Ramsgate

Known for its stunning sandy beaches, vibrant marina, and rich maritime history. Ramsgate boasts a unique blend of Victorian elegance and seaside charm. Part of our Top 300 Places to Live series.

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WHY?

If you’re wondering where in Kent offers a blend of coastal charm and vibrant community, look no further than Ramsgate. This bustling seaside town, with its rich maritime history and lively culture, has been making waves as one of the top destinations to settle down.

EAT

Albion House Ramsgate Kent green walls grand fireplace and a line of wine glasses on table
Albion House

Ramsgate’s culinary scene is a foodie’s dream come true. The town is brimming with fantastic waterside restaurants, cafés, and pubs, where fresh fish and shellfish are always on the menu.

Albion House is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or night away, all in a stunning Regency building dating back to 1791 with a fascinating history of entertaining royalty, actors and politicians. Combining stunning Regency architecture, delicious food and sea views, what’s not to love!

There’s also family-friendly bar and café Ramsgate Boating Pool with very good pizzas and plenty of outdoor seating. Expect live music and a range of pop-up events running all year round from markets, music to art. During the summer, pedalos are available to hire at weekends for just £8 per boat.

SHOP

Positive Retail shop front Ramsgate Kent
Positive Retail

Ramsgate’s shopping scene is a delightful mix of the traditional and the trendy. The town center is home to a variety of independent shops and boutiques where you’ll find… For all your home decor needs there’s Potters on Queens Street, an independent homewares shop selling textiles, ceramics, gift and plant shop and similarily, No.36 by SP on Addington Street.

Bringing feel-good shopping to your doorstep is Positive Retail with a focus on sustainable, stylish, and socially conscious products. Everything is pre-loved where you’ll pieces brand new with tags or deadstock so there’s lots of treasures to be found.

You can’t miss Petticoat Lane Emporium, Kent’s largest indoor market. It’s a huge warehouse filled with over 200 stalls from various sellers from vintage, retro, craft, collectibles, curioisities, fashion and art – all waiting to be rummaged through. There’s even a cafe on the first floor. If you’re after high-street brands, the nearby Westwood Cross Shopping Centre has all the major retailers, offering everything you need just a short drive away.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

You can’t forget their award-winning sandy beach, cliff-top paths, and stunning sea views from all around. The Viking Coastal Trail is a must for outdoor enthusiasts, providing stunning views as you cycle or hike between Ramsgate, Broadstairs, and Margate. This scenic route takes you along the coastline and through tranquil country lanes, offering a perfect day out for families and solo adventurers alike.

The town also boasts a number of wellness centers and fitness hubs. We love Union, a yoga studio and café, that has a very popular local following as well. There’s also Pilates, CrossFit and paddleboarding so you’ll find something you love here.

For those who prefer something a little slower-paced, Ellington Park is a local favourite. The Victorian 12-acre park with over 400 acres is a peaceful retreat in the heart of town, complete with a Wildlife Garden, book shop (yes really!), café, a fitness trail and two play area for the little ones.

COMMUNITY

Local events? Ramsgate does them better than most! Every year, the town hosts festivals like Ramsgate Week – a sailing extravaganza where locals, tourists, and seafarers all come together in one big maritime celebration. Add to this a variety of local groups and clubs – from yoga to knitting to rugby – you’ll find a new hobby here.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Turner Contemporary art gallery Ramsgate
Turner Contemporary

Ramsgate’s location on the Kent coast means you’re never far from adventure. The town itself is full of attractions, but the surrounding area offers even more to explore.

Just drive under 10 mins along the coast and you’ll find the town of Broadstairs, the holiday destination of choice for Charles Dickens and very fashionable place to visit in the Victorian era. It was one of Kent’s finest seaside towns but its had something of a renaissance in the past decade. Now known for its vibrant festivals throughout the year, up-and-coming foodie credentials and Blue Flag beaches.

Or drive a little further, only 18 mins and be in Margate, another classic English seaside destination. It has a famous mix of old-school, kitch charm alongside cultural art galleries – the Turner Contemporary for starters – or new stylish stores and eateries.

CULTURE

the Ramsgate Tunnels, discover how the town battled the Second World War and utilised their underground civilian wartime tunnels
Ramsgate Tunnels

For those who love a bit of history with their daily life, Ramsgate doesn’t disappoint. Make sure to meander through Ramsgate soaking up the history of this seaside town were thousands of soldiers disembarked after escaping from the beaches of Dunkirk in 1940.

You can also visit The Grange, the Gothic home of architect Augustus Pugin, or explore St Augustine’s Church, where you’ll find the family vault and a shrine to St Augustine. Plus The Micro Museum, which chronicles the history of home computers.

Another hidden gem is the Ramsgate Tunnels, discover how the town battled the Second World War and utilised their underground civilian wartime tunnels – the largest in the country apparently!

Head out on a boat trip from the only Royal Harbour in the country, granted by George IV in 1821. Take in the sights and sounds of a working harbour with a beautiful selection of sailing and power boats. Take a boat trip, visit the seals or enjoy a spot of fishing.

AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES

The average sold price for a property in Ramsgate in the last 12 months is £282,981. For detached properties it is £389,784, semi-detached £310,977 and terraced are £262,655.

HOT PROPERTY

A grand 5 bed house for sale in Ramsgate, On the market for £1.35m.

NURSERIES

For families with young children, Ramsgate offers a range of excellent nursery options. Part of the well-known St Lawrence College, this nursery provides a structured environment with lots of outdoor activities, promoting confidence and independence in young learners.

SCHOOLS

You are in safe hands here. First there’s Wellesley House, which gets the Muddy stamp of approval as a small, family-run prep school with an ideal mix of modern, relaxed teaching alongside traditional, old-school standards.

St. Lawrence College in Ramsgate is another good choice (and only 2 miles away) plus it runs from Nursery right through to Senior School. We also hear good reports about St. Mildred’s Primary School (rated Outstanding too) and Upton Junior School plus you have Dane Court Grammar School which takes the Baccalaureate and in Ramsgate you have Chatham House (for boys) and Clarendon (for girls and mixed in sixth form) as other very good Grammar School options for senior school.

BEST KEPT SECRET

It’s not hard to see why those DFL’s are looking beyond Margate for their coastal fix with the likes of Sarah Tomazck (Editor of Red magazine) waxing lyrical about her hometown through her Insta.

COMMUTE

Despite its seaside charm, Ramsgate is well-connected to the rest of the country. The town is just 75 mins from central London by train, making it an ideal choice for those who want to escape the city. Ramsgate’s train station offers regular services to London, as well as connections to other major cities in the South East. For those who prefer to drive, the A299 connects Ramsgate to the M2 motorway, providing easy access to the rest of Kent and beyond.

View the full Top 300 Best Places to Live.

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