In a surprising twist, a seaside town previously labelled as one of the worst in the UK has now been named one of the best. , once ranked as the fourth worst beach resort in the UK by Which?, with a disappointing satisfaction score of just 57 per cent from visitors, has seen its fortunes change dramatically. According to new research by My Baggage, the scenic seaside town has been deemed the UK's most desirable place to move to in 2025.
For those considering a move, the Kentish coastline could be the perfect destination. The study took into account factors such as house prices, salaries, climate, connectivity and amenities. And Margate, now often referred to as the UK's 'coolest' seaside town, came out on top.
With a relocation score of 98.83, the charming Kentish town secured the top spot as the UK's most desirable seaside town in the research, reports . Margate managed to beat off strong competition from Yorkshire's holiday hotspot Whitby, which came in second place with a score of 97.
60. Another Kentish gem, , was hot on their heels, boasting a relocation score of 90.53.
Paul Stewart, CEO of My Baggage, has praised Margate as the UK's top coastal relocation spot for 2025, saying: "Margate leads convincingly as the UK's premier coastal relocation destination for 2025. "Its first-place ranking in our Coastal Relocation Index demonstrates the perfect balance of affordability, quality of life and seaside charm. Particularly noteworthy is the strong showing from Kent, with two towns in the top three, suggesting the county's growing reputation as the UK's premier coastal living destination.
" Margate is being celebrated for offering the "ideal coastal lifestyle without the premium costs". The town boasts an impressive 1,846 sunshine hours, moderate rainfall at 612.64mm, and excellent broadband speeds averaging 210.
1 mbps. The average annual salary in this quaint seaside town is £32,415, while property prices hover just over £333,000 for a house. Despite the four-out-of-five rating on Tripadvisor for Margate Main Sands, some beachgoers have mentioned a faint seaside smell and occasional sewage scents.
Nonetheless, the beach has earned the Blue Flag award, indicating it meets the high environmental standards of the Foundation for Environmental Education. Margate is also a treasure trove of unique attractions for explorers. It boasts historical sites like the Margate Museum and the quirky Crab Museum, as well as enchanting spots like the Shell Grotto and Margate Caves.
The Old Town area is a haven for shoppers, with its eclectic mix of independent, retro, and contemporary shops. Paying homage to its seaside heritage, Margate is dotted with fish and chip shops, ice cream vans, and pubs along its seafront. For those seeking some fun, there are two adventure golf courses.
But the crown jewel is Dreamland, a beloved amusement park that embodies the charm of a traditional English seaside fairground, just a stone's throw away from the town centre. Meanwhile, a short distance from the town centre, you'll find Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, reportedly the UK's largest tidal pool, fed by fresh water springs. This gem on Kent's coastline offers visitors a refreshing spot to unwind, soak up the fresh sea air, and engage in some physical activity.
.
Top
The Kent seaside town once named among the UK's worst is now one of the best

It's been crowned the UK's most desirable place to move to in 2025