Visit Thanet Press Pack • • Escape to the Isle of Thanet

The Isle of Thanet is around 40 square miles in area (103.30 square km) and is situated on the most north-easterly edge of , the Garden of , with coast on three sides. Historically the isle was 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. And rail services link Thanet to other London stations and mainland Europe (Eurostar) via Ashford International. Cross-Channel services are available from the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel. Thanet’s three resorts – Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate – are geographically so close to each other but beyond all three boasting great golden sandy beaches and chalk cliffs and mainline railway stations, their personalities could not be more different.

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

• 15 spectacular sandy beaches and bays – more THANET PEOPLE Blue Flag beaches than any other district in England • Thanet population: 136, 800 (2013 mid-year estimate ONS) • North East Kent Marine Protected Area – the whole of our coastline is covered by • Average age: 42 years (2013 mid-year international and national designations for its estimate ONS) marine and bird life • Over 65 years: 15.9% of the population (2013 • Longest continuous stretch of coastal chalk in mid-year estimate ONS) Britain • BME population 4% (2011 census) • The only ‘Royal’ Harbour in the country • Out of work benefits 15.5% - 12,530 • Turner Contemporary – the largest purpose- • People aged 16 – 64 years (DWP Longitudinal built gallery in the South East, outside London. Study 2014) • Dreamland pleasure park, opening summer 2015 THANET VISITOR ECONOMY • Rich in historic connections and • 3.6 million visitors each year commemorations such as the evacuation of Dunkerque, helping hold the frontline in WW1 • 5,392 jobs (15% of all employment) and WW2, the arrival of the , the • Contributes £245 million to the local economy invasion of and the arrival each year (Cambridge Model Economic Impact of England’s first Christian survey 2013), £286 million including language • Famous connections such as Charles Dickens, schools. JMW Turner and Augustus Pugin.

www. visitthanetbusiness .co.uk 3 Why visit?

Londoners have been escaping to the Isle of chalk reefs teem with wildlife . These are the And now with the Turner Contemporary Thanet for more that 200 years … for the closest surfing beaches to the capital city: a gallery, the return of the iconic pleasure park laidback seaside vibe … breathtaking sandy popular choice with southeast boarders. Dreamland , reimagined for the 21st century, and beaches … fresh sea air … and romantic Turner high-speed trains from the capital … a new Artists, writers and musicians have long been skies … generation is discovering this original seaside inspired by this almost-island … and continue to escape . Here at the very edge of the Garden of be drawn here. Turner said Thanet had “the England , three Georgian and Victorian resorts, loveliest skies in all Europe” … for Dickens , each with its own distinctive character – Margate, Broadstairs was “the freshest, freest place” … and Broadstairs and Ramsgate – cluster around the Tracey Emin declares in green neon on Margate bays at the far end of the peninsula . seafront: “I never stopped loving you”. There’s a retro feel to these harbour towns, with The Isle’s a historic landing place steeped in their remarkable 18th and 19th century symbolism for the story of Britain …the first architecture , their classic seaside heritage Saxons, Hengist and Horsa , arrived and settled and kitsch, their eclectic attractions and live arts here … and St Augustine first stepped onto and music venues. And there is a variety of these shores on his way to nearby . independent places to shop, eat, drink and stay. For this is the furthest south east you can go in Miles of low chalk cliffs edge the peninsula, Britain … almost touching mainland Europe … sheltering a string of secluded, unspoilt sandy yet these days only 75 minutes from central bays . Chalk rockpools , chalk stacks and rare London …

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, below is a list of those with boutique hotels are to be discovered across the awards and our local producers. isle, many with stunning views of sea, sands and Thanet’s stunning sunsets. Stylish and chic B&Bs Multi award winning The Ambrette and guest houses are flourishing alongside contemporary Indian restaurant in Margate Old delightful self-catering town houses, flint-faced Town – www.theambrette.co.uk fisherman’s cottages and apartments. And Farmers’ Market (last Sunday outdoor enthusiasts have an excellent selection each month exc. December) – regular winner in of caravan and camping sites. Taste of Kent Awards. Find full details of Thanet’s accredited Kent Crisps , Birchington – Sea salt, vinegar and accommodation at Biddenden Cider (Taste of Kent Award 2015 in www. visitthanet .co.uk/plan-your-visit- Food Product Category – Bakery and introduction/places-to-stay Confectionery – www.kentcrisps.co.uk Margate Smokehouse – family run and producing smoked sausages, sea salt, habanero peppers and more – www.margatesmokehouse.co.uk Mannings – family run cockle and whelk stall in Margate. Broadstairs Food Festival – October – www.broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk Ramsgate Brewery – Gadds No 3 selected as Kent’s Best Beer (Taste of Kent Awards 2015) - just one of a growing number of local beers available from Thanet’s rapidly expanding number of micro-pubs.

