Margate

Margate
Seaside town
Margate Clock Tower
Margate Location within Kent
Population	61,223 (2011)[1]
OS grid reference	TR355705
• London	65+1⁄2 mi (105.4 km) W
Civil parish	Unparished area and charter trustees
District	Thanet
Shire county	Kent
Region	South East
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	MARGATE
Postcode district	CT9
Dialling code	01843
Police	Kent
Fire	Kent
Ambulance	South East Coast
UK Parliament	North Thanet South Thanet
List of places UK England Kent 51°23′06″N 1°23′02″E / 51.3850°N 1.3838°E / 51.3850; 1.3838

Margate is a seaside town in the Thanet District of Kent, England. It is located on the north coast of Kent and covers an area of 2 miles (3 kilometres) long, 16 miles (26 kilometres) north-east of Canterbury and includes Cliftonville, Garlinge, Palm Bay and Westbrook. In 2011 it had a population of 61,223.

The town has been a significant maritime port since the Middle Ages, and was associated with Dover as part of the Cinque Ports in the 15th century. It became a popular place for holidaymakers in the 18th century, owing to easy access via the Thames, and later with the arrival of the railways. Popular landmarks include the sandy beaches and the Dreamland amusement park. During the late 20th century, the town went into decline along with other British seaside resorts, but attempts are being made to revitalise the economy.