Discover vintage rides, sandy beaches, free family attractions and seaside fun for less this summer.
Looking for an affordable family day out in Kent this summer? Hop on routes 8 or Thanet Loop and head to Margate for a day packed with family fun. Enjoy thrills at Dreamland, explore free exhibitions at Turner Contemporary, relax on Margate Main Sands and make the most of Great British Summer Savings offers along the way.
With children aged between 5-15 travelling free on Stagecoach buses in the South East (Kent & East Sussex, excluding Brighton) and special savings available at participating attractions, there's never been a better time to leave the car at home and discover the Thanet coast by bus.
🚌Start Your Day Out by Bus
Recommended Services
Stagecoach 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 travelling at the weekend or on the August Bank Holiday on the Thanet Loop and simply heading into Margate for the day, take advantage of the £2 adult single fare available throughout August thanks to funding from Kent County Council using Department for Transport Bus Grant Funding provided by His Majesty's Government.
If you're planning to explore more of Thanet or hop on and off buses throughout the day, a Thanet (£6.30 for adults) or South East DayRider (£9.90 for adults) may offer the best value with unlimited travel.
Areas covered by the Thanet DayRider
Areas covered by the South East DayRider
Children aged 5-15 travel free throughout August, helping families save even more on summer adventures.
⛱️11:00am - Arrive in Margate
Catch the Stagecoach 8 or Thanet Loop into Margate
Where to Get Off
Route 8: Marine Terrace
Thanet Loop: Cecil Square / Cecil Street
Walking Directions
For Dreamland, follow the seafront signs towards the amusement park.
Walking Time
Marine Terrace to Dreamland: approximately 6 minutes
Cecil Square / 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.
Even better, Dreamland is taking part in Great British Summer Savings, with reduced ride wristband prices until 1 September.
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 family-friendly 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
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, family 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. Build sandcastles, 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 Square / Cecil Street and catch the Stagecoach 8 or Thanet Loop home.
Suggested Timetable
Make It Extra Special
If you'd like to see the Isle of Thanet from a different perspective, why not add a trip on the Thanet Open Topper? Running between Minnis Bay, Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, it's a fantastic way to enjoy the coastline during the summer months.
Please note: The Thanet Open Topper is not included in the Kids Go Free promotion and standard fares apply.