Once thriving UK seaside town now dubbed ‘depressing’ by locals as 1 in 4 shops are empty

When you think of British towns, you think of sandy beaches, the smell of fish and chips in the air, crowds of people desperate to find the best spot in the sun and, of course, ice cream.

Most seaside in the UK offer this and more, but I’m not sure the same can be said for the seaside town of Ramsgate in Kent.

As a local, I’ve visited Ramsgate on numerous occasions. The first time I visited, I was in awe of the sandy beach and white cliffs.

The second time, I enjoyed a trip to the UK’s largest , the Grade II-listed former concert hall, the Royal Victoria Pavilion, which is located right on the seafront.

However, the more I have visited Ramsgate over the years, the more I have noticed how empty it has become.

The town was once filled with bustling independent shops, unique eateries and a steady stream of visitors.

However, a recent report from released in December, revealed that a staggering 65 shop units—almost one in four—are empty. More than half of the shops are not advertised as for sale or rent.

This was highlighted on my most recent trip to the town when I spotted a plethora of boarded-up shops and empty display windows covered in old posters.

And it seems locals have noticed a shift, too. A post captioned ‘The many empty shops of Ramsgate’ on the public Facebook group Kent Views, which showed photographs of all the empty shops in Ramsgate, saw some locals describe the town as “depressing” and “sad.”

One person said: “It’s so sad, Ramsgate is one of my favourite places but the high street lets it down. On the plus side there are some lovely little cafes.”

Another wrote: “Very sad. Sign of the times.”

Meanwhile, another resident asked: “Strange because Broadstairs and Margate are doing okay. Why isn’t Ramsgate?”

The neighbouring towns of Deal, , Broadstairs and Whitstable have recently been on the up, with Londoners arriving in droves to spend a weekend by the sea while enjoying a trendy new vintage shop or a hip restaurant.

Last year, Deal was highlighted by renowned food critic Grace Dent after she visited the Japanese-inspired restaurant The Blue Pelican.

Meanwhile, Broadstairs, which was named one of the UK’s ‘coolest’ places to live in 2023, has become somewhat of a tourist hotspot after appearing in Sam Mendes’ film Empire of the Sun, which starred Olivia Colman.

The picturesque seaside town of Whitstable has long been dubbed ‘Chelsea-on-sea’, while Ramsgate’s hipster neighbour Margate is always a hive of activity thanks to its sandy beaches, vintage amusement Park, Dreamland, and vibrant bars.

What does Ramsgate have to offer?

It’s possible Ramsgate simply hasn’t acquired the trendy “buzz” that its neighbours have managed to garner over the last few years. However, if you’re looking for an unpretentious, cheap holiday or day trip by the sea, there is still plenty to do and see.

Ramsgate Tunnels, a subterranean tunnel system which used to shelter 60,000 people during World War Two air raids, is one of the town’s main attractions. The tunnels are the UK’s largest network of civilian wartime tunnels and are open for tours.

For something a bit different, visitors can explore smugglers’ caves that are built into the cliffs at Pegwell Bay.

Alternatively, if you’re keen to get your hair tousled by those coastal winds, then a boat trip around Ramsgate harbour is the way to go. There are a number of local skippers who offer boat trips, with some taking you on tours of the beautiful coastline while others offer a closer look at some of Kent’s wildlife.

As previously mentioned, Ramsgate is home to the UK’s largest Wetherspoon. The former concert hall and assembly rooms were designed by architect Stanley Davenport Adshead and were one one of the most at-risk Victorian/Edwardian buildings in the area.

The pub is located on the seafront and includes a mezzanine level and a beachfront terrace. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cheap pint and some chips while looking out to sea.

If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, you can’t go wrong with The Pub. The Pub offers a fantastic selection of cask ales, craft beers, and ciders, as well as classic bar snacks.

For something a bit different and off the beaten track, head to Eats ‘n’ Beats. Located on King Street, this bar and kitchen serves fantastic wines, cocktails and beers alongside delicious tapas dishes.

Eats ‘n’ Beats is open Thursday to Sunday and has a wonderful brunch menu that’s served on Sundays from 10.30am to 4pm.

While many shops in Ramsgate stand empty, there are a plethora of antique, vintage and retro shops to explore. Petticoat Lane Emporium is Kent’s largest indoor marketplace and has everything from fashion and art to vintage items and curiosities.

The family-run business houses 200 independently rented stalls within a 10,000 sq ft warehouse. Visitors can also enjoy a coffee – or an alcoholic tipple – at Baker Street Bistro & Bar, which is on-site.

Arch 16 Antique, Vintage, and Retro Junk is the perfect place to explore on a weekend. Filled with knickknacks, furniture, retro toys, and more, it’s easy to get lost and reminisce about days gone by.

Ramsgate may not be as glamorous as Whitstable or as trendy as Deal but despite the empty shops, there is a hidden gem there to be unearthed. In 2023, the Ramsgate Empty Shops Action Group was launched which aims to help businesses, councils, community groups and entrepreneurs work together to help revitalise the town.

I believe it’s only a matter of time before Ramsgate is the next destination on everyone’s lips.