On a recent holiday to Kent we popped into Margate for the day to have proper seaside fish and chips, visit the bizarre art and installations at The Turner Contemporary, and have a drink or two in some of Margate’s interesting little pubs.

While we were in The Turner Contemporary, we picked up a flyer entitled ‘Curious Margate’ which recommended a visit to the Shell Grotto. We were intrigued so off we went.

Shrouded in mystery, the Grade I listed building (on Grotto Hill) was discovered in the 1830s, supposedly by a man who fell through its roof while digging a duck-pond. It’s been privately owned and open to the public ever since.

The walls of the grotto are covered in 4.5 million shells. No one knows how old it is, how long it took to make, who made it, or why they made it. It really is a spooky, mysterious place. There are a lot of theories surrounding the Shell Grotto, and I think it’s worth heading there yourself to come up with your own.

Just around the corner is The Old Ice Works, a former Ice Factory and Cold Storage, now a quirky cross between a junk shop and an antiques fair. Think mismatched china tea sets, vintage garden tools and retro furniture. Rummaging around this unusual place was a joy and topped off a thoroughly lovely afternoon exploring Margate’s many weird and wonderful offerings.

Images by on rocketlass and failing-angel on Flickr