A Day in Margate and a Visit to the Turner Contemporary Gallery

Last Sunday we spent a lovely day in the seaside town of Margate in Kent.  We've visited a few times over the years and had some lovely summer days on the lovely sandy beach there.  We used to take Little Bird when she was small as she enjoyed the trampolines, swing boats and the sea water swimming pool on the beach, and of course the amusements along the front.

When we mentioned to someone that we were going there, we were told in no uncertain terms that it wasn't a very nice place (to put it politely).  We happen to disagree.  We've always found Margate to be a very nice place.  A lovely traditional seaside town.  It may not be as quaint and gentrified as Whitstable or Broadstairs, but it has it's own charms and merits and with the building of the new Turner Contemporary Gallery, we were keen to return and check it out.

We arrived at around 11.30 am and took a walk along the beach with the dog for an hour.  It was a lovely sunny day with bright blue skies.  The dog loved running up and down the beach chasing after a ball she found.  It was fun watching the tide come right up into the little harbour which it did very quickly.

I noticed that on the far side of the harbour around from the new gallery there were some bars and cafe's which I haven't noticed before.  They may or may not have been new and I apologise if they have been there a while and I've just never noticed them, but to me it seemed like there seemed to be some signs of regeneration going on in the town, which I imagine could be a good thing for the people who live there.

 

 

We were pleased to find that the Turner gallery (pictured above) was completely free to enter and we went in and had a look around.  There were some fabulous bronze sculptures in the foyer.  Without wanting to diminish the works, they reminded me of the old Weebles (the toys that wobbled but never fell down).  I always wanted these as a child, but never did get them for some reason.  (I digress)  There was also a very impressive display of work by 11-18 year olds from local secondary schools.  Some amazing work from people of such a young age.  It was very inspiring.

After going upstairs in the impressive enormous lift (big enough to hold 100 people!), we took a look around the main exhibitions of a modernist American artist and, of course, JMW Turner.  We then took a look in the lovely shop (some beautiful things in there), and then stopped for a drink in the café, before getting back to the dog who was patiently waiting in the car for us.

Whilst OH moved the car, as parking was a little expensive near the gallery, Little Bird and I took a mooch down the front and popped into an interesting little second hand shop.  There were some lovely things in there, but I just came away with a few new spools of cotton.  They cost £1 for 3 and they always come in handy or can be used for basting if they don't match any project I'm doing colour wise.  That's another great thing about Margate.  They have some super interesting little shops to look around, which always makes a visit enjoyable.

We had a great day in Margate and will be returning again, possibly to visit other exhibitions and use the beach in the summer, although dogs aren't allowed on the main beach from May to September.  We might have to look around for a beach where we can take her in the summer.  If anyone knows one in the area, please let me know.