Meet Beyond London: Discovering the Isle of Thanet in Kent & its Unique Event Venues
- jchivers6
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
This summer, Meet Beyond London joined forces with Visit Thanet to host ten members of the PA Life Club on a two-day familiarisation trip to the Isle of Thanet. The goal? To showcase this coastal gem in South East England as a refreshing alternative to London for team away days, board-level retreats, and corporate events.
While Thanet may not be lined with large chain hotels, it offers something far more compelling—character, creativity, and coastline. The itinerary took guests through Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs, highlighting venues that blend history, innovation, and seaside charm.
Well Connected & Wonderfully Unexpected Isle of Thanet
The trip began at the stunning Chapel House Estate in Ramsgate. Thanks to excellent rail links — just 70 minutes from London St Pancras to Thanet Parkway—many guests arrived by train, with a minibus arranged for the short transfer. Others drove, finding the estate easily accessible via the A299 and A259, though summer beach traffic caused minor delays.
A Jewel in Thanet’s Crown
Chapel House Estate is a standout venue for corporate retreats. It features:
Nine luxury lodges named after birds
The beautifully restored Grade II-listed Chapel House, sleeping ten
A variety of event spaces including:
Glass Courtyard (seats 60)
Thorne Barn (up to 150 dining or 200 theatre-style)
Old Malt Granary with lawn access and mezzanine
Green Room for intimate meetings or dinners (up to 20)
Surrounded by orchards, gardens, and fire pits, the estate offers a true escape. Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch in the Glass Courtyard before heading to Margate.
Margate: A Creative Canvas for your next event in Kent
The first Margate stop was the iconic Turner Contemporary gallery. Known for its world-class exhibitions and sea views, it also doubles as a unique event space. Guests toured the “Sunken Boat” exhibition with curator Sarah Martin and explored options for creative workshops like drawing and painting. Margate’s artistic legacy—home to Tracey Emin and linked to Turner and Van Gogh—adds cultural depth. The gallery’s main event space, overlooking Margate Sands, accommodates up to 120 guests and includes AV equipment, blinds, and soundproof dividers. Afternoon tea was served and our guests were able to look out over the famous Andy Gomley sculpture.
Team Building Away Day with vintage charm in Kent
Next, the group walked to Dreamland Margate, a retro theme park reimagined as a multifunctional venue.
Highlights include:
• Hall by the Sea (up to 1,400 standing or 300 seated)
• Scenic Stage Arena (up to 6,500)
• Ballroom (Grade II-listed, seats 250 theatre-style or 200 for dinner)
Dreamland Margate offers a playful, nostalgic setting for large-scale or festival-style events. VIP party huts overlooking the main stage (max 25 guests) are perfect for team-building.
Unique Networking Event Space with a view
After a cooling ice cream, the group visited No.42 Guest House, a boutique hotel above Margate’s golden sands. With 21 stylish rooms—including three Lookout suites—and a free Pantry on each floor, it’s ideal for executive retreats or networking events. Guests toured the Pearly Cow restaurant, which offers private dining for 18 alfresco (April–September) or 20 indoors. The evening ended with cocktails in the rooftop lounge bar, a relaxed space with stunning beach views available for private hire.
Back at Chapel House Estate, guests enjoyed individually packed cheese hampers—some in their lodges, others gathered in the Chapel House kitchen for a final toast to a day full of discovery and inspiration.
Day Two: Space, Sunshine & Seaside Inspiration
After a delicious breakfast at Chapel House Estate, our group packed up and stored luggage before heading out for the day’s adventures. Just a short 10-minute drive away, our next stop was the expansive and activity-rich Quex Park Estate.
Space, Space, and More Space in Kent
Quex Park is a dream for event organisers seeking space and variety. This multi-business estate offers everything from adventure golf, alpaca and goat walking, to airsoft, paintball, archery, and crafting workshops. With 250 acres of parkland and gardens, it’s ideal for festivals, music events, team-building days, and public-facing experiences.
Our visit began with a tour of the estate’s activities, including a stop at the adventure farm park, followed by a fascinating exploration of the Powell-Cotton Museum. Known for its impressive natural history dioramas featuring African wildlife, the museum added a unique educational twist to the itinerary. Next door, we toured Quex House, a historic property with direct access to 15-acre gardens, a Victorian-style gazebo, and a modern dining hall—all offering flexible event space with heritage charm.
Guests were then treated to a scenic walk through the gardens to the Victorian walled garden, where lunch was served alfresco alongside one of the restored glasshouses. The meal featured fresh vegetables and edible flowers grown on-site, adding a seasonal and sustainable touch to the experience.
Why the Isle of Thanet for your next event?
What stood out to our group—beyond the sunshine and warm hospitality—was the sheer variety of venues and experiences. From large-scale capacity at Quex Park and Dreamland Margate, to exclusive-use properties like Chapel House Estate and No.42 Guest House, and creative spaces like Turner Contemporary, the Isle of Thanet proves it can cater to both big visions and boutique gatherings.
If you missed this showcase but would like to learn more about the venues and services featured, feel free to reach out to us—or contact Visit Thanet directly. We’d love to help you plan your next coastal event with character, creativity, and a sea breeze.
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