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Planning a day out on the Kent coast and hunting for something more mysterious than the beach? Margate Shell Grotto and the Margate Caves deliver subterranean wonders you won’t find anywhere else in the UK. This guide covers how to visit, what to expect, and the fascinating history behind each attraction perfect for anyone searching for things to do in Margate, unique Kent days out, or underground attractions in the UK. Both locations can be explored within a day.
Why These Two Underground Marvels Belong on Your Bucket List
- One‑of‑a‑kind artwork: 4.6 million shells form swirling mosaics under Margate’s streets at Margate Shell Grotto
- Hidden history: From 18th‑century chalk mines to Victorian showplaces, both sites hold centuries of secrets.
- Year‑round appeal: Rain or shine, the temperature underground stays cool and comfortable.
- Family-friendly: Wide stairs, handrails, and new visitor centres make exploring safe for most ages.
Shell Grotto: A Sea‑Shell Mosaic Wrapped in Mystery
Quick Facts
- Discovered: 1835 (accidentally, during building work)
- Decoration: 4.6 million locally sourced shells including cockles, mussels, oysters, limpets, razor clams, plus a few exotic conches
- Length: 70 metres of winding passages ending in a candle‑lit altar room
- Ownership: Privately owned, Grade I listed, watched over by Historic England.
- Open: Year‑round; we paid £4.50 as adults but concession ar available for students, families and children.
Origins: Temple, Folly, or Secret Society?
No one knows why the Shell Grotto exists. Some experts call it an ancient pagan temple; others claim an 18th‑century rich man’s folly. Smugglers’ hideout? Unlikely – there’s no tunnel to the sea and smugglers didn’t need four million shells for camouflage! Carbon dating has been ruled out for now to focus funds on conservation, so for the moment the grotto’s purpose remains Margate’s greatest riddle. We think it was all made up.
What You’ll See
The start room features a display cabinet and infographics. You are given an interactive handout with further information about the Shell Grotto. To enter the underground grotto, you are required to step down a chalk stairway and enter a labyrinth of shell‑studded walls. Tunnels will guide you to the main room which features an altar. Look for:
- Trees of life and spiral suns picked out in oyster shells
- Shapes that resemble gods, goddesses, and phallic symbols
- A central altar – perfect selfie spot
- Soot‑darkened shells (a relic of a century of gas‑lamp lighting)
Photography tip: Bring a phone with night mode or a low‑light camera; flash is allowed but the natural glow is magical.
Hire the Grotto
Fashion shoots, music videos, BBC documentaries – this space has hosted them all. This mysterious location can be hired.
Margate Caves: From Chalk Mine to Community Hub
Quick Facts
First dug: Early 1700s to mine chalk for lime and brickmaking
First tourist opening: 1863 under the name “Vortigern Caves”
Closed: 2004 for safety; reopened 2019 after a multi‑million‑pound restoration
Features today: Colourful Victorian wall paintings (elephant, crocodile, lion), award‑winning visitor centre, cafe, community rooms
Run by: The Margate Caves Community Education Trust, a non‑profit reinvesting in local outreach
Open: Most days except Christmas; check their website for more details. We paid £5 as adults although concessions are available for families and children.
Highlights Inside
- 18th-Century Mining Tunnels: Classic “pillar‑and‑stall” layout where miners left columns of chalk to hold up the roof.
- Victorian Graffiti & Artwork: Spot UV‑painted giants, exotic animals, and chalk signatures dating back 150 years.
- WWII Stories: Although no direct bomb shelter tunnels, nearby Holy Trinity Church was hit.
- Hands‑On Exhibits: Interactive geology models and archaeology finds, including an Iron Age skeleton unearthed in 2018.
Community Focus
Profits help fund free workshops for local schools, training for residents, and affordable meeting space in the striking visitor centre designed by Kent architect Kaner Olette.
Local tip: Grab a flat white in the Cave Cafe – beans roasted in East Kent, with profits funnelling straight back into cave conservation.
Money-Saving Combo
Both attractions sit just minutes apart in Cliftonville. Plan a half‑day loop:
- Morning coffee at the Caves cafe
- Cave tour
- Walk 5 mins to the Shell Grotto
- Lunch on Northdown Road or head to Margate Old Town by the frequent Loop bus
Conclusion
Margate is famous for beaches, arcades, and Turner sunsets, yet beneath the bustle lie two of Britain’s quirkiest underground attractions. Whether you’re drawn by the artistic mystery of Margate Shell Grotto or the raw history of the Margate Caves, both sites add depth, literally, to any Kent coast itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which site is older?
Shell Grotto’s age is unknown; experts argue everything from ancient pagan temples to 18th-century folly. The Caves were definitely dug in the 1700s as a chalk mine.
Can I book group tours?
Yes – both venues welcome school groups, photography clubs, and coach parties. Email ahead to lock in times and discounts.
Is photography allowed?
Non‑flash photos are fine in the Caves; flash is allowed in the Grotto but keep it considerate for other visitors.
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