Plan your visit

All the information you need on travelling to Margate, venue accessibility and getting the best from your time in our town.

Getting to the festival

  • We recommend travelling to Margate by train.

    Southeastern run hourly high-speed trains from London St Pancras and Stratford International which arrive at Margate station in under 90 minutes.

    There are also cheaper (but slower) mainline trains running from London Victoria, Cannon Street, Charing Cross and London Bridge.

    Book train tickets on the Southeastern website.

  • The closest bus stop to most Bookie venues is Cecil Square.

    The Thanet Loop route connects Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. You can catch a bus from any stop on the route every 8-10 minutes, seven days a week.

    The 8A bus provides transport from Canterbury.

  • National Express offers regular coaches from London Victoria to Margate. Prices from London start at £8.60 one way. Book here.

    The route also stops in Dartford, Whitstable, Canterbury, Birchington-on-Sea and Westgate-on-Sea. Book here.

  • The most convenient car parks for Bookie venues are:

    • Harbour Arm (CT9 1JD)

    • Market Street (CT9 1EU)

    Fees at these car parks are:

    • 1 hour: £1.80

    • 2 hours: £3.60

    • 3 hours: £5.40

    • 4 hours: £7.20

    There is free parking every Saturday at Mill Lane Car Park (CT9 1LB) and Harold Road Car Park (CT9 2HS).

    For electric car drivers, there are charging ports at:

    • Turner Contemporary (CT9 1HG - 2 bays)

    • Market Street (CT9 1EU - 2 bays)

  • Margate is on the Viking Coastal Trail, a 32 mile loop around the Isle of Thanet. Two thirds of the route is off road and runs past the Turner Contemporary. Find out more.

Accessibility

We want everyone to have the best possible experience at the Bookie.  

Accessibility details are on ticket links, however you can also find access details for each venue below.  

If you have a specific access question or requirement, please drop Bookie a line at info@margatebookie.com and we will do our best to accommodate. 

  • If you require a companion ticket for access purposes, these are free on request from info@margatebookie.com. Forward your ticket confirmation email and we’ll provide a discount code for your companion.  

  • There will be Bookie volunteers (look out for the black and orange T-shirts!) at the entrance of each event ready to direct or accompany you to your event space and answer any questions you may have.  

  • Turner Contemporary – Big Weekend Events 
    The Turner has step free access to all its spaces. See full access details on the website. 

    Turner Contemporary – Clore Learning Studio  
    There is a spacious lift to the first floor for buggies and wheelchairs. See full access details on the website. 

    The Margate School – gallery 
    The Margate School has step free access to its gallery and cafe spaces.  

    The Margate School – The Library  
    We will be hosting Write Up sessions and some Margate Week events in the Library at The Margate School  

    The library is on the second floor and is only accessible via stairs. If you are a wheelchair user or struggle with stairs, please contact Bookie at info@margatebookie.com and we will arrange an alternative space.  

Our venues

Modern white architectural building with slanted and curved walls against a blue sky.

Turner Contemporary art gallery has breath-taking views of the North Sea. It hosted the Turner Prize in 2019 and has exhibited internationally renowned artists like Grayson Perry to Tracey Emin in its dynamic programme.

The Margate School is halfway up the High Street in the old Woolworths. Make sure you take time to see the artwork at this unique independent art school.

The Shakespeare pub is located at 1 Canterbury Road - overlooking Margate Main Sands and only a short walk from the train station.

Discovering our town

Group of people gathered outside a pub named 'The Lifeboat', smiling and waving, some holding drinks, with Union Jack flags and bunting decorating the exterior.

Margate?

It’s Turner’s skies and books on the beach. Dreamland and The Waste Land, Empire of Light and Kiss Me Quick. A seaside gem and the fourth coolest town in the world. Isn’t about time you became part of the buzz?

Margate has plenty to offer. You can get guides and visitor information at Visit Thanet or local culture website Strange Tourist. Our team love spending time in the town, and we've listed some suggestions below to get you started.