Margate UK's Coolest Seaside
Margate is making headlines as the UK's 'coolest seaside town' — transforming from classic 'bucket-and-spade' charm into a chic destination with vibrant arts scene and stylish new venues. Eight underrated Gulf Coast towns are also highlighted for spring travelers seeking laid-back vibes and authentic local culture away from crowds.
The revival of Margate is significantly tied to the opening of the Turner Contemporary gallery in 2011. This cultural anchor, built on the site where artist J.M.W. Turner once stayed, has attracted over 3.5 million visitors and injected more than £70 million into the local economy. The gallery's success has spurred a year-round tourist season, moving beyond the traditional summer holiday crowds. Another key driver in Margate's transformation is the reimagined Dreamland amusement park. This historic park, first opened in the 1870s, has been updated with restored vintage rides, a 15,000-capacity music venue, and a vibrant, retro aesthetic. The park's redevelopment has preserved its heritage while introducing modern attractions and a packed events schedule. The town's Old Town has seen a dramatic resurgence, with once-vacant shops now housing a bustling collection of independent boutiques, vintage stores, galleries, and restaurants. This revival was supported by initiatives like the Margate Old Town Heritage Initiative, which helped restore historic shopfronts and improve the public realm. Margate's burgeoning arts scene extends beyond the Turner Contemporary. The town is home to numerous galleries, including the Carl Freedman Gallery, and has attracted artists like Tracey Emin, who is establishing an art school in a former bathhouse. The creative community is also fostered by a variety of artist studios and project spaces. The reference to underrated Gulf Coast destinations highlights Coastal Mississippi, a 62-mile stretch of scenic shoreline. This area is presented as a less-crowded alternative to more famous Florida beaches and includes distinctive towns like Ocean Springs, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis. Ocean Springs is known for its "artsy, eclectic" personality, with a walkable downtown filled with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants under a canopy of live oak trees. It is home to the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, celebrating the works of the acclaimed local artist, and is a hub for creativity on the coast. Gulfport offers a range of attractions, from the Mississippi Aquarium and the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies to the family-friendly Gulf Islands Waterpark. A unique feature is Fishbone Alley, a vibrant downtown walkway filled with ever-changing murals by local and visiting artists. Bay St. Louis is recognized for its small-town charm and has been named one of the "Coolest Small Towns in America." Its Old Town features antique shops, local art, and monthly events like the Second Saturday Art Walk. The town also preserves its history through landmarks like the Historic L&N Train Depot.
