Where to catch one of those cracking coastal Kent sunsets

Thanet’s golden hour is the stuff of grandeur. Inspiring artists since Turner’s day, the pink and golden hues that flood the evening’s sky before vanishing below the North Sea’s horizon, hold a special kind of fleeting, ephemeral magic. 

While Margate has some of the best sunsets along our coastal stretch, the day draws to a close in style over Ramsgate and Broadstairs too. 

Here’s Strange Tourist’s recommendations on where to watch the sun go down across Thanet. 

The Shakespeare 

One of the best pubs in Margate, The Shakespeare has rockstar parking sunset-wise. Views of the North Sea flood into the easy and breezy pub’s windows across the top of Main Sands and The Bus Cafe. Grab yourself a perch at the window, a board game from behind the bar and order in one of Palm’s massive pizzas (broccoli and pesto, always) and settle in. 1 Canterbury Rd, Westbrook, Margate CT9 5AQ

Main Sands steps

A popular choice, not just because it’s free, Margate’s Main Sands steps is also prime sunset real estate, as seagulls and people with portable speakers well know. Grab a takeaway pint from Xylo or maybe an espresso martini slushie from Little Swift for your sundowner, or grab fish and chips from Beach Bouys or a GB Pizza pizza - blue cheese and pear comes recommended. 

The Lighthouse

Although it can come with intense music blasting at an intense level, Margate’s lighthouse has a view just as grand as the steps, but with less people and gulls. Grab yourself an ale or pump cider from The Harbour Arms, and head to Dive or Sargasso for a bite after, or before. 

Guest House No. 42

Watch the sunset over Main Sands from the comfort of Guest House No. 42’s nostalgic, art-deco glamour. The hotel’s restaurant, the Pearly Cow has a dining room, with balcony, looking directly across the beach. If you’re after just a drink, the hotel’s rooftop bar is also a good shout in good weather, but you may have to book. 42 High St, Margate CT9 1DS

Sundowners

Who doesn’t want to drink a fishbowl of neon-blue booze while watching a drag or lip sync show as the sun goes down? Under new management and with La Fayette in the kitchen, plating up filthy-good Americana grub, the OG LGBTQ+ Margate venue has a sun trap deck that is a prime choice for not just watching the sun go down, but also watching all ongoings, riff raff and chaos along the Esplanade. 1 Albert Terrace, Margate CT9 1UJ

The Belle Vue Tavern

Overlooking Pegwell Bay, Ramsgate’s Belle Vue Tavern has a large beer garden that comes with an unfettered view across the wide cove, that is equally impressive at low-tide as it is high. A Shepherd Neame pub with unpretentious, friendly and neighbourhood vibes, it also has a kitchen that plates up pub grub classics. Pegwell Rd, Ramsgate CT11 0NJ

Viking Bay

For the early birds, Broadstairs’ main beach, Viking Bay is a great spot to watch the sun come up. Not much is open at 4.30am around these parts, but looking past summer, Namaka on Stone Bay Beach, just around the corner, fuels morning dog walkers with coffee and healthy light bites. 

Wetherspoons

Yes, it’s a spoons and there is no music and it smells of warm tomato sauce, but as far as spoons go, Ramsgate’s is pretty good. The cavernous Victorian pavilion has plenty of tables inside to catch the day drawing to a close, and there’s a decent amount of seating outside should the temperatures be warm enough for it. Harbour Parade, Ramsgate CT11 8LS

Jetty

Jutting out on Broadstairs’ Viking Bay, Jetty plates up drinks and food while offering an uninterrupted view of the sea. Comes with plenty of seating inside and takeaway options as well. The Harbour, Broadstairs CT10 1JU

Western Undercliff

Overlooking the same view as the Belle Vue Tavern, Western Undercliff beach looks across Pegwell Bay, with white chalky cliffs behind you. There’s no amenities here, but its quiet vibe is all part of the appeal.

Turner Contemporary 

During summer, Louie-on-Sea has a weather-dependant aperitivo hour on Saturdays, from 5pm, until sunset. Grab a drink, listen to the tunes, and settle into your deckchair. 

Ramsgate Royal Harbour

Perhaps one for an evening stroll, the sun going down over a marina full of boats is a rather charmed sight.  You could end up at Wetherspoons, or for something that reeks less of warm vinegar, why not walk up towards Albion House for a post-sunset drink, instead?