Visit Thanet

Plan your trip with Westwood Cross

Golden sandy beaches, charming seaside towns, stunning coastal walks and plenty of family-friendly attractions make Thanet one of Kent’s most popular destinations. Home to the vibrant streets of Margate, the traditional seaside charm of Broadstairs and the historic Royal Harbour in Ramsgate, it’s the perfect place for a day trip, weekend break or longer coastal escape.

Ideally located at the heart of Thanet, Westwood Cross is a convenient base while you’re exploring the area. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a meal, catch a film, pick up holiday essentials or take a break from sightseeing, you’ll find shopping, dining and entertainment all in one place.

This guide will help you discover the best things to do in Thanet, including where to stay, how to get around and how to make the most of your visit.

Discover Thanet’s seaside towns

One of the best things about Thanet is that you’re not simply visiting one destination. Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate each offer their own unique character, from creative culture and award-winning beaches to maritime history and bustling harbours. Best of all, they’re all within easy reach of Westwood Cross.

Margate
Creative, colourful and full of character, Margate is one of Kent’s most popular seaside spots. Explore the thriving Old Town filled with independent shops, galleries and cafes, discover world-class exhibitions at Turner Contemporary or embrace classic seaside fun at Dreamland.

Broadstairs
Known for its traditional seaside charm, Broadstairs is home to the beautiful Viking Bay, colourful beach huts and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Wander the clifftop paths, enjoy fresh seafood by the sea or explore the town’s connections to Charles Dickens.

Ramsgate
With its impressive Royal Harbour, historic marina and rich maritime heritage, Ramsgate offers something a little different. Stroll along the waterfront, take a boat trip, explore the fascinating Ramsgate Tunnels or simply relax in one of the many cafes and restaurants overlooking the harbour.

Perfectly positioned between all three towns, Westwood Cross is a convenient place to stop for shopping, dining and entertainment before continuing your Thanet day out. From iconic seaside attractions and beautiful beaches to fascinating history and family adventures, here's our pick of some of the best things to see and do in Thanet.

Things to do in and around Thanet

Dreamland Margate
A true seaside icon, Dreamland blends vintage charm with exciting rides, family attractions and seasonal events. From rollercoasters and classic amusement rides to live entertainment, it’s the perfect place to embrace the nostalgia of a traditional British seaside day out.

Turner Contemporary
Overlooking Margate Main Sands, Turner Contemporary is one of the UK’s largest art galleries. Named after JMW Turner, it showcases world-class exhibitions from renowned artists, alongside creative workshops and events throughout the year.

Botany Bay, Broadstairs
Famous for its striking white chalk cliffs, sandy beach and dramatic sea views, Botany Bay is a must-visit. It’s also home to the scenic cycling Viking Coastal Trail, which stretches for 32 miles around Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate.

Charles Dickens Trail & Dickens House Museum
Discover Broadstairs through the eyes of one of Britain's greatest literary talents. Follow the interactive Charles Dickens Trail using QR codes around the town, then step inside the Dickens House Museum to learn more about the author’s life, works and enduring connection to Broadstairs.

Ramsgate Tunnels
Beneath the streets of Ramsgate lies a fascinating underground world. Originally built as part of the town's Second World War air raid defences, the Ramsgate Tunnels stretch for more than three miles and can be explored on guided tours, offering a unique glimpse into the area's remarkable history.

Quex Park
Just inland from Thanet's coastline, Quex Park is a historic estate packed with things to see and do. Explore the gardens, visit the resident Highland cows, browse the Craft Village, discover traditional blacksmithing or enjoy one of the many family-friendly events held throughout the year.

Shell Grotto
Step beneath the streets of Margate to discover the mysterious Shell Grotto, where more than 4.6 million shells create truly impressive, intricate mosaics through over 70 feet of underground tunnels. Its origins remain unknown, making it one of Kent's most unique places to visit.

Westwood Cross
Perfectly positioned between Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, Westwood Cross is the ideal place to pause during your Thanet adventure. Refuel with a bite to eat, enjoy a little retail therapy, catch the latest blockbusters at Vue or challenge family and friends to a game at Hollywood Bowl before heading back out to explore the coast.

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Plan your visit

Where should you stay in Thanet?

