There is something refreshing about a morning strolling along the coast that resets you completely. No agenda, no rush, just the sound of the waves, the morning fresh air and being with the one you love. So when Paul and I set off from St Mildred’s Bay and pointed ourselves east towards Margate, we had no idea we would end up with a cooked breakfast, a mini golf competition and a secret garden all before lunchtime.
Along the front
We started at St Mildred’s Bay and followed the promenade towards Margate, the tide doing its thing and the morning light bouncing off the water. It is one of those flat, easy stretches of the Viking Coastal Trail that lets you amble and chat without thinking too hard about where your feet are going.
The promenade itself is a wide concrete sea wall, with slopes leading down from the road above in lots of places, which makes it brilliant for prams, wheelchairs and anyone who needs a bit more space. One of the kindest walks in Kent for getting everyone out together.
We passed The Bus Cafe, the wonderful old double-decker parked right on the front, and very nearly talked ourselves into breakfast on the top deck. Sadly it was fully booked with reservations, so that one is firmly on the list for next time. Note to self: book ahead.
Instead we carried on to the seafront near Peter’s Fish Factory and found a lovely cooked breakfast at Meet – Eat – Drink, known to the locals as The Med. Exactly what a sea air appetite calls for.
A town coming back to life
From there we wandered up through the town. It was genuinely heartening to see Margate filling back up, with more and more shops opening their doors. Yes, there are still a few empty units, but the old town’s hearty feel is gradually working its way up the High Street. We walked from the character of the old town up into the newer part of the High Street, past the familiar names and the Nationwide, which always brings back a few memories.
Then it was back down past Dreamland and out onto the front again, ready for our walk back.
Tamsin v Paul: The Mini Golf Challenge
On the way back we reached Strokes Adventure Golf, the lovely little course right by the sea we had passed earlier, complete with a water challenge hole. We looked at each other and thought, let’s go and have some fun, enjoy a game and see if I could beat Paul. I will be honest, I came out of the gate flying. The first half was a thing of beauty.
And then it all went sideways. One absolute game-wrecker of a hole saw me take roughly eight shots to get the ball in, which was all the opening Paul needed. He caught me up, then sailed past, and finished a full seven shots ahead. I am not bitter. I am simply planning my rematch.
The secret sunken garden
After the golf we took a leisurely stroll back along the front, pausing to watch someone flying a remote-controlled glider, gracefully looping about overhead. As we were standing there, we spotted what looked like an overgrown entrance tucked into the bushes. Naturally, we had to investigate.
Through the gap was the most beautiful surprise: a peaceful sunken garden, tucked away from the seafront and quietly getting on with being lovely. We relaxed and took in the tranquillity and beauty of this hidden little haven. Then we spotted a gazebo dressed with a banner and bunting, and went over to explore. It turned out to be a volunteer celebration day. We got talking to the volunteers who keep the garden looking so special, and even the Mayor and Mayoress, who were there to celebrate with them. We had a drink, made a donation and left feeling rather uplifted. It was so lovely to see the community embracing the garden and working together.
A perfect morning
We headed back to the car feeling like we had been away far longer than a single morning. Breakfast, a town finding its feet again, a friendly mini golf rivalry and a hidden garden we never knew was there. Our expectations were well and truly exceeded. Sometimes the best times are the unplanned ones.
Life is a journey. Treasure it.
Tamsin x
The route
View the walking route on Google Maps