The charming coastal town of Margate is calling for more visitors as local business owners highlight the area’s growing cultural appeal and year-round attractions.
Daniel Goldman, who runs Cafe G, praised the town’s vibrant summer atmosphere, saying: “In the summer, we’ve got the most beautiful beaches and events happening within the town.”
He emphasised that the cafe culture and dining options have transformed the area, offering something for visitors in every season, adding: “The train service this year has been great. The infrastructure is amazing, and we have a unique weather system here.”
Goldman also credited short-term rental platforms like Airbnb for bringing much-needed business. He highlighted the success of local events at Dreamland, Margate’s famous amusement park, which has drawn tourists for extended stays.
He said: “People come for the top bands, stay for two or three nights, enjoy the cafes and restaurants, and then come back for another event.”
Linda James, who runs King Street Studio and Gallery, echoed these sentiments, noting that many visitors come from London for the day. “People tend to visit the Turner Contemporary gallery first, then explore the old town,” she explained.
While the town is quieter in the off-season, James believes the steady stream of day-trippers and Airbnb guests supports local businesses year-round.
Mohamed Sherif, who runs Alexandria Cafe with his wife Shereen Hassan, described a similar pattern, with summer bringing a surge of tourists while the winter months slow down.
“We’ve been here for five years, and after the pandemic, summer has been busy, but winter is quiet,” he said. However, Sherif remains positive about the impact of tourism, particularly during peak seasons. “With a lot of tourists, it affects us positively.”
Margate’s locals are eager for more visitors to discover the town’s cultural offerings and experience its unique charm, as they believe there’s plenty to enjoy beyond the summer months.
This is a sharp contrast from sentiments towards tourists in other parts of the country, such as Cornwall, where locals are fed up with “emmets” – a Cornish word for tourists – causing overcrowding and driving up rental prices.
In Margate, the attitude is much more welcoming, and some people have even called for more Airbnbs and rental properties to attract tourists, as the local economy is so reliant on their trade.
Lillie Tyrrell, who works at a seafood stand on the beachfront, said: “There are loads of Airbnbs, but I don’t think it’s forcing anybody out, really. I just think it’s better for tourism in the summer. It brings more people.
“Where are you going to stay without them? There are not really many hotels. So yeah, I think it’s better that way. It’s also better for the economy here, and it’s better for people because it’s so expensive to stay in a hotel room.”