Ramsgate in a Day : A low cost itinerary (Ramsgate to Pegwell)
[Part of the Up-to-Date Ramsgate Guide]
This itinerary can be used all year round (off season the Viking Ship has its winter jacket on and its oars are stored away for the cold months).
| DURATION | Activities |
| 🚶♀️ A ONE DAY ITINERARY | 🚶♀️ A perfect inexpensive day out exploring Ramsgate and the local nature reserve, armed only with a picnic. This itinerary packs in the best of the coast, from wartime history at the Ramsgate Tunnels Museum to the rich maritime past of the Royal Harbour. Followed by a magnificent coastal walk out to the Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve, soaking in the stunning scenery. After exploring the reserve, follow the Contra Trail right back into town, arriving just in time to catch a breathtaking sunset. 🥪 Picnic spots are highlighted in the itinerary. Get your walking shoes ready, you’ll definitely get your steps in today. |
| Morning | Activities |
|---|---|
| 🚶♀️ Take a morning stroll along the beach. 10:00am Explore the Ramsgate Tunnels Museum | Ramsgate Tunnels Museum is free to enter with displays highlighting Ramsgate’s part in WW1 and the construction and use of the Tunnels. It also displays part of the Tunnels’ collection of Home Front memorabilia. Head out from the tunnels toward the waterfront marina via the Visitor Information Centre (for advice, maps, guides, leaflets, and event details for Ramsgate, the Isle of Thanet, Kent, and surrounding areas – pick up a Contra Trail leaflet – closed Sunday). |
| 🚶♀️ 10:30am Wander around the Royal Harbour | Enjoy the fresh air with a stroll around the harbour. Follow the Harbour Heritage Trail out to the West Pier Lighthouse and circle back to the Sailors’ Church. The Sailor’s Church is open to the public and acts as a mini-maritime museum packed with historic photos, nautical memorabilia, and beautifully detailed scale models of old sailing ships. Walk up Jacobs Ladder right next to the Sailors Church and head west along Paragon Promenade and West Cliff Promenade. |
| Late Morning/Early Afternoon | |
| 🚶♀️ Hike the Contra Trail (Outbound) 3.1 miles (5 km) ⏱️ ~1 hour to 1 hour 15 mins 🥪 12:00pm – 1:00pm Stop for a picnic lunch on route or when you reach the Nature Reserve. | Potential Picnic spots on route include :- 🥪 Courtstairs Park – picnic tables are in the memory orchard. 🥪 Hugin Green – with the added bonus of the Viking Ship. 🥪 Pegwell Bay Country Park – Designated picnic spots and inclusive picnic tables are located near the play area and main grounds. There are mown grass paths and open spaces throughout the park to allow you to lay down a blanket. |
| 2:00pm – 5:00pm | Explore Pegwell Bay Country Park and Nature Reserve. The Country park features a nautical-themed children’s play area, clean public toilets (including accessible options), and flat, wheelchair- and pushchair-friendly paths. 🦭 See if you can spot the seal colony. |
| 🚶♀️ Return Journey via the Contra Trail 3.1 miles (5 km) ⏱️ ~1 hour to 1 hour 15 mins | 🚍 Return to Ramsgate (Monday to Saturday – excl Bank Holidays). Catch the 44 bus. It’s an hourly service with a maximum £3 flat fare. Click here for the latest timetable (direction – to Westwood Cross). |
| Evening | |
| 🌅 Sunset times vary by season, stretching later in the summer and arriving earlier in the winter, so you’ll want to check for your specific dates. | 🌅 Watch the Sunset – from the West Cliff to get a beautiful shot that includes the Hands & Molecule sculpture. – from Western Undercliff Beach for a dramatic, quiet, and scenic view looking across Pegwell Bay. Access the beach via the West Cliff (Courtstairs Chine). – from the Ramsgate Royal Harbour, to watch the sky change colors and reflect off the docked boats and architecture. |
| 🎦 6:30pm (Wednesday only) | 🎦 If your visit is on a Wednesday you also have a low cost cinema option at the Ramsgate Community Cinema. It’s “pay-what-you-can” entry for a welcoming, local movie experience. |
If you want more than a picnic, there are several places to eat and drink on or near the Contra Trail route.
| Places to Eat & Drink | Description |
|---|---|
| The Churchill Tavern | A seafront pub located on Paragon, known for English classics, grills, pizza, and harbor views. |
| Vincent’s Café | A family-run café situated at The Sports Pavilion by the tennis courts, in Spencer Square serving breakfasts and lunches (close to Contra Trail route). |
| Ramsgate Boating Pool Cafe | Located at the Royal Esplanade, featuring indoor/outdoor seating overlooking the sea and the boating pool. |
| The Bellevue | An 18th-century tavern on Pegwell Road featuring a cliff-top terrace overlooking Pegwell Bay. |
| Sir Stanley Gray | Located at Pegwell Road offering rustic bar spaces and the Seaview Restaurant. Both with sweeping coastal views from thier terraces. |
| The Viking Ship Cafe | A seasonal spot on Sandwich Road in Cliffsend, offering views across the bay near the replica Viking ship. |
| Njord Cafe – Bar | A contemporary cafe and bar located at Saxon Reach on Sandwich Road, overlooking Pegwell Bay. |
| Salty Seal Cafe & Cappuccinos | Tucked into the Pegwell Nature Reserve offering coastal air, coffee, breakfast and quick bites. |
Images – Morning
Picnic Spots, Contra Trail and Pegwell Bay Country Park & Nature Reserve
Images – Evening
For more information on places to eat and drink :-
Click here for the Where to Eat & Drink in Ramsgate Guide.
Click here for our interactive Maps showing the locations of Restaurants, Cafés, Pubs & Bars.
All times listed in this itinerary are rough estimates.
For further assistance, drop by the Ramsgate Visitor Information Centre.