From cosy seaside guesthouses to convenient hotels, Thanet has plenty of accommodation options to suit every type of trip. If you're planning to stay close to Westwood Cross, our very own Travelodge Margate Westwood offers a convenient on-site location with early check-in, late check-out, and free parking, while both the Premier Inn Margate and Holiday Inn Express Ramsgate offer a great base for exploring the surrounding area.

Prefer to stay by the sea? Choose from the Yarrow Hotel or Royal Albion Hotel in Broadstairs, boutique stays such as Fort Road Hotel or No.42 by GuestHouse in Margate, or harbourside accommodation in Ramsgate including The House at Ramsgate and The Book Hotel at The Falstaff. For even more inspiration, browse the Visit Thanet accommodation guide, where you'll find hotels, B&Bs, self-catering cottages and holiday parks across the area.

Where to eat during your visit

From freshly caught seafood and classic fish and chips to independent cafés and waterfront restaurants, Thanet's food scene has something for every appetite.

Pick up fish and chips from local favourites like Peter's Fish Factory in Margate, or enjoy the same seaside classic at Captain D's at Westwood Cross, before heading to the beach. Afterwards, stop by the iconic Morelli's Gelato in Broadstairs for a scoop overlooking Viking Bay – a seaside tradition that's been delighting visitors for generations.

After a morning exploring Thanet, Westwood Cross is the perfect place to pause. Grab a coffee at Bakers + Baristas, enjoy lunch at wagamama or refuel with favourites like Nando's and Riparo Lounge before continuing your day. Explore our Eat page to discover the full range of dining options.

Getting around Thanet
By train
High Speed services from London St Pancras reach Thanet in around 1 hour 20 minutes, with stations at Margate, Broadstairs and Thanet Parkway. For the easiest onward journey to Westwood Cross, Ramsgate Station offers the most convenient connections.

By Bus
The Thanet Loop bus runs up to every 8–10 minutes, connecting Ramsgate, Westwood Cross, Broadstairs and Margate, making it easy to explore all three seaside towns without the car. Stagecoach Dayrider tickets are available if you're planning to visit multiple destinations in one day.

By car
Thanet is easily reached via the A299 Thanet Way, with Westwood Cross ideally located between the area's three main seaside towns. Free parking is available at Westwood Cross, making it a convenient stop while exploring the coast.

Looking for more transport information?

The Visit Thanet guide to getting around has everything you need to know before you travel.

For directions to Westwood Cross, parking information and centre-specific travel advice, visit our Getting Here page.

How to get here

Make a day (or weekend) of it

Not sure where to start? Here's one way to experience some of Thanet's highlights.

Morning: Start your day with a ride along Viking Bay or explore the dramatic coastline at Botany Bay.

Lunch: Stop by Westwood Cross for lunch, a coffee and a little retail therapy before continuing your adventure.

Afternoon: Choose between family fun at Dreamland, world-class exhibitions at Turner Contemporary, or uncover local history with a visit to the Ramsgate Tunnels.

Evening: Round off your day by Ramsgate Royal Harbour or enjoy a relaxing sunset walk along the coast.

Staying for the weekend?

Spend one day discovering the traditional seaside charm of Broadstairs before exploring Westwood Cross, then dedicate another to the culture, coastline and attractions of Margate and Ramsgate. Before you travel, take a look at the latest events at Westwood Cross and across the local area – you might find a festival, exhibition or family event to add to your itinerary.

→ Explore What's On at Westwood Cross
→ See What's On in Thanet
→ Visit Thanet Getting Around

Ready to explore Thanet?

Whether you're visiting for the day, enjoying a weekend by the coast or planning a longer stay, Westwood Cross is perfectly placed to help you make the most of your trip. From shopping and dining to family fun and entertainment, we're here whenever you need a break from the beach or your next adventure.

Start planning your Thanet adventure today and discover everything Westwood Cross has to offer.

Visit Thanet

Discover Thanet’s seaside towns

Things to do in and around Thanet

Westwood Cross

Where should you stay in Thanet?

Where to eat during your visit

Getting around Thanet

Make a day (or weekend) of it

Staying for the weekend?

Ready to explore Thanet?

FAQs

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