Having grown up in London, Alice moved to Ramsgate in 2016 to be closer to her family. What she found there was a town with a strong creative undercurrent and a brilliant and collaborative community. Here, she guides us round her favourite coastal haunts.
For someone who's never been to Ramsgate before: what's the very first place you'd take them – and why?
A controversial answer perhaps but I would have to say the Wetherspoons! Located on the seafront, you get a view of the beautiful harbour and can spot France on the horizon on a clear day. The foundations of the building are a beautiful old concert hall built in 1904 that lay dormant and barricaded up until a few years ago. It's been restored back to its former glory and provides the area with a place that is always busy whatever the day of the week or season, which is important in a town that can be quiet, especially in colder months. On a sunny day you can't beat sitting on the terrace, and when my friends visit from London, we always go there to soak up the views. No one can believe how reasonable getting a round in is!
If you only had one day in Ramsgate and could only show someone three places, where would you take them – morning, afternoon and evening?
In the morning I'd take them for a beach walk while the tide is out. It's so elemental and offers so much for the senses. In the afternoon, we would head to the Sailors Church, which is one of my favourite places: a very humble church on the corner of a building. It's so charming. In the evening, we would have a cocktail at Seabird and then head to the Ramsgate Music Hall, a small venue that attracts some very well-respected musicians and DJs.
Complete this sentence: 'If you only see one thing in the Ramsgate, make it…
The Harbour! All year round it looks beautiful with all of the boats there; in summer it feels Mediterranean, and at Christmas all the boat owners decorate their masts and boats, creating a really festive atmosphere.'
What's your favourite place in Ramsgate that most visitors don't know about – but absolutely should?
The Museum is (not) Obsolete is incredible, I only visited it for the first time last weekend, but I think it's going to become a real pearl of Ramsgate. Think analogue machines piled high to the ceiling, buttons you can press that make loud noises, old church organs in a corner, pianos that play themselves and an interactive machine made Furby creatures. I'm still not exactly sure what the museum is but that's why it's brilliant. It's like looking inside the brain of a confused genius and reflects the passion and niche interests of the collectors and curators who have brought it to life.
Which three shops in Ramsgate do you always find an excuse to visit?
Our Curated Abode is a DIY store focusing on eco-friendly tools which also sells beautiful vintage stuff. The owner has made it a really lovely place to have a browse and get inspired.
Potters is great for any gift buying you need and I always try to support the local businesses when I can. Everything from plant pots and candles to rugs can be found here.
The Petticoat Lane Emporium has lots of different concession stands of vintage records, clothing, lights and bric-a-brac. It's one of those places I go and either find absolutely nothing or my favourite set of plates and dress and I couldn't live without, so it's always worth a visit even if you come out empty handed.
Where do you go for a really good lunch and what do you order?
I recently had a selection of shellfish from the local sea truck on the seafront, which I'd previously always bypassed. You can't beat a few oysters, some cockles and mayonnaise washed down with a glass of white.
You're splashing out on a hotel: where do you go?
It has to be Albion House which brings to life the grandeur of Ramsgate past and where Queen Victoria resided when visiting Ramsgate. It has a beautiful restaurant, great views and rooms.
And for a pampering/wellness fix?
Tide in Broadstairs (so not strictly in Ramsgate but close enough if you make it part of a beach walk!). The space immediately relaxes you and I can thoroughly recommend their facial which I never wanted to end.
What about for a great coffee/tea fix?
Staples is where I go for coffee, a good pastry and loaf of Sourdough to last me the week.
Who is your favourite local artist or maker – and where can people find their work?
I have to say my father, who also lives in Ramsgate and is my favourite artist. All of his work resides in his house as he paints furniture, floors, instruments as well as canvases. So you'd have to visit his home to see it in person! I also love the quilt and patchwork of Jessie Cutts – you can see her work @cuttandsons. I'm always interested in artists working in quilting and think about how that could push the design of our quilts too.
Favourite local florist?
The new Margate Flowers, situated in the station, is great, with flowers selected from Covent Garden Flower Market.
Best pub?
The Belle Vue near where I live has a big outside terrace high on the cliffs where you can see the birds flying to the nature reserve at Pegwell Bay and soak in the big view of the coastline. The fish and chips aren't too shabby either.
Best restaurant?
Seabird on Addington Street has a lovely neighbourhood feel to it with great food, drinks and music to match.
Best museum?
The Museum is (not) Obsolete.
Where do you go when you're celebrating?
The Margate Arts Club opened last year and has a decadent speakeasy atmosphere, so I'd head here for a celebratory toast.
And for a proper culture fix?
The best thing you can do to get a sense of the cultural impact of the town is walk around Ramsgate and take in all the amazing architecture: Pugin gothic seafront dwellings to Georgian and Victorian gems. You'll also see the blue plaques of all the incredible people who made Ramsgate their home at one time – everyone from Carl Marx to Van Gogh.
Where do you go when you need a big view?
The view from my balcony offers a brilliant vista of the sea and the coastline of Sandwich and Deal. I never get bored of looking out and watching the birds flying over the water.
Who is your ultimate local hero and why?
I have to say it's a collective hero of the community here that continues to offer events, programmes and protest for cleaner water here. There's a wonderful community spirit of people who care about Ramsgate and want to make it better for everyone.
Where is Ramsgate and why is it worth visiting?
Ramsgate is a seaside town on the Kent coast, known for its historic harbour, striking architecture and quietly thriving creative community. It offers a more low-key, lived-in alternative to some of its busier neighbours, with plenty to discover if you know where to look.
What is Ramsgate best known for?
Ramsgate is best known for its Royal Harbour – the only one in the UK – along with its Georgian and Victorian architecture, maritime history and growing reputation as a hub for artists and independent businesses.
When is the best time to visit Ramsgate?
Summer brings a distinctly Mediterranean feel to the harbour, but Ramsgate has year-round appeal. Quieter months offer a slower pace, with cosy pubs, dramatic coastal walks and a strong sense of local life.
What are the best things to do in Ramsgate for a day?
A well-spent day might include a morning beach walk, time exploring the harbour and historic buildings, browsing independent shops, and an evening of good food, drinks and live music.
Are there good places to eat and drink in Ramsgate?
Yes – Ramsgate has an increasingly strong food scene, from casual seafood on the seafront to neighbourhood restaurants and characterful pubs with coastal views.
