insideKENT Magazine Issue 70 - January 2018 | Page 47

DAYSOUT
EXPLORE A
COASTAL MASTERPIECE
STARTING YOUR WALK OUTSIDE THE ICONIC TURNER CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY IN
MARGATE, YOU’LL BE INTRODUCED TO A CULTURAL DELIGHT OF TURNER AND DICKENS
AS YOU MAKE YOUR WAY ALONG THE ROUTE WHICH IS STEEPED IN HERITAGE. THERE IS
PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITY TO STOP OFF AND EXPLORE MUSEUMS, OPEN COUNTRYSIDE,
CHURCHES AND GALLERIES THROUGHOUT THE WALK. THANET IS A PERFECT WEEKEND
ESCAPE WHERE YOU CAN EXPLORE THIS WONDERFUL COASTLINE AND DISCOVER MORE
ABOUT DICKENS AND TURNER, KENT’S BEST-KNOWN CONTEMPORARIES.
The Turner Contemporary stands on the site where the guesthouse
stood, where world-renowned artist JMW Turner used to stay when
he visited Margate. Over 100 of his paintings can be traced back to
Margate where he was inspired by the unique light in the area. There
are Turner exhibits in the museum so be sure to pop in and look at the
work of this world famous artist. Heading out into the countryside, you’ll cross a footbridge taking you
over the Broadstairs to Margate railway line. Be sure to take a look at
the spray can mural which depicts Dickens characters and local
landmarks set against a Turner style background. It was made by local
youngsters with the support of Network Rail and the Thanet Community
Safety Partnership.
A short walk away is Margate old town, a lovely mix of cobbled streets
and a wonderful selection of boutique shops, individual tearooms and
pubs. Look out for Cecil Square and Hawley Square, first laid out in the
Georgian period and well worth a closer look. Following the well-defined pathway through pleasant fields, you’ll cross
Shallows Road which derives its name from an underground stream
that once emerged here. Pass St Peter’s Church built in 1070 complete
with an 82ft tower; the churchyard is said to be the longest in the
country. Compulsory archery practice took place near here during the
reign of King Henry VIII. Look out for a set of 24 mosaic tiles set within
a landscaped area of St Peters made by children from a local primary
school, and see how many Dickens characters your recognise!
As you pass St John’s school, look out for the delightful mosaics made
by children, parents and teachers that depict Turner paintings and his
life. Further along is one of Kent’s two surviving smock mills. Originally
built in 1847, it has been restored to full working order.
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