A lively seaside resort town on the Kent coastline, Ramsgate is known for its Georgian architecture, golden beaches and a bustling marina dotted with ice-cream stands, beach shops and fish-and-chip shops. It’s also home to centuries-old squares, historic churches and museums and a vast nature reserve.

Things to do

Ramsgate Main Sands has a sheltered beach framed by towering cliffs and walking trails. Stroll the beach before visiting the trendy shops and cafes at Ramsgate Royal Harbour and Marina, known for its role in the Napoleonic Wars and Dunkirk evacuation of World War II. You’ll find art galleries, antiques and curiosity shops in the old railway tunnels nearby.

Explore the RAF Manston History Museum to discover historic military aircraft, including the Blackburn Buccaneer S.2B and Gloster Meteor T.T.20. The neighbouring Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum houses a Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI and Hawker Hurricane IIC. If you’re fascinated with technology, pop into the Micro Museum for an in-depth look at computers.

Architecture and history buffs can visit the Shrine of St. Augustine, built by famous architect Augustus Pugin who designed many of the Heritage-listed buildings in the city. You can admire the stained-glass windows and pay your respects to St. Augustine of England, the first Archbishop of Canterbury.

Take the family to Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve to enjoy picturesque ponds, woodlands and unique nature, including oystercatchers, barnacle geese and yellow-horned poppies. You can also drive along the Kent coastline to visit Dover Castle and Hever Castle, which were once home to Britain’s queen, Anne Boleyn.

Getting around

Buses, taxis, bicycle hires and beach trolleys offer transportation in Ramsgate. You can pick up a rental car at Kent International Airport, about five kilometres north-east of the city.