Van Hire Margate

Margate shines as Kent’s renaissance seaside town, where traditional beach culture meets contemporary art and creative energy. This revitalised resort combines its vintage amusement heritage and golden sands with the Turner Contemporary’s cultural pull, while maintaining strong transport links along the Thanet coast.

Getting Around Margate

The A28 Canterbury Road anchors Margate’s road network, providing direct access to Canterbury and coastal areas. Running parallel, the A254 serves as Ramsgate Road and Margate Road, connecting the town to Broadstairs and its famous Viking Bay.

Spanning Dane Court Road and St Peter’s Road, the A255 links to scenic coastal points, while the B2052 via Hartsdown Road offers smooth transit to Ramsgate and its historic harbour.

Local connectivity relies on the B2051 along Palm Bay Avenue and Marine Drive for coastal views and the B2055 through Northdown Road and Cecil Square for commercial access. Nash Road, Manston Road and Shottendane Road complete the network, serving residential areas and town outskirts.

Van Parking Options

Margate offers a wide range of parking facilities, ensuring convenient options for visitors and locals alike. Many of these car parks operate 24/7, providing flexibility for those exploring the town or nearby attractions. For those visiting Margate’s bustling town centre, several car parks are within easy reach. Market Street Car Park is centrally located, offering 24/7 access for a seamless parking experience. Nearby, the Trinity Square Car Park in Cliftonville also operates 24/7, making it an excellent choice for shoppers or those heading to nearby businesses. The Cecil Square Car Park, located on Cecil Square, is another convenient option, offering easy access to the heart of Margate.

Visitors exploring Margate’s iconic seafront and popular attractions like Dreamland and Turner Contemporary will find plenty of parking options. The Dreamland Car Park on Belgrave Road provides 24/7 access, ideal for those enjoying the amusement park or nearby dining. Similarly, the Turner Contemporary Car Park, situated near Margate’s famous art gallery, is open 24/7, ensuring easy parking for art enthusiasts. Harbour Arm Car Park, located near Droit House, offers convenient 24/7 parking close to the vibrant harbour area.

In Cliftonville, parking is available at the Lido Car Park, known for its cleanliness and recently refurbished facilities, located on Ethelbert Terrace. Harold Road Car Park, situated near Harold Road, also provides 24/7 parking for those visiting the surrounding residential and commercial areas. Both car parks are ideal for those staying or working in Cliftonville. For visitors arriving by train or using Margate as a transport hub, the Margate Station Car Park managed by APCOA is located on Station Approach in Westbrook and operates 24/7. This car park is perfect for those using the train station or nearby facilities.

For visitors heading to the Arlington area, the Arlington Car Park offers 24/7 access, providing a reliable option for parking. Additionally, the Mill Lane Car Park operates daily from 7AM to 7PM, catering to those needing parking during the day.

Petrol Stations And Vehicle Services

A versatile range of 24/7 petrol stations serves Margate, including Budgens of Broadstairs and Gulf Broadway Garage on The Broadway in Broadstairs, ensuring round-the-clock fuel access.

The mechanical services landscape features C.J. Motors on St Peter’s Road (MON-FRI 8 AM-4 PM), while Parkin Motors on Cowper Road and RSF Mechanic on Charlotte Square provide 24/7 emergency support. DP Services at Phoenix Business Park handles repairs weekdays 8:30 AM-5 PM.

Popular auto repair shops include M & D Autos in Cliftonville (weekdays 8:30 AM-6 PM) and Palm Bay MOT on Northdown Road (MON-SAT 8 AM-6 PM). The unique Outback Automotive Ltd on Gladstone Road operates daily 7 AM-11 PM, while Alexandra Garage draws visitors from Sandwich with perks like free AC refills. Additional options include Kent Garage Services MOT Centre, Hereward Motors and A1 MOT Centre.

Well-established Kwik Fit on Northdown Road and Westwood Mot on Continental Approach provide comprehensive tyre and parts services. For cleaning, Palm Bay Car Wash on Northdown Road (MON-SAT 8:30 AM-6 PM, SUN 10 AM-4 PM) maintains high standards, while Keith’s Mobile Car Valet Service (MON-FRI 8 AM-4 PM, SAT until 3 PM) serves customers from Herne Bay. Additional options include Margate Hand Car Wash, IMO Car Wash, Shell’s 24/7 facility and Aquatec Wash Centre (7 AM-8 PM daily).

Hardware Stores, Garden Centres And Storage Facilities

Leading Margate’s hardware selection, Homebase Broadstairs at Westwood Gateway Retail Park operates MON-SAT 8 AM-7 PM and Sundays until 4 PM. Brewers Decorator Centres in Cliftonville specialises in paints and wallpapers, while B&Q Margate, TradePoint Margate and Screwfix Broadstairs provide comprehensive DIY supplies. KanDoo Timber Supplies Ltd in All Saints Industrial Estate serves specific timber needs.

Well-regarded Brills DIY in Birchington and Margate Decorators’ Merchants on Northdown Road offer building materials, with the latter convenient for travellers to Canterbury. Jewson Margate and Toolstation Thanet round out the specialised tools selection.

The gardening scene features Youngs Nurseries on Sacketts Hill and The Secret Garden Centre at Quex Park. Unique among competitors, Dan Cooper Garden provides 24/7 access. East Northdown Nursery, Plantlet The Little Botanical Shop and Rosemary Nursery on Manston Road serve various needs, with Rosemary particularly convenient for those visiting from Deal.

Storage solutions include Shurgard Self Storage Broadstairs on Poorhole Lane and Southern Storage, offering 24/7 access. Nash Court Storage Limited handles vehicle and boat storage, while Luggage Storage options on Northdown Road and near Fort Hill cater to travellers. Maritime enthusiasts can utilise Margate Yacht Club Storage Yard for boat storage.

Drive Thru, Restaurants, Shops And More

Margate is home to an array of dining options that include popular chains and top-rated local eateries. Among the fast-food staples, KFC Margate High Street is a favourite, operating daily with extended hours on weekends. McDonald’s, situated on High Street, offers convenient late-night service every day until midnight. For burger lovers, Burger King on Margate Road in Westwood is an excellent choice with efficient drive-thru service, open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Local gems include Direct Pizza Margate, highly praised for its quality and variety, earning a stellar 4.8 average rating. Fried chicken enthusiasts will enjoy Big Dee’s Fried Chicken in Dane Valley or Ramsgate Fried Chicken on Ramsgate Road, both open every day. For a Turkish twist, FAMILY BBQ KEBAB PIZZA in Cliftonville serves flavorful dishes well into the early morning hours, making it perfect for late-night cravings.

Istanbul Express on Northdown Road offers an excellent takeaway menu, with extended weekend hours. Its proximity to Whitstable makes it a popular stop for those venturing nearby. For coffee and cocktails, Big Shot on Marine Drive provides a cosy setting for any time of the day, with events on Fridays and Saturdays extending service late into the evening.

Margate’s shops and services include everything from community hubs to florists and supermarkets. East Northdown Business Centre offers a range of professional services and supplies, operating Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM. For floral arrangements, The Secret Garden Florist on Northdown Road provides beautifully crafted bouquets six days a week.

For those interested in fresh, local produce, Windmill Community Gardens Margate on Dane Valley Road is a lovely spot that sells high-quality vegetables in a serene setting. This community initiative is a must-visit for visitors travelling from Dover. Lastly, Morrisons supermarket in College Square offers a wide selection of groceries with convenient hours every day, ensuring that all your essentials are easily accessible.