Discover Ramsgate on several levels: historic tunnels, Pugin’s church architecture, stories about the harbour and coastal routes. This mix gives travellers different ways to shape their stay. You can focus on the cultural side through buildings and self-guided walks, or include coastal paths and water sports.
Tunnels, architecture and the history of technology
Ramsgate Tunnels is a historic visitor attraction run by volunteers. They opened to the public in June 2014 after more than 50 years of closure. The Explorer Tour begins with a short film in a 150-year-old Victorian railway tunnel; the tour then continues into purpose-built air-raid shelters. This means the tour features two different types of tunnel. Tour details may change; check the latest information before your visit.
St Augustine’s is Augustus Pugin’s personal church and the only church he designed and paid for himself. Ramsgate Clock House offers a different perspective: it is a Grade II* listed building. Together with the history of the tunnels, these sites offer different ways to explore Ramsgate’s built heritage.
The Micro Museum covers a very different specialist subject: it is the only museum in Kent dedicated exclusively to home and personal computer technology. This subject is quite distinct from Pugin’s church architecture and the stories of the harbour, offering technology enthusiasts a focus of its own.
Self-guided walks and their themes
The Ramsgate Royal Harbour Heritage Trail is a self-guided walk that offers insights into more than 250 years of life around the historic harbour through 14 stories. The Pugin Town Trail is also self-guided and follows a walking route between Ramsgate’s East Cliff and West Cliff. Town Rounders consists of two circular walks through Ramsgate and takes in Regency architecture and the town’s royal connections. The themes are therefore clearly distinct: harbour life told through 14 stories, a walk between the two cliffs, and two circular walks featuring Regency and royal themes.
Coastal walks and activities on the water
Ramsgate’s promenades form a route at sea level, connecting Marina Esplanade with the lower East Cliff Promenade. Path conditions and facilities may change; check the latest information when planning your visit. A step-free route in Ramsgate starts at Madeira Walk and runs along Marina Road before rejoining the official England Coast Path route. Improvement works on this route were completed in September 2024.
Marina Esplanade is also the starting point for the “Ramsgate – Beaches and Bays” canoe trail. The route goes as far as Dumpton Bay, passing the White Cliffs of Ramsgate. Introductory kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding sessions are offered at Ramsgate Main Sands, including by Kite Pirates School. Dates and providers may change; check the latest information about these activities before planning.
Nearby is Pegwell Bay Country Park. It has a circular path with hard surfaces and several grass paths. The different path surfaces are a practical consideration when choosing a walk. So, as well as the named coastal routes, there are paths to choose from in a nearby park.
Discover more destinations: Romney Marsh, Saint Michaels, Tenterden, Cliffs End, Hunton, Halstead, Sheerness, Harrietsham.
For the broader travel overview: Kent.
