One of the best things about living in Margate, is that it’s earned its reputation as one of the UK's most inclusive and welcoming destinations for the LGBTQ+ community.

While LGBTQIA+ bars generally are shutting, Margate has a flourishing queer friendly bar scene as well as everything from queer crafting, running and swimming groups and a hugely supportive wellbeing scene for every body.

Over the last nine years Margate Pride has grown as a grassroots, community-led celebration of both protest and party and now spans the town, with official parties, a parade that focuses on handmade and reusable signs and unofficial street parties that turn the whole of Margate into a massive colourful dancefloor.

Margate Pride takes place every August, and is supported by Margate Black Pride and the Margate Art Map, the latter of which hosts art exhibitions in dozens of venues across town for the whole month of August.

Margate is the perfect place for visitors looking to celebrate diversity and enjoy a sense of community in hugely positive and welcoming environment. Basically, let your self shine.

Here’s a guide to the best places to visit for a queer-friendly experience in Margate.

Sundowners

Located right on the seafront, overlooking the Main Sands, Sundowners is Margate's longest-running LGBTQ+ bar. This cosy venue on multiple floors is known for its welcoming atmosphere,  friendly staff and epic drag. With regular drag shows, karaoke nights, and themed parties, Sundowners is a staple of Margate's queer nightlife scene. 

Don’t miss: Lafeyettes have taken over the kitchen with a focus on Americana comfort food.

Margate Arts Club

Both a nightclub and a community arts space, this terraced house turned party space is one of Margate’s most iconic institutions for both the queer community and Margate in general. Co-founded by Amy Zing, co-founder of Margate Pride (amongst other things), it is a proud safe, inclusive space, where anything goes - respectfully.

From film screenings and poetry nights to queer cabaret and absolutely bangin’ live DJ sets, The Margate Arts Club is a hub for those looking to experience the town's artistic energy in an inclusive environment. It’s Spring Ball, Halloween parties and NYE celebrations are legendary.

Don’t miss: The club’s "Queer Prom," a fun and inclusive night for dancing, dressing up, and celebrating LGBTQIA+ pride in all its forms.

CAMP

A pretty little pink gay bar on Northdown Road, this former shop, now collaboratively owne social enterprise, is the hub of a new community of queer friendly folk. Yes they throw epic parties, pop focused quizzes and show Ru Paul’s Drag Race but CAMP also host a huge number of community events, craft evenings, a book club and loads more. 

Don’t miss: The biggest disco ball in Margate.

Wildes

If you hear the all day disco and party tunes drifting across Margate’s Old Town it will be coming from Wildes, who have transformed Market Square into the coolest place to grab weekend brunch and people watch. Wildes is the heart of the regeneration of the Old Town, and cocktails, dancing in the street and frankly being fabulous is their vibe.

Don’t miss: Their sister restaurant Duke’s next door.

Big Shot

For a tiny spot, queer-friendly cafe Big Shot sure packs a punch. Brewing locally roasted, queer-owned We Are Here coffee, Big Shot serves up American themed brekkies, brunch dishes and cocktails. Their negronis are perfect for sitting outside people watching and enjoying Margate’s incredible sunsets.

Don’t miss: Their basement plays host to some super sweaty, inclusive parties.

Hot Pod Yoga

It’s not all clubbing and drinking. Queer-friendly yoga studio Hot Pod Yoga is all about embracing every body, no matter what your experience in yoga. Pop in for a hot yoga class in their super warm, cosy pop up heated studio and forget everything outside for a while. Give yourself over to an hour on the mat, and you’ll emerge calmer and happier.

Don’t miss…Hot Pod’s Sunday evening Sleep Sessions featuring yoga nidra are a perfect way to end the weekend.

These are just a small smattering of some of the queer-friendly venues in Margate. For more, search for more queer-friendly spaces via our Margate Directory of independent businesses.

Margate's reputation as a queer-friendly town goes beyond specific events and venues. 

The town has fostered a spirit of inclusivity that permeates its entire culture, from its independent businesses and grassroots organisations to its vibrant arts scene, with a huge range of LGBTQIA+ artists, drag artists, poets and more who have chosen to Margate their home.

Whether you're here for Margate Pride, a weekend getaway or just a day trip, you'll find that Margate offers plenty of opportunities to connect, celebrate, and feel at home. This seaside town continues to embrace its unique identity as a haven for creativity, acceptance, and joy.

Don’t miss: Look for Friends of Dorothy stickers across town, which are given to those businesses in town which support Margate Pride.