Margate to Ramsgate via Broadstairs

Botany Bay sea stacks, chalk cliffs, Dickensian Broadstairs, and Royal Harbour

Route Overview

This exhilarating point-to-point cliff-top and bay route follows the Viking Coastal Trail along the easternmost tip of Kent. Starting from trendy Margate (home to Turner Contemporary and Dreamland), you hike past tidal pools to the iconic chalk arches and sea stacks of Botany Bay. Continue past Kingsgate Castle and North Foreland Lighthouse into charming Victorian Broadstairs, before finishing along the cliff-top esplanade overlooking Ramsgate's bustling Royal Harbour marina.

Travel & Getting There from London Victoria

By Train: Catch Southeastern High Speed 1 from London St Pancras directly to Margate. Return trains run frequently from Ramsgate Station directly back to St Pancras and Victoria. (Station: Margate Railway Station (Start) / Ramsgate (Finish), duration: 1 hr 15 mins High Speed from London St Pancras (return from Ramsgate in 1h 12m)).

By Bus: The Stagecoach Loop bus runs every 8 minutes connecting Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate. (15 mins on the Loop bus)

By Car & Parking: Nearest car park is Margate Station Car Park (CT9 5AD) or Ramsgate Harbour Multi-Storey (CT11 9HE). Drive time from London Victoria is approx 1 hr 40 mins from London Victoria (75 miles via M2 & A299). Drive from London on the M2 and A299 (Thanet Way) straight into Margate.

Trailside Cafes & Historic Country Pubs

Refreshment and dining stops located along or near the Margate to Ramsgate via Broadstairs trail:

• ☕ Morelli's Gelato Broadstairs: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.
• ☕ The Botany Bay Hotel & Pub: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.
• ☕ The Royal Victoria Pavilion Ramsgate: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I travel to Margate to Ramsgate via Broadstairs from London?

Catch Southeastern High Speed 1 from London St Pancras directly to Margate. Return trains run frequently from Ramsgate Station directly back to St Pancras and Victoria. (Station: Margate Railway Station (Start) / Ramsgate (Finish), duration: 1 hr 15 mins High Speed from London St Pancras (return from Ramsgate in 1h 12m)).

Where is the closest car park for Margate to Ramsgate via Broadstairs?

Nearest car park is Margate Station Car Park (CT9 5AD) or Ramsgate Harbour Multi-Storey (CT11 9HE). Drive time from London Victoria is approx 1 hr 40 mins from London Victoria (75 miles via M2 & A299). Drive from London on the M2 and A299 (Thanet Way) straight into Margate.

How long is the hike and what is the terrain difficulty?

Margate to Ramsgate via Broadstairs covers 13.5 km (8.4 miles) with an estimated duration of 4 hours, graded as Moderate. Starts at Margate Railway Station and finishes at Ramsgate Railway Station.