Should you walk from Margate to Ramsgate or Ramsgate to Margate? Honestly, you can’t go wrong either way. This coastal walk is one of the most popular hikes in Kent and for good reason. I’ve done this route twice, once in each direction, and both were incredible. Ramsgate is definitely the prettier finish, but Margate wins when it comes to food stop … so it really depends on what matters most to you!
This walk is really beginner-friendly: it is a fairly flat walk and you do not need a map as you are following the coastline. For the purpose of this guide, I’ll be describing the route from Margate to Ramsgate.
Logistics for the Margate to Ramsgate walk
- Distance: 9.30 miles (15km)
- Ascent: 144 ft (44m)
- Walking estimate: 3 hours and 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
How to get there:
- Trains from London St Pancras International to Margate
- The journey time ranges between 1 hour 29 min to 1 hour 42 minutes depending on the train
For the return:
- Train form Ramsgate to St Pancras International
- The journey can take between 1 hour 16 to 2 hours 12, so be careful which train you chose
- I would recommend you buy a day -return to Margate and get off at Ramsgate if you are doing the walk starting from Ramsgate
What to pack:
- Comfortable clothing suitable for the weather
- A good pair of trainers as the trail is mostly on concrete, so hiking boots aren’t necessary
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, as much of the route is exposed
- A backpack with plenty of water (2 litres recommended) and snacks
Additional Information:
- Toilets are available at Margate and Ramsgate stations
- Public toilets are available in Broadstairs at the Victoria Gardens
- This is a stile-free walk
- This walk is dog-friendly
Where to eat:
- Ice cream at Morelli’s, Broadstairs
- Bus Cafe, Margate
- Mariners Bar, Ramsgate
Margate to Ramsgate Walk Map
Do you want to do this walk? Download the GPS map for free by clicking on the button below. Learn how to upload it onto your navigation app by following my step-by-step guide.
Highlights of the Margate to Ramsgate walk
- The Viking trail
- Margate
- Broadstairs
- Ramsgate
- 11 beaches and bays
- Kingsgate Castle
- Eat at Morelli’s Gelato
Margate to Ramsgate Walk
So now we covered the basics, let’s get to the walk!
Margate
Margate started as a small fishing village on the Kent coast before becoming one of England’s most famous seaside resorts. The town’s name is believed to come from “Meregate”, meaning “gate by the sea”, first recorded in the 13th century.
During the 18th century, Margate became hugely popular with wealthy Londoners looking for fresh sea air and sea bathing, which was believed to have health benefits at the time. Thanks to its sandy beach and easy access from London by boat along the Thames, the town quickly developed into a fashionable holiday destination. One of Margate’s most iconic attractions was the arrival of the seaside amusement park Dreamland in the late 19th century.
Like many British seaside towns, Margate declined in popularity during the late 20th century as cheap overseas holidays became more accessible.
Related Content: Camber Sands Beach Walk
As you leave Margate railway station, head downhill towards the seafront where the walk begins at Margate Main Sands. This wide sandy beach is the heart of Margate and one of the town’s most popular spots in summer, with tidal pools, traditional seaside amusements and children’s rides lining the promenade. The beach was awarded Blue Flag status in 2018, recognising its high environmental and water quality standards.
The Viking Trail
The Viking Coastal Trail is a 32-mile (51 km) circular walking and cycling route that loops around the Isle of Thanet on the Kent coast, connecting Reculver to Pegwell Bay via Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate.
The trail takes its name from the Viking invasions that once took place along this stretch of coastline. In 865 AD, the Isle of Thanet became an important landing point for Viking forces, who used the area as a strategic base because Thanet was still separated from mainland Kent by the Wantsum Channel at the time.
Today, the route is known for its spectacular coastal scenery, sandy bays, chalk cliffs and traditional seaside towns. One of the reasons the trail is so popular is its accessibility. The paths are generally well-maintained and relatively flat, making sections like the Margate to Ramsgate walk suitable for beginners, families and casual walkers looking for an easy seaside hike from London.
Walpole Bay to Botany Bay
Continuing along the coastline, the walk soon reaches Walpole Bay, home to one of the largest tidal pools in the UK. Built in the 1930s, the Walpole Bay Tidal Pool is a vast seawater lido that becomes fully visible at low tide and remains a popular spot for wild swimming today.
From here, the path continues along the clifftops to Botany Bay. This bay is instantly recognisable for its dramatic white chalk cliffs and towering sea stacks rising out of the sea. At low tide, you can head down onto the sandy beach to explore the rock pools hidden beneath the cliffs, making it one of the best places on the walk for a short detour.
The bay also has a fascinating smuggling history. During the 18th century, smugglers are said to have used the secluded coves and caves to bring contraband ashore along the Kent coast.
Fun fact
The music video of “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” by Shawn Mendes was shot on this bay.
Kingsgate Bay to Joyce Bay
As the walk continues along the coastline, you soon arrive at Kingsgate Bay, one of the most famous and picturesque bays along this stretch of the Kent coast. Surrounded by white chalk cliffs, the bay is particularly known for its impressive sea caves, which are considered some of the finest in the country and can be explored at low tide.
The bay takes its name from King Charles II, who is said to have landed here in 1683 during a storm. Following his arrival, the area became known as “Kingsgate”, replacing its former name, Bartholomew Gate.
Overlooking the bay is the striking Kingsgate Castle. Despite its medieval appearance, the castle was actually built in the 1760s by Henry Fox, 1st Baron Holland, and originally served as a country residence rather than a defensive fortress. Over the years, it has served as a private residence, a hotel and later luxury apartments, while remaining one of the most distinctive landmarks on the Thanet coastline.
Just beyond Kingsgate Castle, the path leads to Joss Bay, a beautiful sandy cove sheltered by towering chalk cliffs. This 200-metre beach is one of the most popular surfing spots in Kent thanks to its consistent waves and wide stretch of sand.
The bay is believed to be named after Joss Snelling, an infamous 18th-century smuggler who operated along the Kent coast. According to local legend, he used the surrounding caves and hidden coves to store contraband brought ashore under the cover of darkness.
Continuing south, the walk reaches Stone Bay, a quieter and more peaceful bay lined with colourful beach huts. From here, the promenade gradually leads into the traditional seaside town of Broadstairs,.
Broadstairs to Ramsgate
We finally arrive at Broadstairs where we stop for lunch on the beach. Broadstairs is known as the “Jewel of Thret’s Crown”. The name Broadstairs comes from a set of stairs in the chalk going from the beach up to St Mary’s Chapel.
After lunch, we could not resume our adventures without stopping at Morelli’s ice cream parlour. The shop was opened in 1958 by Giuseppe and his son Mario who emigrated from Italy in 1907. With ice cream in hand, we go back on the Viking trail, passing in front of Louisa Bay and its bouncy castle.
Finally, we cross King George Park, the only part of the walk which is not on concrete and end our walk in Ramsgate. Once a fishing hamlet, Ramsgate has now grown into one of the largest marinas in England. Its main beach, Ramsgate Main Sands, is the perfect place for a family to get together.
Where to eat
If you end the walk in Ramsgate, I would advise you to go for drinks at The Mariners nautical-themed bar on the seafront. If you end the walk in Margate, I highly recommend you go for a takeaway fish & chips at the Bus Cafe and eat it on the beach! They have the most amazing fish & chips “flavours” I have seen. Bon appetit!
Looking for more beginner-day walks? You might like
Kingston Loop: A Perfect Sunny Day Walk
Epping Forest: A Walk Accessible By Tube
Orpington to Knockholt: An Easy Sunday Walk
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