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

www. visitthanetbusiness .co.uk 7 REVIVAL internationally acclaimed Turner Contemporary gallery and the regeneration of Margate Old In recent years, fashions in holidays have Town with a wealth of cafés, galleries and changed once again. The popularity of package independent shops. holidays has declined in favour of a widening interest in independent travel to more exotic Meanwhile, the impressive Georgian and destinations. More people want to be seen as Victorian architecture of Ramsgate overlooking travellers not tourists. its historic Royal Harbour and thoroughly modern marina, reflects its maritime heritage Concerns about the environmental costs of and its 18th and 19th century role - as a very flying abroad became more focused and popular health and leisure destination with the following the recent difficulties since the wealthy. Perhaps reflecting its importance as a financial crisis of 2008 the popularity of the port and proximity to Europe, the resort is now “staycation” has increased dramatically. famous for its busy waterfront continental café At the same time, people became more culture. interested in re-discovering different areas of the REGENERATION UK enabled by the new trend for taking one or two short breaks during the year alongside the Public and private investment in regeneration main holiday. And once again there was a has seen the arrival of HS1, improvements to the growing desire to escape big towns and cities road infrastructure, development of Ramsgate’s and get outdoors and enjoy the health benefits Royal Harbour and thoroughly modern marina, of walking and cycling, alongside a wealth of and the rebirth of Margate as an internationally- water sports. acclaimed destination. Thanet with its superb coastline and beaches, Regeneration is totally refreshing the visitor alongside its history and heritage in three highly industry in Thanet and bringing benefits to the distinctive resorts in easy reach of London is wider economy across the resorts and their ideally placed to cater for the needs of today’s villages. HS1 links Margate to St Pancras visitor economy. International around 75 minutes and other rail services link Thanet to other London stations and Broadstairs, with its narrow streets and flint- mainland Europe (Eurostar) via Ashford faced cottages and picturesque harbour that International. Cross-Channel services are would still be recognised by its most famous available from the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel. resident Charles Dickens, retains its traditional seaside atmosphere including two 1950s-style Thanet now entertains 3.36 million visitors each ice-cream parlours. year contributing more than £245 million to the district economy and supporting 5,932 jobs Margate captures the fun and entertainment of (Cambridge Model Economic Impact Survey the Great British Seaside Holiday alongside a 2013). cultural and creative revolution inspired by the

8 www. visitthanet .co.uk People working in London are making their process of being delivered. This includes staff Enhancing the quality of life for residents and homes in Thanet and others are opting to invest training, tourism marketing initiatives, visitors alike also plays a major role in many in second homes on the isle. highlighting grant and advantageous funding other regeneration initiatives attracting new streams available to small and medium-sized businesses and investment in other sectors Thanet is attracting new investment in 21st businesses alongside investment opportunities across the district and its business parks. century boutique hotels and guest houses, available locally, countywide and nationally. restaurants and cafés, and outdoor leisure Find out more about the regeneration of opportunities alongside new and relocating The need to deliver and continuously refresh an Thanet at: businesses. all-round high quality visitor experience is also www. visitthanetbusiness .co.uk improving the quality of life enjoyed by everyone The isle now has world class attractions, such as living and working in the district. There is also a full events calendar with long Turner Contemporary and The Powell-Cotton standing favourites such as Broadstairs Folk Museum and Quex House, at Birchington, voted For example, Council worked with Week now in its 50th year to newer additions the UK’s most inspiring museum. Meanwhile, an artist and landscape architect to make sure such as GEEK (Games Expo East Kent) and the there is a long list of other key attractions – flood defences constructed in Margate were Ramsgate Festival. many new such as The Ramsgate Tunnels – designed to enhance the regeneration of alongside traditional favourites such as Margate Margate Old Town Conservation Area and to Find our more on www. visitthanet .co.uk Shell Grotto and the Dickens House Museum at provide a new amenity area on the seafront. Broadstairs. New schemes have also been introduced by the Turner Contemporary, designed by award- council in Margate to improve the streetscene winning architect Sir David Chipperfield, opened and bring problem and derelict buildings back to the public in 2011 and since then has into use as family homes. There are initiatives welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors encouraging the restoration and conservation of including 4% who had never visited a gallery historic properties. before. And 110,000 people have taken part in the gallery’s active community learning programme of events inspiring the next generations of art lovers. To date, Turner Contemporary has generated £32 million for the local economy and supports 130 jobs within the gallery and beyond. More than 35 new businesses have opened in Margate since the gallery opened its doors. Thanet District Council was the first local authority in Kent to take up on the Visit England initiative for Destination Management Plans (DMP). Working with the local tourism industry a five-year DMP has been produced and is in the

