The ‘utterly miserable’ UK seaside town that is now filled Hollywood stars
Margate, once a struggling seaside town, is now a hotspot for A-listers like Pedro Pascal, Rami Malek, and Tracey Emin.
Today, Margate thrives with festivals, quirky museums like the Shell Grotto, and live music venues including Dreamland and the grungy Where Else?.
Pedro Pascal, star of The Last of Us and Game of Thrones, made headlines last year during his visit to Margate, where he joined art podcasters Robert Diament and Russell Tovey at The Rhodes Gallery to see an exhibition dedicated to him, only to find it closed.
The trio snapped a playful selfie with a sign by artist Heidi Gentle Burrell, captioned “Margate art friends reunited,” which quickly went viral.
Emma Corrin, best known for her portrayal in The Crown, has embraced Margate’s unique coastal lifestyle, recently purchasing a house in the area, attending Margate Pride, and eating with Rami Malek at Buoy and Oyster.
The Turner Contemporary gallery has spearheaded the town’s cultural revival, alongside new luxury hotels like Fort Road Hotel and No.42 by GuestHouse.
Arriving in the town as a child, Turner became a frequent visitor from the 1820s onward and famously remarked that “the skies over Thanet are the loveliest in all Europe” and created several works inspired by Margate.
Margate’s artistic legacy endures with the return of Banksy’s “Valentine’s Day Mascara”, depicting a 1950s housewife pushing a man into a freezer, which is now on free display at The WonderWorks.
Valued at £6m, the piece remains a symbol of the town’s creative spirit.
Despite its revival, Margate still needs more investment due to ongoing issues with litter, derelict shops on the High Street, and the closure of the historic Winter Gardens.
Its rich history as a seaside resort dates back to the 18th century, but decades of decline followed the rise of affordable package holidays abroad and storm damage to local landmarks.
Still, visitors rave about sunsets from Margate Steps, family-run Italian eatery Bottega Caruso, and the vibrant yet soulful community spirit.
Just an hour and a half from London by train, Margate proves that even once-forgotten towns can rise again.
As the town continues to adapt, its blend of historic appeal and modern vibrancy cements its status as one of Britain’s most intriguing seaside destination.
World News || Latest News || U.S. News
Source link
