Margate
Venue
When: Saturday 5th September 2026
Where: ARK – Cliftonville cultural space, Albion Rd, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2HP
Timings: Please arrive at 3pm, in time to welcome Laura and Dan at 3.30pm.
Children are welcome at the venue until 6pm.
The venue closes at 11pm, where anyone who wishes to continue the party will head out on the town.
Food and Drinks:
An array of snacks will be on hand, as well as Hot stone pizzas (vegan options available)
Prosecco/Nosecco on arrival and some drinks provided, as well as a full bar.
Getting to the venue
ARK is located close to Northdown Rd, in the heart of Cliftonville. It’s a 25 minute walk from Margate Train Station, or 20 minutes on the 8A bus from Nayland Rock, over the road from the station.
It’s a 7 minute drive from the station, and Taxis are usually available outside. Otherwise, you can call Central Cars on 01843 888888 or hail an Uber.
It is definitely feasible to travel down to Margate and back to London in one day, with 90minute travel time on the high speed from Kings Cross St Pancras or Stratford.
Parking:
There is street parking all around the venue, especially along Eastern Esplanade. There is also a large car park on Harold Rd behind Gladwells that’s free of charge on Saturdays.
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Gifts:
Thank you for your kind thought of gifts, but we don’t need anything! However, if you would like to bring a cheap, fun, silly or cute item to donate to the raffle table – please do! Think of it like a Secret Santa type gift. What would you like to win at a raffle?
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Raffle? What is that?
Yes, we are holding a raffle! Everyone gets a free ticket on arrival then you’re in with a chance to win a fun prize to remember the occasion.
Staying the weekend?
Why not make the most of the trip and stay for a few days beside the sea! You don’t have to hang out with us ALL the time.
Any accommodation in Old Town or Cliftonville will be easily walkable to ARK. There are many Airbnb options, but if you’re after a hotel, check out the below links:
Premier Inn Margate, located at the Train Station
It’s a Premier Inn – you know what you’re in for!
Fort Road Hotel
Lovely boutique hotel with excellent restaurant and cocktail bar
No 42 by Guest House
Sea views and a little bit of luxury for your stay
Walpole Bay Hotel
Do you want to imagine you’re in a Poirot novel? Then this place might be for you.
Plans for the rest of the weekend
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Friday:
For anyone arriving on Friday who would like a welcome drink, meet us on the main seaside steps in the Old Town at 6pm in front of Xylo brewery. Takeaway beers from there, margaritas from Little Swift and Fish and Chips while we watch the sunset will be the vibe.
If the weather isn’t behaving, we’ll let you know a different plan closer to the time.
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Sunday:
We’re aiming for a Sunday recovery picnic at Walpole Bay tidal pool, starting at 1pm for anyone who’d like to hang around. Pray for warm and sunny weather so you can swim away your hangover, or alternatively sit on the beach and judge those who are swimming.
If this looks unfeasible because of rain/wind/random summer storm, we’ll let you know a back up plan.
Other things to do in Margate while you’re here:
Visit the wonderful and free Crab Museum. Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about crustaceans and more
Check out art in Turner Contemporary and Carl Freedman galleries. You might even run into Tracey Emin
Hop on the log flume at Dreamland – Dan also approves of the pink rollercoaster
Go full seaside luxury with a sauna at Sea Scrub on the main sands
Treat yourself to breakfast at The Dalby Cafe – a staple of Margate life. Other nice options are Curve, The Good Egg or Big Shot.
Book a fancier meal at amazing restaurants like Sargasso, Angela’s or The Wellington
Have a drink at classic cocktail bars Little Swift or Off License, or more traditional pubs like The Shakespeare, George and Heart, Rose in June, Life Boat, Last Light or Barnacles (tell Nigel behind the bar we sent you)