 at both . The beaches Having lived in both Kent towns, I've been to each one's popular and off-the-beaten-track beaches. Margate's Main Sands has everything you'd want out of a beach - but that also includes huge crowds. Folkestone's main beach, while pebble, is a much more laid-back affair, with more shops and bars dotting along it. And when it comes to picking the best 'local' beach, I'd say Folkestone wins there too. Margate's Palm Bay does have its own lido, but Folkestone's Mermaid Beach feels like another country on a clear summer day. And it has something Margate doesn't have, which is the Lower Leas Coastal Park, a gorgeous huge green space with a playpark and benches. 11 Margate Main Sands is often crowded during the summer Credit: Getty 11 The Folkestone Beach stretches much further than Margate Credit: Getty F ood and drink Seafood is a must at both, and thankfully they aren't in short supply. Margate's most famous restaurants include Sargasso, as well as Angela's which has a nearby sister restaurant Dory's. But my favourite seafood restaurant is actually in Folkestone. Rocksalt's menu includes fresh oysters, crab and scallops, along with amazing service and a second-floor bar. If you can't get in, there is also Chummy's which lets you pick fresh fish from the counter to take away And when it comes to variety, Folkestone wins hands down thanks to Harbour Arms, which has everything from Argentinian to Japanese alongside a huge TV screen for sports and films. For bars, Margate has popular venues including Daisy's and Sete, each serving a curated menu of local){kind=link}
I’VE BEEN lucky enough to live in two of Kent’s coolest seaside towns – Margate and Folkestone.
But which is the best one to visit for a UK beach break?
From beaches to hotels, here is my verdict on which one is a bit better, having lived (and partied) at both.
Having lived in both Kent towns, I’ve been to each one’s popular and off-the-beaten-track beaches.
Margate’s Main Sands has everything you’d want out of a beach – but that also includes huge crowds.