Discover Ramsgate

When planning a trip to Ramsgate, cultural history, self-guided trails, coastal paths and waterside activities can each offer a different focus. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can start by considering which themes matter to you. An interest in Pugin and the history of technology offers a different focus from choosing a trail or an activity on the water.

Cultural history and distinctive themes

The Ramsgate Tunnels are a volunteer-run historic visitor attraction. They opened to the public in June 2014 after being closed for more than 50 years. The Explorer Tour begins with a short film in a 150-year-old Victorian railway tunnel and then continues into purpose-built air-raid shelters. Tour details may change; check the current itinerary before your visit.

St Augustine’s is Augustus Pugin’s personal church and the only church that Pugin designed and paid for himself. Ramsgate Clock House is a Grade II* listed building. The Micro Museum offers a different focus: it is the only museum in Kent devoted exclusively to home and personal computer technology. The options therefore range from Pugin’s church architecture and a listed building to the history of computer technology.

Trails with different focuses

The Ramsgate Royal Harbour Heritage Trail is a self-guided trail. Through 14 stories, it offers insights into more than 250 years of life around Ramsgate’s historic harbour. The Pugin Town Trail is a self-guided walk between Ramsgate’s East Cliff and West Cliff. Town Rounders consists of two circular routes through Ramsgate and includes Regency architecture and the town’s royal connections.

The trails differ both in format and subject: the Royal Harbour Heritage Trail brings together the harbour’s history in 14 stories, the Pugin Town Trail runs between two named cliff areas, and Town Rounders explores architecture and royal connections on two circular routes. You can choose which trail to take based on which of these perspectives interests you.

Coastal paths and waterside activities

Ramsgate’s promenades form a sea-level route connecting Marina Esplanade with the lower East Cliff Promenade. Path conditions and facilities may change; check the latest information before planning your visit. The step-free route in Ramsgate starts at Madeira Walk and follows Marina Road until it rejoins the official England Coast Path route. Work on the route was completed in September 2024.

The “Ramsgate – Beaches and Bays” canoe trail starts at Marina Esplanade, goes as far as Dumpton Bay and passes the White Cliffs of Ramsgate. There is another option for watersports: introductory sessions in kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding are offered at Ramsgate Main Sands. Dates and providers may change; check the latest details before planning the activity.

Pegwell Bay Country Park is nearby. Its circular route has paved surfaces, and there are also several grass paths. This adds another option to the coastal paths for including a circuit with a mix of path surfaces in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Wittersham, Wrotham, Aldington, Broadstairs, Tonbridge, Sittingbourne, East Farleigh, Egerton.

For the wider travel overview: Kent.