A weekend at the Royal View in Ramsgate
Ramsgate is a secluded seaside town situated on the far edge of Kent, boasting a beautifully clean beach.
Made famous by King George IV in 1821, it was decreed as the only Royal Harbour in Britain. Later famous for where Queen Victoria spent her holidays, and the heroic town that the “little ships” in World War Two sailed from to rescue allied troops. Although Margate and Broadstairs have always somewhat overshadowed Ramsgate, this seaside town is making a great comeback.
The Royal View is a two-bedroom apartment located on the beach front overlooking the sea. The perfect place to explore this delightful vintage town.
On arrival, guests will meander down a winding driveway to the apartment building whilst soaking in spectacular sea views from the car window. This will build excitement and curiosity as you pull up in the free parking space just below the apartment.
After taking the lift to apartment 7, guests will be greeted with a welcome hamper containing local biscuits, fruit and Rose to get their weekend started properly.
The rooms are spacious, light, airy and exceptionally clean. To freshen up, the apartment has two bathrooms, one of which is an ensuite shower room, the next, down the hallway with a big bathtub and complimentary bath salts.
Once feeling suitably refreshed, guests have the option for Idyllic Retreats to make a dinner reservation at one of the local pubs a few minutes’ walk away from the apartment. Although there are many of upmarket restaurants to choose from, The Queens head is a classic. Using a secret code word, Idyllic Retreats guests receive 10% off a dinner tipple too!
After dinner, guests can walk back to the apartment past The Royal Marina and snuggle up on the sofa to watch a movie on the flat screen TV.
At bedtime, the sound of the waves ripple through the apartment helping you to drift off into a peaceful slumber.
The next morning starts with coffee and croissants on the balcony whilst looking out at the stunning sea views that reach out to France. However, this view isn’t just from the balcony, the sea engulfs all the bedrooms windows. Some of our guests say that they can stay all day just gazing out at it. If you seek adventure then a quick flick through our local guide will leave you feeling inspired
True to seaside town form Ramsgate offers a great variety of boat trips. So whether it’s a trip exploring Ramsgate’s harbour, a seal and wildlife tour, a fishing trip or a tour of the offshore wind farm – you won’t be short of things to do on the water. (Contact Idyllic Retreats to organise these in advance).
Once back on land, we recommend lunch at one of the many waterfront cafes. Enjoy a bite whilst looking out at the beautiful architecture and famous harbour arches. After lunch, guests can spend the afternoon walking around the town, visiting independent shops and galleries along the seaside or wander down to the Ramsgate Maritime Museum to get a sense of what put Ramsgate on the map.
The handsome 19th-century Clock House on the harbour quayside is now a museum of the town’s fascinating maritime history – both permanent exhibitions and gallery space for temporary art exhibits. Phone ahead to check if it’s open, but guests will be able to spot the last sea-going steam tug in UK waters moored outside, the 320-tonne ST Cervia.
If you’re bringing junior explorers then feel free to take the buckets and spades and crabbing gear left in the apartment down to the beach for some wholesome seaside fun.
No trip to the seaside is complete without fish and chips. We recommend Peters Fish Factory which is a fantastic fish and chip shop a few minutes walk away.
If you have a sweet tooth then you will find the local ice cream and desert parlour nearby very tempting. A five minute drive or taxi away is La Magnolia where you can enjoy a romantic Italian meal whilst the moonlight plays with the swelling sea in the background.
In December, all the marina yachts hang Christmas lights from their sails, so a glorious display lights up the Marina at this time of year.
When you wake up rubbing your eyes they’ll adjust to the beautiful views seen out of the window. Head down to the Harbour Bakery and choose something tasty for breakfast. This is Idyllic Retreats favourite bakery in Kent, try it yourself and you’ll find out why! With an array of fresh breads, bakes and cakes on offer, a refreshing morning stroll to pick up goodies here is how to feel like a true local.
If you’re not done exploring then take a stroll to the Ramsgate Tunnels which neighbour apartment. In the Second World War, Ramsgate was vulnerable to air raids and even a possible land invasion as a frontline town. So, an entire world of tunnels was excavated from the chalk beneath the streets.
During the Battle of Britain in 1940 more than 300 families were living almost round the clock in this system. The Ramsgate Tunnels have only been open to tourists since 2014 and are open from Wednesday to Sunday. So join a guided tour to hear anecdotes about the tunnels construction and what wartime life was like in Ramsgate. It is free to visit, and definitely should not be passed up by history lovers.
Ramsgate is a beautiful destination all year round and The Royal View is the best place to base yourself to take it all in. If you’re interested in finding out more then contact Tallulah at Idyllic Retreats for more info.
How to get in touch?
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0800 8620 840