Top Spots for Instagram-Worthy Photos in Margate

If you’re looking for the perfect destination to capture stunning, Instagram-worthy shots, Margate is calling your name. This coastal town on the southeast coast of England is packed with vibrant street art, striking sunsets, and quirky architecture that will add colour to your feed. For seasoned photographers and those snapping pictures with their phones, Margate offers a wealth of locations to catch your followers’ attention.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top spots guaranteed to get you the likes and comments you deserve—plus, we’ll give you insider tips to make the most of your visit to this seaside gem. And, if you’re planning a stay, don’t forget to check out Ballarat House, a stunning place to unwind after a day of photography.

1. Dreamland Margate

A trip to Margate wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Dreamland, the town’s iconic vintage amusement park. The retro vibes are perfect for capturing playful, nostalgic shots. Think pastel-coloured rides, neon lights, and candyfloss stands. The Ferris wheel at sunset and the nostalgic rollercoaster offer countless picture-perfect moments to enjoy here.

Tip: Arrive early or stay late for fewer crowds, allowing you to snap those clear shots without distractions. Dreamland’s colours pop during golden hour, giving your photos a soft, magical glow.

2. Margate Main Sands

Golden sand and sweeping coastal views make Margate Main Sands ideal for Instagram-worthy beach shots. The soft, golden light just before sunset provides a dreamy backdrop for those barefoot, toes-in-the-sand moments. This is the perfect place if you love capturing waves crashing on the shore or the breathtaking horizon.

Margate Main Sands receives over 1 million visitors annually, and its clean, sandy stretch remains a favourite for both locals and tourists.

Tip: Visit at sunrise for a serene, misty glow, and during low tide, explore the exposed sandbanks for unique shots.

3. Turner Contemporary

The sleek, modern design of the Turner Contemporary art gallery contrasts beautifully with the rugged coast, offering the perfect blend of natural and urban beauty. With its bold, minimalist structure, the building makes for an eye-catching subject. You’ll also find regularly rotating art installations—many of which are just as photogenic.

Tip: Stand on the gallery’s terrace for sweeping coastline views, providing an ideal photo frame. If you're there on a cloudy day, the moody sky adds drama to your shots.

4. Cliftonville Murals

Cliftonville’s vibrant murals will be a hit for street art lovers. This area has been transformed into an open-air gallery, with bold and quirky works of art gracing many local buildings. These murals provide a fantastic backdrop for portraits and add a pop of colour to your Instagram grid.

Tip: Watch for the mural by local artist Louis Masai, which features endangered species in bright, captivating designs. Perfect for a street art-centric photo collection!

5. The Shell Grotto

One of Margate’s hidden gems, the Shell Grotto is an underground passageway adorned with over 4.6 million shells intricately laid out in stunning patterns. Its origins remain a mystery, adding to the location’s charm and intrigue. Unlike anything above ground, the dimly lit tunnels offer a moody, ethereal aesthetic.

Tip: Bring a camera with good low-light capabilities or a tripod to avoid blur. The atmospheric lighting makes for unique and mysterious shots that stand out on your feed.

6. Margate Harbour Arm

For those iconic seaside photos, Margate Harbour Arm is your go-to. The weathered charm of the boats bobbing in the water, the charming eateries along the promenade, and the vintage lighthouses make it a must-see. On sunny days, the light dances off the water, creating stunning reflections that add depth and vibrancy to your photos.

Tip: Take a long exposure shot of the waves hitting the harbour walls for a silky water effect that adds an artistic touch to your feed.

7. Botany Bay

If you’re after dramatic coastal shots, Botany Bay offers towering chalk cliffs and natural rock formations that create a breathtaking backdrop. Botany Bay presents many chances for dramatic, nature-inspired photography as you capture the white cliffs contrasting with the blue sky or the rugged rocks reaching into the sea.

Tip: Visit at low tide to walk along the beach and explore the rock pools—perfect for some unique close-up shots of marine life and textures.

Ballarat House

After a long day of capturing Margate’s most photogenic spots, where would be better to relax than at Ballarat House? This charming holiday rental offers a blend of comfort and style, with its interiors providing plenty of Instagrammable corners. With its cosy, stylish living spaces and lush garden, Ballarat House serves as the perfect retreat for relaxing and working on your latest collection of photos.

Tip: Book your stay early to secure the best dates, and don’t forget to snap a few indoor shots—this beautifully designed space deserves its place on your Instagram grid.

Margate’s rich blend of coastal beauty, modern art, and vintage charm offers endless opportunities for capturing Instagram-worthy photos. From the retro vibes of Dreamland to the raw natural beauty of Botany Bay, there’s no shortage of spots to make your feed pop. With some planning, you can create a stunning portfolio of shots that showcase Margate’s unique character.

So, grab your camera, head to these top locations, and book your stay at Ballarat House to make the most of your time in this picturesque seaside town. Happy snapping!