To celebrate Matt finally finishing his masters dissertation, I organised a very special little break for us. Typically, he hadn't actually finished by this point in the end, but, we still went and explored anyway. We hopped on a Southeastern train to head on an ultimate little escape to explore the South East. It's crazy that before last week, I hadn't ever visited the South East. I spend the majority of my time in London, Yorkshire and everywhere else in the world but the South East? Never. It really offers the loveliest little day trips or mini break adventures so I headed to go and discover some hidden gems in Kent. I'm so excited to share these images with you and this wonderful place.
We jumped on the high speed Southeastern service from St. Pancras International to Kent. Hopping on a high speed train really is a quick way to add some mini break adventures into your life! Buy a ticket, hop on it and explore. I think this year I want to take more trains to new places. After just over an hour we had arrived. We were both super productive on the train, working away, I love using trains to be productive.
We arrived in the quaint little seaside town of Margate and I was ready to explore.
Tucked away inside an un-named townhouse, we checked into one of the most perfect hotels I've ever set my eyes on. This comes from someone who adores staying in hotels and honestly, this was one of the best. I'd head back to Margate over and over just to stay here again. Everything from the service, to the interior, to the views of Margate. I do love a little boutique hotel and that's exactly what this is, with only 3 rooms, the Reading Rooms in Margate is a really special little place. It's also within walking distance to everything in Margate. I've taken so many photos of the room as I want to completely copy the style for my new house.
We freshened up and then headed out to explore.
We wandered past the SANDS Hotel. I've been told its a very good alternative if you can't get into the Reading Rooms, it's also right on the seafront. They apparently do great food too.
Margate is full of quirky little independent stores and coffee shops (you must try Cliffs Margate, Margate Bus Cafe and Kaffe Mala).
We headed for some pizza, which is quite unlike me in a seaside resort, I swear by fish and chips.
We had to try the Great British Pizza Company as everyone talks about this place. The pizza was good but the views were even better.
We watched the sunset infront of us, a quiet, beautiful setting.
We headed to Melt Gelato for one of the best ice creams I've ever had. I went for Biscotti and blueberry with heaps of sprinklings. Matt said he didn't want one but still proceeded to eat all of mine. It was perfect. The queue was huge on a Monday evening too, proving everyone comes here.
With bellies full, we headed over to Dreamland, the newly restored pleasure park in Margate.
We didn't try our hands at the Rollerdisco but maybe next time?
It's free to head in and walk around the Pleasure Park so we did just that.
I've heard Morelli's is a great spot for ice cream too.
I felt a sudden gush of excitement hit me whilst I was in Dreamland, it was like a whimsical, old school, happy place, full of laughter and things to see.
Whilst we didn't eat there, the food vans were absolutely epic. If you go to Margate, you must go to the food court in Dreamland!
We may have headed up here, just for old times sake.
The waltzers brought back so many memories.
We walked back to our hotel along the beach, as the sun set. It's hard to believe this beautiful beach and setting is in the UK. Or is it? The UK is full of hidden gems, I find we just don't give enough time to explore them. Who'd know if this was Barcelona or Kent?
We watched the roaring red sunset from the comfort of our beautiful hotel.
The next morning, we strolled along the beach, looked for the beach huts and maybe spent a few pennies in the amusements.
Trousers /
My advice? Amble around Margate, you never know what hidden gems you may discover.
Whilst we didn't physically have the time to eat everywhere, here are a few more places I wish we got the chance to try;
Buoy and Oyster - Sadly it was closed when we arrived but it's meant to be a beautiful restaurant for lunch or dinner, overlooking the ocean.
Pete's Fish Factory - The best fish and chips in Margate. It's rude not to when you're at the seaside.
Ziggys Rooftop bar - For the best rooftop cocktails.
So there we have it, a beautiful 24 hours exploring Margate. Hidden gems are right under our noses, a quick train ride and I found such a beautiful place. If you fancy booking a trip to Margate or somewhere else in East Sussex or Kent, check out the advance purchase offers from Southeastern this Summer starting from as little as £10! Find out more here.
Watch my vlog below to see more of the day!
Have you ever been to Kent? Do you like Kent? Where's your nearest seaside town?
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*Worked in partnership with Southeastern but as always, 100% my honest opinion.
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