Margate or Broadstairs for the day from London?

[EachandEveryone]

Or anywhere else? I just want some sea air, nice cafes and maybe different shops.

Margate has lots going on. Quirky independent shops, great bars and cafes. Turner gallery. Still 'kiss me quick' fun. I loved it.

We hated Margate. Went to the Shell museum (in summer but on a wet, grey day so that may have impacted). Found Margate run down and depressing.

But we have family in Broadstairs so visit several times a year and love it, in all weather's.

Also love Whitstable.

I love Broadstairs!!! Such a lovely beach. However if I could put the shops of Whitstable next to Broadstairs beach it would be perfect! Are you getting the train?

Margate is grim. Broadstairs is lovely.

Depends on what you are interested in.

If you like art galleries and don't mind a bit of grime go to Margate. It also has some good restaurants and cafes and quirky shops. I personally like Margate but I know it is not everyone's cup of tea. Very trendy these days though.

If you want a pretty seaside town, go to Broadstairs.

I live in Deal and it is really pretty here too, with some decent restaurants, cafes and a nice seafront/pier. Great independent and charity shops and you can visit Deal Castle and things like the Kent museum of the moving image.

I like Folkestone too. The old high st has some interesting shop and good places to eat.

Ramsgate also has a port and it has got a lot better and is a bit quieter than Margate.

Broadstairs. Lovely place

Broadstairs or Whitstable, not Margate.

I prefer Margate for shops and restaurants. Plus you have the turner (little odd at times) and the crab museum. It can get a bit rough if you venture away from the old town bit but I can kill a few hours there (including amusements) which I struggle to in Broadstairs unless actually sitting on beach (and I don't think Broadstairs has the best beach).

I like Ramsgate for the beach/harbour but it's a trek from the station if you are coming by train (Margate and Broadstairs definitely better here) and town centre is not great. Whitstable is not as good as it thinks it is but worth a trip if you've not been before. Folkestone is better and my current favourite (old high Street lovely but bit near old debenhams is a little run down) Deal is nice as well

Folkestone is a lovely day out; 40 mins from Stratford

The Old Town in Margate is lovely so is The Turner Centre. Having had links to Margate since 2003 I can say that the town centre has deteriorated badly due to Westwood Cross.

Come to Deal! The market is on tomorrow (Saturday). Best place in Kent!

We would be going from Kings Cross/St Pancras/Euston ideally. I heard the train journey to Margate is lovely which is why I started looking. I like edgy but I dont think my two companions will they are much more into antique shops and afternoon teas. I do want some sea air. I have an op coming up and have had such a hectic year last year i just want to take a deep breath. I cant stay the night as I have too many appointments.

They're both brilliant but different

Margate has better restaurants/bars/bistros but shops not quite as good for other stuff. Margate is more contained right on the sea front and old town, other bits are less attractive/entertaining. Margate has a better beach and its close to the station so not too far to walk if you have stuff. Margate is more 'arty farty'.

Broadstairs is a bit of a walk from the station and uphill on the way back. Broadstairs has much nicer gift/clothing/boutiquey shops. Broadstairs has good seafront restaurants, some of which are said to be thriving on reputation these days, judge for yourself. Broadstairs has a pretty beach but a long way down the stairs! Broadstairs is a nicer town all round.

Its 10 mins on the bus between them both in any case (dont get the bus in the wrong direction though!)

Deal does look lovely. Its time as well though.