize 60s Festival, Margate Meltdown (May), Skagate with all the enthusiasm of previous generations 2019. Play Expo Margate (July), Margate Soul Festival of the bucket ‘n spade brigade as well as a wealth and Carnival, Margate Festival (September - • Dreamland, the UK’s original pleasure park. of retro and vintage seaside pleasures presented January 2010), Screamland (October), Frosted in 21st century style. • Margate Old Town, vibrant and expanding Fairground (December). creative sector. The re-opened and re-imagined Dreamland A Margate press pack is available, see back cover. Pleasure Park is the newest addition and • Classic seaside heritage – magnificent sands, celebrates the age of the Great British seaside beaches and bays, water sports, rockpools, amusement experience, including the country’s cockles and whelks, fish ‘n chips and candyfloss.

14 www. visitthanet .co.uk Botany Bay Viking Bay BROADSTAIRS

Broadstairs succeeds in more than satisfying the ages and interests, Broadstairs has more than • Blues Bash (February), Dickens Festival (June), needs of today’s generations of short break, held its own and is thriving in the 21st century. Folk Week and Water Gala (August), Wheels weekend visitors and daytrippers who flock to its and Fins (September), Broadstairs Food Festival • Seven sand-filled, family-friendly beaches and beaches. This coastal honeypot retains all the (October and Easter). bays, two with Blue Flag Awards and two with charms and features of a traditional seaside Seaside Awards A Broadstairs press pack is available, see back destination. cover. • Stunning chalk cliffs including caves and much- Morelli’s, the quintessential 1950s ice cream photographed stacks at Botany Bay parlour, still stands at the top of the chalk cliffs overlooking the flowers planted along the • Closest surfing beaches to London and best in promenade and the gently sloping sands and rock the south east pools of Viking Bay. Charles Dickens, one of the • Timeless seaside charm town’s most famous former visitors and resident, would easily recognise the narrow streets and • Traditional fishing harbour, cobbled squares and flint walls in the older parts of the town and the narrow streets streets winding down to the small fishing • Vibrant nightlife economy and exciting eateries harbour. • Classic ice cream parlours and coffee shops Throughout the summer demand is high for the town’s many guesthouses and B&Bs, self-catering • Clifftop gardens and bandstand houses and apartments. As a resort, and a long- • Clifftop and foreshore strolls, cycling and golf standing favourite destination for people of all

www. visitthanetbusiness .co.uk 15 Westcliff Arcade Royal Harbour Ramsgate Tunnels RAMSGATE

Ramsgate, a favourite seaside destination of • UK’s only Royal Harbour • Thriving continental café culture along the Princess Victoria, is an architectural jewel in the south-facing waterfront • Golden sands, famous family-friendly beach, coastal crown of the Isle of Thanet. boat trips and clifftop walks • Fine eateries serving local produce including The town’s long maritime history as a port, with seafoods • Modern marina filled with luxury yachts the country’s only Royal Harbour, and its thriving • Retro and contemporary boutique hotels, modern marina have contributed to the • Augustus Pugin’s house The Grange and guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering development of a relaxing Mediterranean-style St.Augustine’s Church waterfront filled with a wealth of bustling bistros • Events include St. Augustine Week (May/June), • Elegant Georgian, Regency and Victorian and restaurants. Great Bucket and Spade Run (June), Ramsgate architecture – hundreds of listed buildings Week, an alternative to Cowes, including the The resort’s fine weather, superb sands, sea air • Ramsgate Tunnels - deep shelter tunnels built Ramsgate Festival (July) and Heritage Open and stunning views from the chalk cliffs alongside to protect civilians during WWII Days (September) elegant side streets, independent shops, galleries and seaside entertainments add even more • Active Ramsgate itinerary – including two new A Ramsgate press pack is available, see back flavour to Ramsgate’s popular café culture. canoe trails and a new coastal walk cover.

16 www. visitthanet .co.uk Quex House Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum West Bay THANET VILLAGES

Just a short distance from the coast visitors Popular visitor gems include: discover a treasure chest of delights in Thanet’s • Birchington and Westgate – Coastal villages • Minster Show – (www.minstershow.org.uk) traditional villages. with Blue Flag beaches at Minnis Bay, West Bay celebrating its 133rd anniversary in July 2019. and St. Mildred’s Bay. Minster and neighbouring villages work • Quex Park Estate and the Powell-Cotton together to present action-packed Museum, Birchington, www.quexpark.co.uk has entertainment, celebrating the success of a wide range of attractions including the flower and vegetable growers, cooks, jam and internationally acclaimed museum, restored preserve makers and more. gardens, activities for children and • Monkton Nature Reserve and Observatory – opportunities to enjoy the best of Kent trails, UK’s first artificial bat cave, fossils and produce. Full and varied diary of annual events. visitor centre • The Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum, • St. Mary the Virgin Church at Minster – a large Manston, now with a Spitfire cockpit simulator Roman Catholic church with 18 fine medieval • RAF Manston History Museum misericords, which are amongst the best in . • Minster Abbey – possibly the oldest inhabited house in the country near where St. Augustine led the first Christian mass in Britain

www. visitthanetbusiness .co.uk 17 For further media information including packs on Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, press trips and access to up-to-date images, please contact Julie Edwards, Senior Tourism Officer at Visit Thanet, tel: 01843 577671 or email: [email protected]

For further information on the Isle of Thanet, attractions and accommodation go to www.visitthanet.co.uk for visitor stats go to www.visitthanetbusiness.co.uk

@VisitThanet VisitThanet www.visitthanetblog.com VISIT THANET Margate • Broadstairs • Ramsgate