Ramsgate

Ramsgate is a seaside town in Kent close to Dover and Canterbury. Ramsgate's heyday has long since passed, in common with many seaside towns, but it has a rich history, stunning views and architecture, and a vibrant cafe culture that surprises many who visit the town.

Understand
Ramsgate forms part of the Isle of Thanet and is closely associated with its neighbouring towns of Broadstairs and Margate. The town's heyday was the Regency and Victorian eras when the well-heeled would holiday in the town, savouring its genteel culture. Nowadays the town remains a popular destination and has much to offer visitors.

Ramsgate exists in an area that has been crucial to British history. Just down the road at Richborough is the site of the Claudian Invasion of 43 AD and evidence of Roman settlement in Ramsgate was found in the 19th century. Viking chieftains Hengist and Horsa landed at Ebbsfleet in Pegwell Bay in 449 AD and were given the Isle of Thanet by Vortigern as thanks for their help in the first stages of the Anglo-Saxon invasion of Britain. In 597 AD, St Augustine landed at Ebbsfleet on his mission to convert Britain to Christianity and later became the first Archbishop of Canterbury.

In 1483, Ramsgate was adopted as a limb of Sandwich and by association, a member of the Cinque Ports Confederation. Ramsgate developed as a result of growing trade and prosperity in the 17th century. Throughout the 18th century many elegant Georgian townhouses, Nelson and Wellington Crescents on the east and west cliffs, and many small squares were built. Ramsgate was a fashionable place to stay in Regency times and became the haunt of many writers, artists and philanthropists.

A harbour was built in the town was as a result of the 1703 Great Storm. It wasn't until King George IV used the town as his departure point for a trip to Hanover in 1821 that the 'Royal' title was bestowed, after the King became so impressed by his welcome to the town. During the Napoleonic Wars, Ramsgate was a garrison town with thousands of troops going back and forth to various battles. In both the world wars, Ramsgate was one of the first places in Britain to be bombed by the Germans. During the 1940 Dunkirk Evacuation, the town acted as the central port for the rescue of the troops from France.

Ramsgate's harbour is still a working one with the advent of the Thanet Wind Farm. It still has a small fishing community, busy slipways and a port offering cross-channel ferry routes to the continent.

By train


All train services to and from Ramsgate are operated by Southeastern. There is also information on the National Rail website. From London you can reach Ramsgate from St Pancras (at a higher fare), Victoria or Charing Cross. There are also services from the Medway Towns, Ashford International, Canterbury West and Dover Priory.

Note that the station is quite far from the seafront and the return walk is uphill.

By coach
National Express coaches run from Victoria Coach Station and are typically somewhat cheaper than the railway. However, the journey time is around 3 hours since there is no direct non-stop coach service to Thanet. Services terminate in the Harbour. National Express tickets can be bought online, or from Toni's Newsagents in King Street.

By plane
The nearest major international airports are at London Gatwick (approx 84 mi/135 km) and London Heathrow  (approx 104 mi/168 km).

By bus
Regular buses run by Stagecoach offer easy access to most parts of the Isle of Thanet. The Thanet Loop service (on average every 10 minutes from Ramsgate Harbour) is the most reliable and its route takes in the harbour, the train station, Westwood Shopping Centre and the other towns of Thanet. The Thanet Star service visits the more suburban parts of Ramsgate and Thanet. Regular buses serve the city of Canterbury (services 8 and 9), but the Thanet Breeze service to and from Canterbury does not extend to Ramsgate - it only goes as far as Broadstairs.

By foot
This is a very walkable seaside town and its neighbouring towns include Margate and Broadstairs.

By taxi
There are several taxi firms within Ramsgate and the Isle of Thanet including Chauffeur Taxis, United Cars (incorporating Star Cars, Deelux Cars and Ramsgate Cars), Central Cars  and Invicta Cars. Airport Connections offers luxury car and minibus connections to Kent International Airport.

