Take me there: Ramsgate, Kent
Why go?
Much has been made of Margate’s regeneration but, just a few miles along the coast, Ramsgate has been quietly reinventing itself, without fuss or fanfare. After a few years in the doldrums, the character of this port town with its fascinating maritime heritage and fine Regency architecture is now being shaped by a creative community of musicians and artists, many of whom have relocated from London and Brighton. The opening this month of a stylish new hotel on the seafront will only enhance Ramsgate’s appeal as an offbeat weekend destination.
What to do
The heart and soul of the town is the Royal harbour complete with obelisk, Georgian lighthouse, lifeboat station and yacht marina. Don’t miss the beautiful sailors’ church with its collection of model ships and port and starboard lights above the altar. Take a boat trip to spot seals on Goodwin Sands or walk the coast path to Broadstairs or Pegwell Bay Country Park.
Where to eat
The Royal Harbour Brasserie, situated at the end of the harbour wall, has unmatched views of the marina and a working coastguard station on its roof (royalharbourbrasserie.co.uk). Flavours by Kumar (flavoursbykumar.co.uk), just up from the seafront, serves up some of the tastiest Indian food in the southeast.
Where to stay
Almost every room has a sea view at Albion House, a beautiful new boutique hotel which has just opened in a Georgian house on Ramsgate’s East Cliff (doubles from £132, albionhouseramsgate.co.uk).
Insider tip
“The best place to hear live music is the Queen Charlotte Pub [57 Addington Street],” says Jo Wallace, a local DJ and music consultant. “Adamski and Skip McDonald play regularly there, and it attracts a really cool crowd. Vinyl Head [2-3 The Broadway] is a great new record shop and café which is always showcasing new artists.”
Give me a break
Affordable London festive breaks Forget Black Friday bunfights – myhotels has a more civilised answer to Christmas shopping. Guests at its Bloomsbury or Chelsea hotels get a free continental breakfast, backpack and map of London, a VIP discount pass for Westfield shopping centre, and a panettone or mince pies when they book a one-night stay between now and 11 January. Rates start from £179 (myhotels.com).
Horseback tours in Andalucia Almohalla 51, a boutique guesthouse in the Andalucian town of Archidona, is launching food tours on horseback from spring. Guests will visit artisan producers, restaurants and bodegas in the foothills of the Sierra de Gracia. A half-day tour costs €80pp with lunch. Full-day tours, from €150pp, include B&B and up to six hours’ riding and lunch (almohalla51.com).
