dirty weekend in margate

Mention Margate to anyone over 50 and they'll break out into song (thanks to the 1982 Chas and Dave number, which captured the essence of the seaside destination for many Londoners.)
Now, it is more likely to conjure up images of creatives congregating in the many galleries, bars and cafes in this north Kent town.
Having been visiting Margate for many years, I can confirm it still holds the charm of the traditional British seaside town whilst benefitting from the investment of the DFLs (Down From Londoners).
​So if you have 24 hours in Margate, grab your Kiss Me Quick hat and as here is what you shouldn't miss:

The Old Town: beautiful lanes of vintage shops, independent stores and with weekend markets. 
Pubs and restaurants: Fish and chips on the beach is my go-to (I always travel with a bottle of Heinz Ketchup for this very reason!) The town is well served for pubs and bars. The Fez being one of my favourites. Afternoon tea at the iconic Walpole Bay Hotel cannot be missed. Edwardian in style and utterly seductive, we have always enjoyed wonderful service in the quaint surroundings. 
Art: Margate is awash with artists, studios and small galleries. A great place to start is on the seafront at the iconic Turner Contemporary Gallery.
Attractions: With offerings such as The Crab Museum and Shell Grotto, Margate is brimming with things to do. Play the slots on the seafront in one of the amusement arcades. Or the iconic Dreamland boasts a traditional English seaside with a Grade II listed wooden rollercoaster, a roller disco and hosts concerts throughout the year.
Beaches: The sandy beach in Margate with life guards during the high season is popular if you fancy a paddle. The tidal pool further along at the Lido is also worth a visit and we can never resist a dip. 
Accommodation: Too endless to list - Margate is well served for rental properties and hotels. We are yet to try The Walpole Bay Hotel, but it is certainly on the list. 
Transport links: Margate is accessible by rail and road. The train station is central and only minutes from the beach. National Rail coaches serve the town from London daily. By road, Margate is easily accessible and is located 1.5 hours from London.

The above is a mere sniff of what is on offer in Margate and us by no means an exhaustive list.  
So whether it is a few days away with the girls, a family break or a dirty weekend for two, there is something for everyone in Margate!