www. visitthanetbusiness .co.uk 9 What’s New

DREAMLAND ALBION HOUSE PETTICOAT LANE EMPORIUM Opening in summer 2015, Dreamland will once Ramsgate welcomes the restoration of its most A brand new business on the former old skating more become a major UK visitor attraction and revered and historically important building, rink on Dumpton Park Drive, a huge emporium of will truly re-invent the classic seaside experience. Albion House, which was built in 1790. The all things vintage, retro, collectable or craft. building has a rich and colourful history, being The new Dreamland pleasure park will boast the With 150 individual units, the choice is one of several residences used by the duchess of fully re-built Grade II* listed Scenic Railway, the enormous and it provides a superb way to find Kent and Princess Victoria (c.1830). UK’s oldest roller coaster, as well as a unique and buy intriguing items. collection of rides from 1910 to the present day, The refurbishment sees the building being www. petticoatemporium .com classic side shows and fairground games. The transformed in to a hotel with 14 bedrooms, 12 event spaces are capable of hosting year round of which have direct sea views and all are small and large-scale events, national festivals furnished with exquisite, antique furniture. and visiting attractions and will celebrate the www. albionhouseramsgate .co.uk history of popular British culture. www. dreamland .co.uk

10 www. visitthanet .co.uk Future Developments

In Margate, Kent County Council plan to build a multi-million pound, 60-bedroom hotel on Margate seafront. There will be the creation of an aquarium at the former Lido and an indoor food market on the seafront stocked with local and regional produce.

ST. AUGUSTINE’S CHURCH VISITOR CENTRE, ROYAL SANDS DEVELOPMENT RAMSGATE Delivery of the Royal Sands development on the A new Visitor Centre planned for St. Augustine’s former Pleasurama site on Ramsgate seafront Church in Ramsgate is due to open in 2016. This will now be taken forward by Cardys will house The Pugin and St Augustine’s Construction Ltd, a leading building contractor in education, research and visitor centre. The the South East. project aims to increase knowledge and The agreement will see the scheme built out in accessibility for people of all ages around two accordance with the existing planning consent themes: the Victorian architect, Augustus Welby including a 60 bed hotel, 107 residential Northmore Pugin and St. Augustine of England, apartments, leisure facilities, cafes, shops and founder of the Christian church in Southern even a playground within the Ramsgate seafront England. site. The centre will provide facilities for visitors, The scheme is a key regeneration project for schools and the local community to learn about Ramsgate which will support economic activity Pugin and St. Augustine with teaching, displays in the area. It is expected to employ up to 200 and physical access through the principal areas people while under development and once of this seminal building. completed, it will provide further jobs in the www. augustinefriends .co.uk hotel trade, commercial units and in the servicing of the residential common parts.

MARGATE BREWERY Microbrewery to open in former public house ‘The Cottage’ on the High street. www. margatebrewery .com

www. visitthanetbusiness .co.uk 11 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 about all Thanet visitor destinations and attractions go to Visit Thanet www. visitthanet .co.uk

Visitor Information Services The Droit House, Stone Pier, Margate, CT9 1JD T: 01843 577577 e: [email protected]

VISIT THANET Margate • Broadstairs • Ramsgate