Visitors to Margate for Turner Prize 2019 are being enticed to stay longer and enjoy more of the town and the rest of the Isle, with three inspirational new travel experiences. 

Art aficionados, outdoor lovers and those who want to tick-off bucket list must-sees can enhance their Turner Prize exhibition experience by exploring all that Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate has to offer.  

The new experiences are themed for visitors to choose as much or as little as they like. They can also select elements from each experience for a more bespoke stay.  So, whether visiting for a day, 48 hours or a mini-break, there's plenty of inspirational suggestions for things to see, do and participate in, as well as making more marvellous memories.  It's amazing how autumn by the coast can be just as rewarding as a summer break!

• Be Inspired:  The Must-Sees

Top of the list is Turner Contemporary, host to Turner Prize 2019 (28 September 2019 to 12 January 2020) where visitors can view the works of the finalists - Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Helen Cammock, Oscar Murillo and Tai Shani before soaking up the town's artistic vibe with the Turner Prize-inspired Margate NOW festival.

There's also a tempting trio of underground experiences not to be missed.  Margate's Shell Grotto boasts walls adorned with 4.6 million shells in astounding patterns and the newly reopened Margate Caves welcomes explorers into its meandering chalk passageways to discover historic murals and wells.  At Ramsgate Tunnels, experience how life was for the residents who lived here during the darkest days of WWII and hear some of their stories. 

Ramsgate's Royal Harbour, the only one in the country, offers a truly cosmopolitan experience with independent bars and eateries in the harbour side arches and along the waterfront.  It is also one of the Isle's Insta-worthy places, particularly of an evening when lights are reflected in the water. The stunning chalk stacks at Botany Bay in Broadstairs and a 'Turner Sunset' in Margate are also Insta hot spots.

Another must is a visit to world-famous Morelli's ice cream parlour in Broadstairs, complete with 1950s formica decor and delicious gelato to tantalise even the most discerning taste-buds.  

For further information on inspirational 'must-sees' go to: https://www.visitthanet.co.uk/be-inspired/ 

• Culture Lovers' Fix

Culture lovers can take their visit to Turner Prize up a notch by immersing themselves in one of the UK's most burgeoning creative scenes.  The Turner Prize-inspired Margate NOW festival is full of electrifying events and exhibitions by local artists and makers, and is guest curated by actor and art collector, Russell Tovey.

Visitors to the newly opened Carl Freedman gallery in the town's Union Crescent will feel the vibrancy of the London art scene beside the seaside.  Or they can explore the many independent galleries and studios in Margate Old Town, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, where they can meet makers and artists and buy pieces to start their own collections.

A cultural adventure turns into a culinary delight with the feast of places to eat and drink - from a seafood dinner overlooking spectacular golden sands, to fish and chips, street food or a micropub tour. There are many award winning venues and ones that have allergen-friendly, veggie and vegan options.

Drama can be added with a performance at England's second oldest theatre, the Theatre Royal or the country's smallest, the tiny Tom Thumb Theatre.   Music lovers can enjoy the Isle's vibrant music scene at Ramsgate Music Hall, Elsewhere Margate and Dreamland, to name just a few.

There's also the opportunity to discover why the Isle has inspired artists, writers and architects such as Charles Dickens and Augustus Pugin on a guided or self-guided walk.

Further Culture Lover's Fix information can be found on:https://www.visitthanet.co.uk/culture-lovers

• Off the Coastal Path

For those who want to forget following the crowds and have an alternative Turner Prize experience, where their inner art lover becomes an outside explorer, then 'Off the Coastal Path' offers ample inspiration. 

An energising walk or cycle ride along the Viking Coastal Trail will uncover lesser-known and secluded bays such as Stone Bay, West Bay and Dumpton Gap.  Taking the inland element reveals beautiful rural villages, including Monkton with its 16 acre nature reserve reclaimed from a former chalk pit. There's also Minster village which is home to tranquil Minster Abbey, England's first monastery founded in 670AD.

Exhilarating water sports can still be enjoyed in the autumn - ride the waves surfing or stand-up paddle boarding at Joss Bay or Viking Bay, or take a dip in the invigorating Walpole Bay Tidal Pool - a 100 metre wide, 1930s leisure pool where locals love to go (ensure you follow all safety guidelines for sea swimming).

There are also Coastal Explorer Packs enabling beach lovers to become marine detectives or test their skills at cloud identification. The pack also includes fun activities, such as making a sundial or collecting items found on the beach to make art on the sand.  Packs are £5, plus proof of ID to hire for a whole day. (https://www.visitthanet.co.uk/coastalexplorers/)

Discover more 'Off the Coastal Path' opportunities at: https://www.visitthanet.co.uk/offcoastalpath 

Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate can be reached in under 75 minutes from London on Southeastern's high speed rail service (www.southeasternrailway.co.uk).

Further information on Turner Prize 2019, the shortlisted artists, Turner's connections to Margate and an opportunity to win a break to Margate (deadline midnight 13 October, 2019) can be found on www.visitthanet.co.uk/tp19 

For further information on Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, including events, attractions and accommodation go to www.visitthanet.co.uk 

• Ends - 

General press enquiries:

Please contact Julie Edwards at Thanet Tourism - julie.edwards@thanet.gov.uk or 01843 577671

Assistance can also be given with digital images, reader competitions and press trips - and bespoke packages can be arranged, including accommodation and sightseeing, for journalists with commissions.