Ramsgate's big sister – Margate – has been stealing all the limelight this year. But we don't think that's fair: head to this seaside town for a yacht-packed harbour, vinyl shops, Victorian tunnels and the best pork pie in the country. That's one bold claim…
See: Wellington Crescent Lift
Bear with us a second, we haven't lost the plot. If you're into British seaside history (and who isn't?), you'll need to take a stroll to the Wellington Crescent Lift, an Edwardian structure that was built to 'fulfil a need, and be admired'. It still achieves this today, and your twenty-second journey from sea level to street level will have you marvelling at ornate masonry work and geometric tiles. If you want to continue along those lines, check out the two miles of bomb tunnels that were built under the city during World War II. They're now accessible to the public for the first time since they were first used. visitthanet.co.uk
Stay: Albion House
Occupying an elegant Regency building in one of the most prominent positions in town, Albion House is a 13-bedroom boutique hotel on Ramsgate's East Cliffs. The bedrooms are a thing of beauty, and on a clear day you'll wake up with views of the French coast. Nightly rates from £145 per room. albionhouseramsgate.co.uk
Eat: Ravensgate Arms
Serving an array of craft beers brewed at the Late Knights Brewery in Penge, it's a slice of south-east London by the sea, with quirky, vintage decor and substantial pork pie (the best in the UK) with generous dollops of piccalilli. PICCALILLI. We may struggle to say it, and spell it, but we still love it. lateknightsbrewery.co.uk
