Thanet's best spots to catch a sunset (with a drink in hand)

Thanet’s sunsets have beguiled and inspired since Turner's day.

The fleeting and ephemeral nightly show is magical, turning the sky pink and bronze before slipping behind the North Sea horizon.

Thanks to its position, Margate has some of the best sunsets along the East Kent coast, but the day's end is also superb in Ramsgate and Broadstairs too. 

If you want to catch the sun's final fleeting moments around Thanet, here's where to go.

The Shakespeare, Margate

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 occasionally 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 Buoys or a GB Pizza pizza - blue cheese and pear comes recommended. 

On top of the harbour arm, Margate

Although it can come with intense music blasting at an intense level, sitting on the top of the venues along the harbour arm near the old lighthouse has a view just as grand as the steps, but with fewer 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, Margate

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.

The Belle Vue Tavern, Ramsgate

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, Broadstairs

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, Ramsgate

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, Broadstairs

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 while the sun comes streaming in, sit outside if you want to watch the sun say goodnight head on. The Harbour, Broadstairs, CT10 1JU.

Western Undercliff, Ramsgate

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 it's quiet vibe is all part of the appeal.

Turner Contemporary, Margate 

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. 

Royal Harbour, Ramsgate

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?