You’ll find plenty of things to do in Margate, whatever the weather. Visit top Margate activities like Dreamland or experience its top-rated attractions like exploring the Shell Grotto. Bargain hunters won’t want to miss shopping in Margate while couples and families alike can enjoy Margate's culture at its top museums and galleries. Check out the best places to eat in Margate and get a taste of the local food, before experiencing some exciting Margate nightlife. Getting around Margate couldn't be easier however you choose to travel, and you can rest easy knowing you've enjoyed all of Margate's entertainment before heading back to your hotel in Margate for a great night’s sleep on a super comfy bed.
Entertainment in Margate
Theatre
The Margate Winter Gardens is a popular venue with the people of Margate. The town’s history is intertwined with this fabulously historic performance space. The Main Hall has a capacity of over 2,000 people. Queens Hall is the smaller of the Winter Gardens’ two spaces with a more than capable capacity of 600 people. Between the two halls, the Margate Winter Gardens presents a programme of pretty much anything. Shows include musicals like Cats, entertainment events like Bongo’s Bingo, cover bands from basically ever genre, and some of the country’s biggest comedy acts, such as Jimmy Carr.
If it’s theatre you’re after, make your way to the Theatre Royal Margate on Addington Street. It’s a stunning Georgian theatre with a well-established reputation for hosting some of the UK’s most exciting touring dance and drama companies, not to mention established comedy acts from the circuit. The Theatre Royal is also affiliated with three local companies who help to fill out its programme with some excellent productions.
Lastly, the Tom Thumb Theatre on the Eastern Esplanade is an excellent little entertainment venue. And by “little” we mean absolutely minuscule. It’s one of the smallest theatres in the world. It was originally a Victorian coach house, but now this odd building of mish-mash Japanese and ski-resort architecture is an awesome Hermione’s handbag that’s absolutely brimming with brilliant live music, comedy and the friendliest staff going. We almost don’t want to tell you about it, such is the Tom Thumb Theatre’s hidden gem status.
Margate Winter Gardens
Margate FC
Margate FC
If you want a taste of sporting action, but you haven’t the appetite for anything too serious, Margate FC is just the team for you. The non-league football club was formerly known as Margate Town and dates all the way back to 1896. Home matches tend to be on Saturdays, but check before to make sure The Gate are playing before you make your way to Hartsdown Park. Tickets are just a tenner, and you may get to see some famous supporters – after all, the club is supported by legendary indie rockers, The Libertines.
Music
If you want to see some live music during your stay in Margate, the first two venues for you to check should be the Margate Winter Gardens and the Tom Thumb Theatre, both of which we’ve already mentioned above. On the off chance nothing takes your fancy, a top-class backup is Olby’s Soul Cafe & Music Rooms on King Street. As well as offering food to rival our favourite places to eat in Margate, it’s also an excellent music venue with regular free gigs. It attracts a mixed bag of music lovers and hosts three popular festivals throughout the year.