Find your creative flair in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate

Be inspired by the greats and celebrate creativity with top events, festivals and shows this year. On 12^th – 13^th April, Ramsgate Through the Senses will be a celebration of food and drink to inspire mind and body, with foodie experiences, foraging, and hands-on workshops set to tantalise the tastebuds and stimulate the senses.

In Margate, don’t miss the chance to see “Waves Breaking on a Lee Shore at Margate” at Turner Contemporary, which offers an insight into the influence Margate had on Turner’s landscapes, and the skies he famously declared, “the loveliest skies in Europe”. On loan from Tate, the painting forms part of  Turner 250, a celebration to mark the 250^th anniversary of the artist's birth. Another of Margate’s icons, Dame Tracey Emin has curated the must-see TKE Studios Spring Show. Featuring new work from artists TM Davy and Alina Zamanova, the show kicks off on 26^th April – 22^nd June. Plus, be sure to check out the Carl Freedman Gallery where TM Davy’s first solo exhibition will be opening on 26^th April.

Discover artistic gems and creative spaces

From hidden gems to the big icons, The Creative Isle’s galleries are the place to discover local creatives and renowned international artists. In Ramsgate you’ll find the likes of AsWasIsNow Gallery, showcasing the work of Kent artist Dave Smith, Silverland Studios, which boasts studios where you can try your hand at painting courses, Margo in Margate, which shares the work of Margo McDaid, and many more. From 16^th-30^th April, be sure to check out York Street Gallery for the Karen King exhibition, while from 20^th April – 10^th May the nearby Turner Rowe Art Centre presents Skye Tobin alongside gallery owners’ Jo Turner and Fran Ballard’s own beautiful works.

When in Margate, a visit to the Old Town is a must, so be sure to stop in at local favourites, Anthony Giles Studio and Gallery for its Kent landscapes, Margo in Margate, Margo McDaid’s second gallery, Carl Freedman Gallery for its ever-changing array of contemporary pieces, and The Eclectic Art Gallery for its local art collection. The jewel in Margate’s crown is of course Turner Contemporary, named for the artist who found so much inspiration in the town. Be sure to catch Resistance until 1^st June, which offers a compelling insight into how protest and photography shaped Britain. Psst…for those who fancy a turn behind the lens, be sure to check out the portrait workshops at Turner Contemporary.

Get hands-on with creative workshops

Makers and creators, it’s time to get stuck in and try your hand at new skills with fantastic workshops, ranging from portraiture and wildlife drawing to family-friendly crafting sessions. In Ramsgate have a go at pottery with Gillian Farrell Ceramics, try your hand at floristry with Belladonna Florist and try out everything from woodwork and clay to creative writing and life drawing at Hold Creative Spaces. Or why not test your skills with the fantastic Coco Barclay leather-work workshops?

While in Broadstairs little ones will love the Easter Crafternoon at Pierremont Hall, with Easter Basket crafting and cupcake decorating all on offer for little ones and teens on 19^th April. Anime fans, look out for Manga Drawing Workshops in the town, or how about learning the art of glass with experiences run by Christine Jeffries?

Shell Grotto in Margate is a picture in itself with more than 4.6 million shells studded across the walls of the grotto to create a magical mosaic, and 15^th and 16^th April you’ll have the chance to create your very own shell cowrie bracelet here with artist Dawn Cole. Throughout the year Margate’s makers offer workshops in everything from printmaking at Hello Print Studio and mosaic making at Modern Mosaics to the chance to make your very own terrarium at Terrarium Design School! On 16^th April Fort Road Hotel will host Wild Life Drawing, with artist Jennie Webber leading an evening class which offers the chance to draw and learn about three beautiful owls. If you prefer your subjects to be more familial than feathered, the Family & Friends Portrait Workshop at Turner Contemporary will transport you and your family back in time with large-format photography and a portrait shot by documentary photographer Edward Thompson.

Street art and more

There is quite literally art around every corner in Kent’s Creative Isle, so grab your phone, take the tour and keep those eyes peeled for hidden works, big sculptures and world-renowned artworks, all set against a backdrop of chalk cliffs, vibrant towns and sea views. Starting strong in Ramsgate, the historic harbour town has 12 pieces of public art to be discovered. Stop by the green haven of Ellington Park, just a short stroll from the station, and see Steven Andrew’s carved sculptures of woodland animals, see the flock of Raven statues dotted from the station to the harbour, spy magnificent murals throughout the town, memorials to Augustus Pugin and Vincent van Gogh and even take a seat on the Upholstered Brick Three Piece Suite!

