Latest news with #Thanet


BBC News
a day ago
- General
- BBC News
RNLI reveals plans for new modern lifeboat station in Margate
The RNLI has revealed plans for a new lifeboat station to replace an existing one on the Kent coast, which is almost 50 years new station in Margate will provide modern crew training and changing facilities, as well as a new retail area for shop volunteers and a meeting space available to local community groups, the RNLI will be built on the site of the existing station, which will be demolished, with construction to begin in Amas, Margate RNLI's lifeboat operations manager, said: "The new station will provide us with the capability to continue saving lives on Thanet's beaches and off the north Kent coast well into the future." The volunteer crew will operate out of two nearby temporary facilities while the site is being built and will continue to run their D class and B class inshore RNLI says the new, slightly larger building, which includes solar panels, should not need any significant maintenance for 30 RNLI lifeguards are also expected to use the existing station was built in 1978 following the collapse of Margate Pier.


BBC News
5 days ago
- General
- BBC News
New plan to renovate Ramsgate shelters
A not-for-profit has announced it will renovate and refurbish shelters in Ramsgate. Heritage Lab Ramsgate said it has a "bold plan" for the future of the derelict buildings along the lower promenade of East Cliff. It has asked the public for their views and ideas after taking on a 20-year lease to redevelop eight art deco shelters from Thanet District Council. Heritage Lab Ramsgate said the 6m-by-2m shelters, which look directly out to sea, will be put to a "variety of uses". Proposals include a food and drinks outlet, a sauna, water sports and fishing facilities, beach huts, a community and educational space or art shelter is set to be restored to its original purpose with seated benches and information on the history of the area. Heritage Lab Ramsgate said it hopes to have the shelters, which spread either side of the Pulhamite steps below Winterstoke Gardens, open for the summer 2026 not-for-profit has launched an online consultation where people can share their views and ideas about how the shelters can best be used in future.


BBC News
13-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Bird flu case confirmed in gull on Kent coast near Margate
A case of bird flu has been detected in a gull on the Kent coast, Thanet District Council has said.A spokesperson for the council confirmed that a single case of bird flu had been identified in Botany Bay, near warned residents and visitors to not handle dead birds or any other wildlife in the area and to keep pets away from dead 60 cases of bird flu have been reported in England since November 2024, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Any dead wildlife found should be reported to the council, the spokesperson added.


The Sun
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Trendy English seaside town is home to beachfront rooftop bar that feels ‘more like the Med'
ONE of the UK's coolest seaside spots has a rooftop bar that will make you feel like you are abroad. Guesthouse No.42 first opened in Margate in 2023, making it the third of their hotels to open in the UK after York and Bath. 5 5 And that same year, they opened their new rooftop terrace bar that has 360 degree views over the beachfront. Serving cocktails as well as local beers and wine, The Rooftop Bar has reopened again this summer. You don't have to be staying at the hotel to use the bar, although it is first come first served. Otherwise you can rent the entire space out to yourself for any birthdays or special events. The hotel said on Instagram that it was a "taste of Mediterranean Margate" with sunset views less than and two hours from London. And the Guardian said it felt "more Le Touquet than Thanet". Tourists have raved about it too - one person said: "Absolutely stunning view of the beach. We were so lucky with the weather, watched the sun set. Could have been abroad." Another wrote on Instagram: "It has stunning panoramic views over the beach and on a sunny day it's hard to believe you're in the UK!" It is the only rooftop bar currently in Margate so its likely to be busy in the summer months. If you fancy staying, rooms at the hotel start from £166, with the hotel named the best in Margate according to Tripadvisor. The secret UK beach without the crowds – it has a free sauna and the largest tidal pool in the country 5 5 Although it might not be the only rooftop bar for long. The closed Winter Gardens theatre has revealed grand plans to open, which will include a rooftop bar. Set to cost as much £11million, it hopes to reopen by the end of next year. The Kent seaside town has seen a huge surge in tourists in recent years. Cliftonville in Margate was named the coolest neighbourhood in the UK by Time Out back in 2022. This is where the town's huge tidal pool is found, with it being one of Europe's largest lidos. And the town's theme park, Dreamland, is not only opening a new log flume this summer, but also has huge live music acts including Haim performing. Here's everything you need to do in Margate according to The Sun experts. 5


Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Daily Mail
World's oldest bungalow has £2million price slashed again after languishing on the market for FOUR years... but six-bed home does boast stunning sea views
It was built during the reign of Queen Victoria and boasts stunning uninterrupted coastal views. But the 'world's oldest' bungalow has been languishing on the market for four years and has now seen its price slashed yet again. The six-bedroom property in Birchington, Kent, is now on offer for £1.25million, down from £2million in 2021. The property's owner first knocked the price down - to £1.5million - in 2023. It became Grade II listed in June 1986 and according to Historic England it is the only surviving example of the very first bungalows built in the UK. The architect of the building, John Taylor, designed the first modern British bungalows and built them in Kent, between 1869 and 1870. Taylor is famed for designing train stations on the London, Chatham and Dover Railway. The term 'bungalow' - meaning 'house in the Bengal style' originated in the Bengali region of India. Esteemed Victorian doctor Erasmus Wilson, who bought the first four of Taylor's bungalows, was among those who advocated for the name. According to Historic England, he said: 'The idea of Bungalows seems to take people's minds immensely. 'They are novel, quaint, pretty and perfect as to sanitary qualities. The best sanitary home for a family is a bungalow.' Wilson is said to have believed Birchington sea air was the best along Britain's coast. The village of Birchington, Kent, is on the north Thanet coastline and is well connected to surrounding seaside towns by bus, rail and road and has a Mainline link to London for commuters. Located on a cliff edge, the property brags a 'Manston' room, or bar, that would be ideal for entertaining. It also has a grand hallway almost 60 ft long in addition to an large rear garden with direct sea views. The listing of the 'oldest genuine bungalow' also says there is a fully fitted kitchen complete with an Aga and storage space in addition to a separate utility room and an L-shaped garage. Two of the bedrooms have en-suites in addition to a separate bathroom and WC and there is direct access to the promenade below the bungalow through a staircase in the garden that could be reinstated by the buyer. Its 'Tower' room could be turned into a home office if needed and there is also an annexe on the property that consists of a bedroom with a shower and toilet, a reception diner and attached kitchen. Ben Williams, estate agent at Fresh Estates, said: 'A lot of what they're building around here, down in this part of the country, what they're throwing up over a weekend is absolute rubbish. It won't be here in 50 years, let alone 150 years. 'Something like this will be, 100%. They just don't build them like they used to. 'It's the chance to buy a bit of history, unfortunately that seems to be a bit of a dying breed. 'When you look at the square footage compared to what else you're going to get for that sort of money around here, it's good value. 'It's unusual because it's the size of the plot. 'You have direct access to the promenade underneath which means you can walk from Birchington all the way to Margate pretty much on this promenade. The manicured lawn of the bungalow, which has been on the market for four years 'It's a family home but because of the annexe you can have potentially a multi-generational home. 'You'd almost want your parents in wheelchairs to be in the same house with you because it's so big you've got that space. 'You can house a family in there very comfortably, and your parents if you need to. That's who it's going to be attractive to. 'It's so big you need a family or multiple generations. It is tricky.' He explained the price the property was originally listed at was too expensive but now believes it to be much more reasonable. 'Originally when it came on the market he (the owner) wanted it on at £2.5 million,' he said. 'I've honestly not had that much interest in it. The market hasn't helped. It's been tough, it's been really really tough. 'I think now, when you look around at other things I'm selling at £1million, £1.5million, £1.75 million, this does look good value. 'It is because it's so unique that your buying pool is that much smaller. It will take a certain individual, probably someone from abroad, somebody who appreciates the history behind it and the fact it is the oldest bungalow in the world.'