See



 * The Viking Ship "Hugin". Found next to the village of Cliffsend in Pegwell Bay, on the A256 Sandwich road, this replica of Hengist and Horsa's ship sailed from Denmark to Thanet in 1949 to celebrate the 1,500th anniversary of their landing on the isle. On the lane between Cliffsend and Sevenscore is a Celtic Cross erected in 1884 to commemorate St Augustine's first sermon in Kent.
 * Ebbsfleet. The site of two important events in British history: the 449AD landing of Hengist and Horsa, generally considered to be the start of the Anglo-Saxon Invasion of Britain and the landing of St Augustine on his mission from Rome to convert Kent and Britain to Christianity. Follow the A256 to the Ebbsfleet Lane turning.
 * Minster Abbey. Founded in the 7th century, the ancient Benedictine Minster Abbey in the village of Minster is still run by nuns. The monastic buildings and gardens are open from May to September (2:45PM to 4PM) and year-round (Saturdays 11AM to noon). Hospitality packages are offered for conferences and retreats.
 * The Viking Ship "Hugin". Found next to the village of Cliffsend in Pegwell Bay, on the A256 Sandwich road, this replica of Hengist and Horsa's ship sailed from Denmark to Thanet in 1949 to celebrate the 1,500th anniversary of their landing on the isle. On the lane between Cliffsend and Sevenscore is a Celtic Cross erected in 1884 to commemorate St Augustine's first sermon in Kent.
 * Ebbsfleet. The site of two important events in British history: the 449AD landing of Hengist and Horsa, generally considered to be the start of the Anglo-Saxon Invasion of Britain and the landing of St Augustine on his mission from Rome to convert Kent and Britain to Christianity. Follow the A256 to the Ebbsfleet Lane turning.
 * Minster Abbey. Founded in the 7th century, the ancient Benedictine Minster Abbey in the village of Minster is still run by nuns. The monastic buildings and gardens are open from May to September (2:45PM to 4PM) and year-round (Saturdays 11AM to noon). Hospitality packages are offered for conferences and retreats.
 * The Viking Ship "Hugin". Found next to the village of Cliffsend in Pegwell Bay, on the A256 Sandwich road, this replica of Hengist and Horsa's ship sailed from Denmark to Thanet in 1949 to celebrate the 1,500th anniversary of their landing on the isle. On the lane between Cliffsend and Sevenscore is a Celtic Cross erected in 1884 to commemorate St Augustine's first sermon in Kent.
 * Ebbsfleet. The site of two important events in British history: the 449AD landing of Hengist and Horsa, generally considered to be the start of the Anglo-Saxon Invasion of Britain and the landing of St Augustine on his mission from Rome to convert Kent and Britain to Christianity. Follow the A256 to the Ebbsfleet Lane turning.
 * Minster Abbey. Founded in the 7th century, the ancient Benedictine Minster Abbey in the village of Minster is still run by nuns. The monastic buildings and gardens are open from May to September (2:45PM to 4PM) and year-round (Saturdays 11AM to noon). Hospitality packages are offered for conferences and retreats.
 * The Viking Ship "Hugin". Found next to the village of Cliffsend in Pegwell Bay, on the A256 Sandwich road, this replica of Hengist and Horsa's ship sailed from Denmark to Thanet in 1949 to celebrate the 1,500th anniversary of their landing on the isle. On the lane between Cliffsend and Sevenscore is a Celtic Cross erected in 1884 to commemorate St Augustine's first sermon in Kent.
 * Ebbsfleet. The site of two important events in British history: the 449AD landing of Hengist and Horsa, generally considered to be the start of the Anglo-Saxon Invasion of Britain and the landing of St Augustine on his mission from Rome to convert Kent and Britain to Christianity. Follow the A256 to the Ebbsfleet Lane turning.
 * Minster Abbey. Founded in the 7th century, the ancient Benedictine Minster Abbey in the village of Minster is still run by nuns. The monastic buildings and gardens are open from May to September (2:45PM to 4PM) and year-round (Saturdays 11AM to noon). Hospitality packages are offered for conferences and retreats.

