Thanet in the summer; Fun things to do and see locally for summer 2024!
Being lucky enough to live in this stunning coastal area means we can prepare for some amazing summers. Whatever your interests, there’s plenty to do for everyone, so here’s just a few hand-picked activities to fill the long summer ahead…
1. Visit a gallery
The area has become something of a mecca for artists and creatives in recent years, so it goes hand in hand that galleries are popping up here, there and everywhere. From the local landmark, featuring world class exhibitions of modern and classical art, that is the Turner Contemporary to the smaller, privately owned galleries, there’s something to please or better still, to challenge and expand your artistic tastes. Don’t just come to look and see, check the galleries’ websites for information on all kinds of artistic workshops, performances and other activities that you can make part of your summer.
2. Learn to Surf
Channel your inner beach boy or girl and take on the physical challenge of learning to surf. Lessons can be had on three of our Isle’s beaches, Joss Bay (Joss Bay Surf School) and Viking Bay in Broadstairs or on Margate Main Sands (Kent Surf School.)
3. Take a walk
Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate each have their own town trails for you to follow yourself, they are well signposted and allow you to see the highlights of each town at a leisurely pace. If your interest extends beyond the local sights then there are plenty of guided walks you can take that will give you a different insight into the area. For example why not try the Ramsgate Blitz Walk or the St Peters Churchyard Tour … or take a walk along our miles of sandy coastline, Ramsgate to Broadstairs for example takes just 40 minutes and you can get fish and chips or tea and cake at both ends to fortify you for the rest of the day – or walk from Botany Bay to Margate, or Minnis Bay to Reculver if you are happy to have a longer stretch of your legs.
4. Eat local/drink local
Here in Thanet, we pride ourselves on being a foodie destination, and rightly so when you consider the quality and quantity of high-end food producers we have on our doorstep. Pay them a visit individually (Margate Smokehouse, Little Stour Orchard) or visit one of the Isle’s independent restaurants where all manner of locally grown, reared, caught or brewed fare is packing out the menu (of note, Wyatt & Jones in Broadstairs and Forts in Margate)
5. Take a boat trip
Test out your sea legs with a boat trip. Seal spotting and fishing trips are extremely pleasant ways to enjoy the waters but you can also take a trip out to the see the Maunsell War Forts or the Thanet Off Shore Wind Farm (the largest operating wind farm in the world!) Try Sea Searcher in Ramsgate as a starting point here.
6. Go underground
Great British Summers are notoriously unreliable weather-wise so why not spend a rainy day exploring the underground delights the area has to offer. From the mystical and magical Shell Grotto in Margate to the fascinating Ramsgate Tunnels … it’s the perfect time to take a subterranean saunter through the local history books.
7. Visit the Theatre
From the Victorian charm and chintz of the Tom Thumb Theatre to the low key Sarah Thorne, there’s a red velvet seat somewhere with your name on it.
8. Get on your bike
Billed as one of the most attractive cycle routes in Kent, The Viking Coastal Trail runs right around the isle, taking in some spectacular coastal views. 43.5km of pedal pushing heaven.
9. Rummage for vintage treasures
Thanet is a jam packed with vintage boutiques, brocantes and bric-a-brac shops where all types of treasure are just waiting to be unearthed. The Old Town in Margate has become the unofficial home of this vintage revolution, be it clothes, furniture or homewares, but it’s worth exploring a little further afield to get a more interesting mix of pieces and prices.
Whatever you do in Thanet this summer, if you see us out and about, or you walk past one of our branches, why not pop in to say hi and ask for recommendations for your day? Being as integrated into the community as we are, we’ll know all the best places to spend the day locally, and what events might be taking place!
We’re also here if you’re thinking about moving home locally.
For advice, call 01843 222701 or email client.services@oakwoodhomes.biz.