Cottages in Ramsgate

Ramsgate is part of the Isle of Thanet peninsula, which is the most westerly point of the Kent coastline. Ramsgate, Margate and Broadstairs are the three main towns of Thanet, and they are also three of Britain’s Georgian and Victorian seaside resorts. However, Ramsgate is unique in that it is Britain’s only ‘Royal Harbour’, after being given royal designation in 1821 by King George VI. Ramsgate retains its regal and vintage charm to this day and is a great place to rent a holiday cottage, whether you wish to stay local in Thanet, or venture further out into the Kent countryside. Our self-catering property Waitemata is a grand Victorian townhouse in the heart of Ramsgate. With four bedrooms and space for up to eight guests and two pets, Waitemata is the perfect place for a big, multi-generational family gathering or group of old friends.

Ramsgate, like much of Kent, is steeped in maritime history. The Viking Boat ‘Hugin’ at Pegwell Bay is a must-see attraction. The boat is a replica of the Viking Ship that sailed from Denmark to England in 1949 to commemorate the 1,500 year anniversary of the Viking invasion of Britain. For a taste of more recent history, visit the Ramsgate Tunnels. The Tunnels were originally built in the nineteenth century as a rail line, which was later shut in 1926. Later, during the Second World War, the tunnels were again called into service this time as bomb shelters. Over 1,200 Ramsgate homes were destroyed by bombing during WWII and as a result, the tunnels became an underground town where many lived and had facilities such as barber shops and concert halls. Another exciting part of Ramsgate’s history is that it has its own time! Take a trip to the Ramsgate Maritime Museum to see the Clock Tower, where the Ramsgate Meridian Line, which is five minutes and 41 seconds ahead of GMT, is still displayed, despite the town ditching RMT officially in 1848. 

If you are more of an outdoorsy type, be sure to take a trip to Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve, which has plenty of walking and cycling routes.  If bird-watching is your thing, be sure to visit the public bird hide at the reserve, where you will see a range of wading birds such as dunlins, sanderlings and grey plover during the winter months. Birds of prey, such as Merlin, can also be seen from the watching point. Ramsgate Main Sands is the town’s sandiest beach and has all the treats of a traditional seaside day out, including plenty of places to grab an ice cream, rides for kids and clean, safe bathing water. With so many museums, bays, natural beauty and wildlife, you won’t regret booking a holiday cottage in Ramsgate.