Do
There are lots of things to do in Ramsgate such as walking, water sports, land-based fun and cycling. Take a stroll around Ramsgate's Royal Harbour and enjoy the thriving cafe culture alongside the marina.


 * The Main Sands. Ramsgate's Main Sands were awarded an environmental Blue Flag award for its cleanliness (in 2010) and can be less crowded than the more popular beaches at Margate and Broadstairs. There is also a smaller, more secluded beach along the Western Undercliff (Royal Esplanade).
 * Ramsgate Week. A prestigious international sailing regatta run by the Royal Temple Yacht Club, Ramsgate Week incorporates the IRC regional yachting championship and coastal series into a week full of fun events for all the family (July).
 * Seaside Shuffle. Ramsgate's own jazz festival: 3 days of music events at different venues across the town in the middle of July.
 * Ramsgate International Film & TV Festival. An annual celebration of film-making with the aim of creating a one-stop media community. Films are given special screenings at venues across the town.(June).
 * Granville Theatre and Cinema. With a cinema screen showing the latest movies, The Granville also offers a range of professional and amateur stage productions and runs regular workshops and other community events. Located on the Eastcliff (Victoria Parade).
 * Bucket and Spade Run. Vintage cars take a leisurely drive along the East Kent coast from Faversham to Government Acre in Ramsgate (June).
 * The Ramsgate Market. The market is held in the town centre weekly on Fridays and Saturdays.
 * Walking and cycling. Ramsgate forms part of the Viking Coastal Trail which showcases Thanet's coastal beauty and uniqueness. The walk along the coast between Ramsgate and Broadstairs is very enjoyable, especially in the summer when such a walk can take in rockpooling, a quick paddle in the sea and an ice-cream bought from one of the small cafes along the way - although make sure that you watch the rising tide: unwary sightseers can easily be cut off by the sea along this stretch. When the tide is in, walk to Broadstairs along the top of the cliff, through King George VI Park and down into Dumpton Gap. A walk along the western clifftops can be interesting in both an aesthetic and historic sense. There are spectacular views of the harbour from the cliffs near the port and further towards Pegwell you pass The Grange, Augustus Welby Pugin's unique Gothic house built in 1845. If you persevere down into the small village of Pegwell, there are two public houses that offer panoramic views of the adjacent Pegwell Bay.
 * The Sea Searcher The Sea Searcher is a small pleasure boat that offers regular trips around the harbour and seal-watching jaunts over to the nearby Pegwell Bay and visits to the Offshore Wind Farm. The booking hut is in front of the Maritime Museum (Harbour Parade). Alternatively, there is also a powerboat company that offers several trips in the local area.
 * The Boating Pool. This family-based attraction has a restaurant, playground, boating pool, amusements and an art gallery. Situated on the Westcliff (Royal Esplanade).
 * Blue Plaque Hunting. There are blue plaques dotted around the town dedicated to such famous people as Karl Marx, the Duke of Wellington, barrister and former Solicitor-General Sir William Garrow, author Wilkie Collins, actor John le Mesurier, writer John Gibson Lockhart and social reformer Elizabeth Fry.
 * Ramsgate FC. The local football team is a member of the Ryman League Division 1 (South) and plays its games at the Southwood Stadium (Prices Avenue).
 * Westwood Cross. The Westwood Cross shopping centre incorporates high street names, supermarkets, a multiplex cinema, a gym and a bingo hall. The Thanet Loop bus stops at Westwood and there are ample car parking spaces.
 * Blue Plaque Hunting. There are blue plaques dotted around the town dedicated to such famous people as Karl Marx, the Duke of Wellington, barrister and former Solicitor-General Sir William Garrow, author Wilkie Collins, actor John le Mesurier, writer John Gibson Lockhart and social reformer Elizabeth Fry.
 * Ramsgate FC. The local football team is a member of the Ryman League Division 1 (South) and plays its games at the Southwood Stadium (Prices Avenue).
 * Westwood Cross. The Westwood Cross shopping centre incorporates high street names, supermarkets, a multiplex cinema, a gym and a bingo hall. The Thanet Loop bus stops at Westwood and there are ample car parking spaces.

