Living in Westgate-on-Sea

About Westgate-on-Sea

A small town known for its peaceful atmosphere and family-friendly vibe. It offers a slower pace of life while still being well-connected, with its beaches and scenic promenades, Westgate combines seaside charm with everyday convenience.

Fact file

• Location - North-east Kent, between Birchington-on-Sea and Margate
• Things to do - Westbrook promenade trail, St Mildreds Bay beach, Quex Park
• Lifestyle - Relaxed, family-friendly, coastal and community-focused
• Surrounding areas - Birchington-on-Sea, Garlinge, Westbrook, Margate
   

Architecture and property

In and around Westgate-on-Sea, there's a blend of traditional seaside charm and ongoing residential growth. The town is renowned for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture, particularly along Sea Road, Westgate Bay Avenue and Ethelbert Square, where many period properties overlook the coast or sit within walking distance of the beach. Neighbouring areas like Garlinge and Westbrook offer a quieter, more suburban feel. Roads such as Canterbury Road and Hengist Road feature a mix of semi-detached homes and bungalows, often with gardens, popular among those seeking a peaceful lifestyle near the sea. The town centre, around Station Road and Cuthbert Road, maintains a village-like atmosphere with reasonable proximity to Westgate-on-Sea railway station.

Going out

Westgate boasts a handful of highly rated pubs and restaurants, featuring sea views at Millies Beach and The Swan, as well as international options such as Taj Mahal and Regency Tandoori. Just around the corner, Margate offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars and pubs, giving you plenty of choice for a night out. Beyond dining, the area features a local cinema, scenic beach walks and regular community events, offering a peaceful lifestyle in Westgate with easy access to Margate’s vibrant cultural scene.

Local amenities

The high street offers a well-rounded mix of independent shops and bakeries, with a Co-op for everyday essentials. For larger supermarkets, nearby towns like Birchington and Margate provide access to Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Tesco. The town centre also features several GP surgeries, dentists and pharmacies to meet local healthcare needs. Fitness and leisure are covered by Hartsdown Leisure Centre, which offers gym and pool facilities, as well as other options such as Westgate & Birchington Golf Club and a local skatepark.

Green spaces

Westgate is surrounded by scenery and coastal paths that make outdoor living a key part of the lifestyle. Locally, you’ll find Sunken Gardens and Garlinge Recreation Ground, ideal for families and dog walkers. Coastal walks, such as the Thanet Coastal Path goes through Westgate, connecting Reculver to Pegwell Bay and passing through stunning beaches, chalk cliffs and seaside towns like Margate and Broadstairs.