A Great Value Day Out in Margate by Bus

Discover vintage rides, sandy beaches, free attractions and seaside fun for less.

Looking for an affordable day out in Kent? Hop on routes 8 or Thanet Loop and head to Margate for a day packed with fun. Enjoy thrills at Dreamland, explore free exhibitions at Turner Contemporary and relax on Margate Main Sands. 

🚌Start Your Day Out by Bus

Recommended Services

Route 8 and Thanet Loop

Duration

Full day (approximately 11:00am-6:00pm)

Journey Times

Ramsgate to Margate: approximately 30-40 minutes

Broadstairs to Margate: approximately 20 minutes

Westwood Cross to Margate: approximately 15-20 minutes

Canterbury to Margate: approximately 1 hour

Service Frequency

Thanet Loop services run approximately every 10 minutes and the 8 service runs approximately every 15 minutes, making it easy to travel when it suits you. 

Recommended Ticket

If you're planning to explore more of Thanet or hop on and off buses throughout the day, a Thanet DayRider or South East DayRider may offer the best value with unlimited travel for the whole day.

Areas covered by the Thanet DayRider
Areas covered by the South East DayRider

⛱️11:00am - Arrive in Margate

Catch the route 8 or Thanet Loop into Margate

Where to Get Off

Route 8: Marine Terrace

Thanet Loop: Cecil Street

Walking Directions

For Dreamland, follow the seafront signs towards the amusement park.

Walking Time

Marine Terrace to Dreamland: approximately 6 minutes

Cecil Street to Dreamland: approximately 9 minutes

With Dreamland, Turner Contemporary, Margate Main Sands and the Old Town all within walking distance of each other, Margate is one of Kent's easiest seaside towns to explore without a car. 

🎡11:15am - Experience Dreamland

Start the day at one of Kent's most iconic attractions. Dreamland combines classic amusement park rides with a modern seaside atmosphere, featuring vintage rides, arcades, food traders and family entertainment.

Suggested Time

11:15am-1:00pm

🍴1:00pm - Lunch at Dreamland or by the Seafront

Take a break and enjoy lunch before continuing your day. Dreamland's food traders offer plenty of lunch options, while Margate Main Sands and the surrounding seafront area are home to a variety of cafes, fish and chip shops and restaurants, including local favourite, Peter's Fish Factory. 

Walking Directions

Leave Dreamland via the main entrance and head towards the beach and seafront.

Walking Time

Approximately 5 minutes.

Suggested Time

1:00pm-2:00pm

🖼️2:00pm - Visit Turner Contemporary

After lunch, continue along the seafront to Turner Contemporary.

Walking Directions

Follow the promenade towards Turner Contemporary.

Walking Time

Approximately 11 minutes from Dreamland.

Turner Contemporary offers free admission and features an ever-changing programme of exhibitions, activities and workshops. The gallery is one of the UK's leading contemporary art spaces and offers stunning views across Margate Main Sands. 

Suggested Time

2:00pm-3:00pm

🛍️3:00pm - Explore Margate Old Town

Spend the afternoon wandering through Margate's historic Old Town.

Walking Directions

Margate Old Town sits directly behind Turner Contemporary and the Main Sands.

Walking Time

Less than 5 minutes.

Suggested Time

3:00pm-4:00pm

🌊4:00pm - Relax on Margate Main Sands

Before heading home, enjoy some classic seaside fun. Paddle in the sea or simply sit back and enjoy an ice cream while watching the world go by.

Suggested Time

4:00pm-5:30pm

🚌5:30pm - Journey Home

Head back to Marine Terrace or Cecil Street and catch the route 8 or Thanet Loop home. 

Suggested Timetable