Buy

 * Ramsgate Town Centre. Ramsgate town centre has most of the usual shops you would expect to find plus a few local stores of interest. More than most town centres, Ramsgate has a lot of charity shops and cafes that are dotted around Harbour Street, York Street and the High Street.
 *  Westwood Cross. Between Ramsgate and Margate is the Westwood Cross Shopping Centre. Westwood has a range of big-name clothes stores including Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, Burtons, TK Maxx and Next plus lots of cafes and bars to sit in and reflect on what you’ve bought. Here also can be found the big supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsburys and Asda.

Eat
Ramsgate offers some of the best dining in the South East of England, with several well-regarded restaurants situated around the picturesque harbour including the renowned Surin Restaurant, Alexandra Ristorante and young businesses such as Eddie Gilberts and Age & Sons which have built up formidable reputations in a very short amount of time.


 * Surin (Harbour Street; ) is a UK top-5 Thai restaurant as recommended by the Good Food Guide, The Independent and Guardian newspapers and Time Out magazine. Or, try Siam's Kitchen (Albion Hill) or Saffron (Harbour Street)
 * Alexandra Ristorante (Harbour Parade; ) is an Italian restaurant that was established in 1987 and is very popular locally. Run by Maria and Luciano, the restaurant offers authentic and contemporary Italian fare. As a result of the restaurant's overhaul, thanks to its starring role in an episode of the Channel 5 programme The Restaurant Inspector, the Alexandra was nominated in the 2010 Kent Best Restaurant Awards.
 * Eddie Gilbert's (King Street; ) is a fishmonger business that doubles as a gourmet fish and chip shop, boasting a Michelin-trained chef and freshly-caught local produce. The restaurant has been reviewed favourably by The Observer, The Sunday Telegraph, The Sunday Times and Country Life magazine. Eddie Gilberts is a member of the Sustainable Restaurant Association.
 * Age & Sons (Charlotte Court; ). Situated in a wine warehouse that dates back to 1804, Age & Sons is run by the Leigh family and in its short existence has been a runner-up in the 2009 Independent Food and Drink Awards and was the recipient of a Bib Gourmand from Michelin. The restaurant boasts an extensive wine list and reasonably priced three-course meals.
 * Alternatives include the Oak Hotel (Harbour Parade), The Churchill Tavern (The Paragon), The Royal (Military Road) and The Sovereign (Harbour Street).
 * Peter's Fish Factory (Harbour Parade) offers traditional seaside fish and chips in a location close to the beach and marina.
 * The China Garden restaurant (High Street) offers an a la carte menu and inexpensive evening buffets.
 * Corby's Tea Rooms (York Street) is a popular establishment near the harbour that offers speciality teas and coffees, cream teas and various snacks.

Most of the usual chain restaurants and fast food outlets can be found in Ramsgate including McDonalds, KFC, Subway and Pizza Express (Harbour Parade). The nearest Burger King is at the Westwood Shopping Centre.

Drink

 * The Churchill Tavern (The Paragon). An excellent place to try several traditional real ales. With commanding views over the harbour and port, the tavern often holds beer and cider festivals as well as regular music events and offers a selection of meals and snacks.
 * Miles Cafe Culture (Harbour Parade; ). A coffee house that has enviable views across the adjacent Marina, Miles remains an atmospheric, enjoyable place to while away a few hours and its pavement tables are rarely empty. Snacks are served as well.
 * Pubs. Across Ramsgate are many public houses of varying quality. If you want the feel of a traditional pub warts and all in the middle of Ramsgate try places like the Red Lion (King Street) or the Horse and Groom (Charlotte Court). Elsewhere, the Montefiore Arms (Trinity Place) is popular with real ale drinkers who favour a well-kept pint of beer and was voted pub of the year in 2009 and 2011 by the Thanet branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.
 * The Royal (Military Road) is the local nightspot and offers regular theme nights as well as DJs, karaoke and live bands in rotation.
 * Gadds' Ramsgate Brewery. Founded in 2002 in the Belgian Bar, Gadds' Ramsgate Brewery is a thriving small local brewery now found in its own premises on the Pysons Road Industrial Estate. Look out for its beers in selected local pubs. Amongst those pubs that have served Gadds' beers are the Red Lion (King Street), The Port and Anchor (Albion Hill), The Churchill Tavern (The Paragon) and the Artillery Arms (Westcliff Road).
 * Rokka. Another popular nightspot along Harbour Parade, this bar and restaurant offers theme nights and DJs, and an extensive range of food and drink.