In Broadstairs white cliffs and rainbow beach huts are perfectly complemented by a colourful nod to Clangers and Bagpuss creator Oliver Postgate in the form of a very special mosaic plaque, while the carved former ship figurehead of The Highlander tells the tale of shipwrecks and storms on nearby Goodwin Sands. In Margate you’ll spy Dame Tracey Emin’s pink neon “I never stopped loving you” declaration, Antony Gormley’s Another Time standing amid the ever-changing tide, and plenty of sculptures scattered throughout the town, from Mrs Booth: Shell Lady to the Margate Surf Boat Statue. You’ll even find a playful memorial to T.S. Eliot and his time in Margate in the waiting area outside the toilets at the train station! Each piece has its own story to tell, so we recommend lacing up your comfiest trainers and grabbing a cup of coffee to go from one of the many independent cafes. You can even take to two wheels with an electric bike tour of Margate’s best street art with Ride Margate.

Be blown away by Ramsgate’s architecture

It was named one of the best places to visit in 2024 by Timeout, and with an accolade like that, you’d better believe Ramsgate is set to impress. The perfect canvas for the likes of international architect Augustus Pugin, creator of the interiors for the Houses of Parliament, and prominent Victorian activist, Sir Moses Montefiore, Ramsgate architecture is breathtaking. Take the brand-new architecture tour and discover Montefiore’s beautiful Grade II listed Italianate glasshouse with its fish-scale glass panes, gaze up at regency townhouses, turned boutique hotels, or head underground and wind through the Ramsgate Tunnels with their extraordinary war time history. Head harbourside for a glimpse at the 19^th century arches, which have been transformed into cafes, indie studios and quirky businesses, but save the best until last with a glimpse at Pugin’s best work. St Augustine’s Church is a colourful seaside church, designated as the Shrine of St Augustine, while next door Pugin’s own former home is a true landmark building. Part of Pugin’s visionary community of buildings, The Grange is a showcase of the designer’s work, with every detail meticulously designed by Pugin himself. Take a guided tour or even stay the night as this incredible home can be booked up as a grand holiday let.

Take The Creative Isle home

By now, we imagine you’d like to take a piece of The Creative Isle home for yourself, well your wish is our command as this April Ramsgate will be putting on a show with the Easter Ramsgate Handmade Vintage Fair on 20^th April. Expect locally produced treats, great gifts and plenty of handmade pieces at this fab fair in the Harbour Parade. We might have known Turner Contemporary would attract the very best in local talent, and their Brighter Days Market on 12^th and 13^th April is the perfect chance to meet artisans and designers and choose from beautiful homewares, jewellery, clothing and one-of-a-kind commissions. A perfect way to discover local talent, this marvellous market is all about supporting local.

Food, fun and festivals

If you haven’t guessed it already, it’s the views that have truly inspired the creatives for centuries, so we recommend putting your best foot forward and discovering those landscapes and seascapes for yourself. Follow the Viking Coastal Trail by foot or bike and discover big skies, colourful beach huts and golden sunsets. For the foodies, The Creative Isle is all about local, with Dr Forager creating culinary experiences from produce sourced from the land, famed restaurants boasting some of the best fish and chips around, and Angela’s in Margate even holding a Green Michelin Star for its eco-friendly ethos and sustainably sourced ingredients. 

With so many vibrant towns, it should come as no surprise that The Creative Isle knows a thing or two about celebrating. Head to one of the many, many festivals, including the iconic Broadstairs Folk Week, which will be celebrating its 60th anniversary, Margate Soul Festival and Ramsgate Festival of Sound for a celebration of live music and art. Or how about a taste of the theatrical? The Isle’s Tom Thumb, Sarah Thorne and Granville Theatre are a must-visit for drama lovers, while Ramsgate Music Hall is the go-to for intimate gigs. And how could we forget Dreamland? The original seaside destination, this vintage amusement park is even more than its thrilling rides. Attracting an ever-changing array of big names, this is THE venue for live outdoor music and festival vibes.

Stay the night

We know, we’ve shared many reasons to stay, so without further ado, allow us to present your bed for the night. Albion House is that picture-perfect seaside escape you’ve been dreaming of, with clifftop views, Georgian architecture and a colourful history. Book into the exquisitely designed boutique hotel and you’ll be treated to luxe rooms and some of the finest food and drink around, paired with the rest and relaxation that comes from a seaside staycation. What’s more, this local favourite has a range of events throughout the year, hosting local artists and well-being experts, providing the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Ramsgate’s thriving cultural scene. The Fort Road Hotel in Margate features work by local artists including Hannah Lees, Matthew Derbyshire and Dame Tracey Emin. Further accommodation in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate can be found at www.visitthanet.co.uk