Perhaps best known for its Royal Harbour - construction of which started in 1749 – these days residents and visitors alike also values the town’s buzzy atmosphere, with its vast indoor market, Petticoat Lane, attracting fans of vintage fashion and homeware too. But what else do the locals love? We find out…
ELISE CARTER
Yoga teacher Elise moved to Ramsgate from London three and a half years ago, along with her musician husband, Al Wootton.
Elise’s local life
‘There’s a rich creative life here, coupled with a calm atmosphere – I think it’s something to do with the sea…’
Architectural delights
Everywhere you look there are beautiful buildings, from Regency villas and Georgian houses – apparently Ramsgate has more Grade II listed Georgian buildings than Bath – to renowned Victorian architect Augustus Pugin’s one-time home, The Grange.
Creative hub
Union in Queen St is a space with a great café and great courses on offer – though I’m biased because I teach there! Beyond yoga, you can try your hand at crafting and breadmaking, and you’ll find lots of mums and babies just getting together over a great cup of coffee – it’s a really social place.
Foodie pleasures
We’re torn between the bread and patisserie at Staple Stores in York St and The Modern Boulangerie in Harbour St – both fresh and delicious. For evenings out, we like seafood at The Royal Harbour Brasserie and Bellevue Tavern in Pegwell Bay, both with great sea views.
Ramsgate Music Hall
On Turner St, it’s an intimate venue, but you’ll find world-class bands performing here and often something totally new, too – too – we’ve seen bands like African Head Charge and Acid Mothers Temple here. Its reputation is such that it’s one of the reasons we chose to move here.
ANDRÉ DACK
André is director of the acclaimed grass-roots music venue Ramsgate Music Hall. Born and raised in the town, he lives with his wife, Dani.
André’s Local Life
‘It’s small enough for a sense of community, but big enough to have a buzz about it – and the sea air never fails to clear my head. I always enjoy introducing people to my home town’
Curry and more
Flavours by Kumar on Effingham St is where we send all our performers after their gigs – the best Indian food I’ve eaten, along with unusual treats, like their chocolate samosas. Best fish and chips is at Shakey Shakey – so called because they offer a unique mix of herbs and spices to put on top of your chips. They were one of the first places to do vegan ‘fish’ too.
Shop with a conscience
Positive Retail in Addington St sells sustainable and pre-loved fashion for men and women as well as fun, blingy jewellery and bath products from local brand Haeckels.
Underneath the arches
It’s always worth exploring the arches in Military Road - everything from vintage, antiques and ‘retro junk’ to places like Archive, where you’ll find a nice selection of arty books, homeware and a café that makes for a good brunch stop.
Homemakers’ haven
Potters in Queen St is a friendly shop that’s good for textiles, ceramics and plants – we’ve bought stuff for our own place there, as well as gifts for friends.
MIKE SAMSON
Owner of the York Street Gallery, enthusiastic amateur painter Mike lives with his wife, Lizzie. They have three adult children.
Mike’s local life: ‘Friendly people and plenty to do means Ramsgate’s a great place to live. And we get to enjoy the smell of salt in the air every day – it’s like permanently being on holiday!’
Past and present
I’m a history buff, so the town’s military past and nautical life never fail to excite me. And we’ve got the only Royal Harbour in the country.
Something special
Ramsgate Tunnels on Marina Esplanade date from the Victorian era and were used to shelter some 60,000 people during WWII air raids. Guided tours here are fascinating.
Pubs aplenty
Those of us who like an unusual pint are spoiled in the town – Gadds is our local brew. The Hovelling Boat Inn in York St is great for a quiet drink, while The Mariners further down the road has live music at the weekends.
Local scent
The Saltworks Company, housed in the original Victorian police station in Charlotte Court, sell their own fragrances, soaps and candles, so it’s a great spot for gifts.
LAUREN FOSSEY
With her partner Paul Cannon, Lauren leads The River Runner boat trips: sight-seeing trips along the river stour and the coast of Thanet. She’s long been connected with local waters – she was a lifeguard on Ramsgate Main Sands aged 16.
Lauren’s local life: ‘We love the location. With gorgeous countryside nearby and the town’s position between Broadstairs on one side and medieval Sandwich on the other, it’s ideal for making the most of the Kent coast.’
Nature at its best
Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve is a must-see – just wow! Walks, Konik ponies and highland cattle, we’ll often spot colonies of seals and the birdlife is amazing. There’s a little coffee place, Campuccino’s, and if you go with kids there’s a play area for them, too.
Catch of the day
If I’m after a pot of prawns with pink sauce or a lobster a I’ll head to Cannon’s stall down by the Harbour – the fish doesn’t come any fresher.
Ramsgate illuminations
The Royal Harbour is at the town’s heart, and it’s especially magical at Christmas time. The boats in the harbour and the arches are lit up in colour at night time throughout December, with funds raised going to support the RNLI.
Evenings out
While the town may boast the country’s largest Weatherspoon’s – and the building’s certainly impressive – we like the quieter Sir Stanley Gray bar and restaurant on Pegwell St, with views across the bay. It’s part of the Pegwell Bay Hotel, and to go from one to the other you need to take a tunnel under the road, which feels like a bit of an adventure.