Hotels
There are a host of hotels in Ramsgate including

B&Bs and guest houses
On a smaller scale, the traditional B&B is well-represented in Ramsgate and, whilst they vary in quality and size, they should not be underestimated. Many are well-run, established guest houses which offer cheap, competitive prices and some still cook an evening meal as well as the included breakfast.

Self-catering
Durlock Lodge in Minster offers a self-catering cottage and studio as well as guest rooms in a countryside location close to Minster railway station. 

Connect
As of Jan 2021, Ramsgate has 4G with all UK carriers. 5G has not reached this area.

Email:
 * The Ramsgate Tourist Information office is in the Town Council building in the old Customs House on Harbour Parade.
 * Thanet District Council's Tourism Service:


 * For more on Thanet tourism:
 * For more on Ramsgate marina:

Go next

 * London. London is, when using the high speed rail service, 1 hr 20 min away. On slower trains, the journey will take around two hours.
 * Canterbury. Easily reached by bus or train, the ancient cathedral city of Canterbury is the hub of East Kent. The cathedral is, along with St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church, a designated World Heritage Site. Other sights include the Marlowe Theatre and the Canterbury Tales, an interactive visitor attraction that takes you through scenes from Chaucer's famous book. Canterbury is also a great place to shop and has many attractive cafes, restaurants and pubs. Howletts Zoo is nearby at Bekesbourne. Trains take 20–25 minutes and leave Ramsgate twice-hourly whilst buses leave Ramsgate Harbour hourly.
 * Dover. Another place within easy reach is Dover which boasts the eponymous castle as its main feature. Dominating the town, visiting the castle and the wartime tunnels underneath it can take a day up. Dover is also the main port in South-east England with cross-channel ferry services to Calais, Boulogne and Oostende. If you start early enough, it is possible to use Ramsgate as the starting point for a trip to Dover and a quick hop across the channel. The train is the easiest option to get to Dover since most bus services require a change in Sandwich. Trains take 30 minutes and run hourly.
 * Broadstairs. Sometime home of Charles Dickens, Broadstairs is a beautiful, quaint, virtually unchanged little seaside town with a hugely popular beach in Viking Bay. Easily reached via the Thanet Loop bus service.
 * Margate. Boisterous Margate offers sand, sea, amusements and the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery. Easily reached via the Thanet Loop bus service.
 * Sandwich. The medieval Cinque Port town of Sandwich is close to Ramsgate and sits next to Sandwich Bay, where there is an RSPB-run nature reserve. You can also join the 160-mile Saxon Shore Way at Sandwich, the route of which stretches right along the South East coast from Hastings in East Sussex to Gravesend in North Kent. Buses are hourly from Leopold Street and travel through Pegwell Bay. Trains take around 10 minutes (hourly service).
 * Deal. Deal is an old fishing town famous for its pier, the Timeball Tower, Deal Castle and Walmer Castle, official residence of the Warden of the Cinque Ports. Trains take around 15 minutes (hourly service).
 * Minster. For the Kent International Airport. In Minster village itself is Minster Abbey. Regular bus services are run by Stagecoach and Eastonways.
 * Manston. For the Spitfire and Hurricane Museum.
 * Pegwell Bay. A Kent Wildlife Trust nature reserve within walking and cycling distance of Ramsgate.
 * Whitstable. The small fishing town of Whitstable offers quaint and historic shops, pubs and restaurants.
 * Folkestone. Folkestone is a traditional port town on the edges of the Romney Marsh area.