Thanet facts for kids

Thanet is a special area located in the very northeast part of Kent, in South East England. It's home to about 135,000 people. Long ago, Thanet was actually an island, separated from the mainland by a channel of water. Today, it's connected to the rest of Kent. On April 1, 1974, Thanet became a local council area, which means it has its own local government to help manage things for the people living there. The main towns in Thanet are Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate. Margate is where the main offices for the local council are located.

Discover Thanet: An Island Transformed

Thanet is known for its beautiful coastline and sandy beaches. It's a popular spot for holidays and day trips, especially during the summer. The area has a rich history, with evidence of people living there for thousands of years. Its unique location, almost surrounded by the sea, has shaped its past and present.

What is a Local Council?

A local council is like a mini-government for a specific area, like Thanet. It's made up of people called councillors who are chosen by the local residents. Their job is to make decisions about local services that affect everyone. These services include things like looking after parks, collecting rubbish, maintaining local roads, and running libraries. The Thanet District Council works to make life better for families and young people in the area.

Thanet's Main Towns: Fun to Explore

Thanet has three main towns, each with its own special feel and things to see. They all offer something different, from sandy beaches to historic harbours.

Margate: Art and Beaches

Margate is one of Thanet's most famous towns. It has a long sandy beach that's perfect for building sandcastles and playing in the sea. Margate is also home to the Dreamland amusement park, which has classic rides and entertainment. For those interested in art, the Turner Contemporary gallery is right by the sea. It shows modern art and is named after the famous painter J.M.W. Turner, who loved the light in Margate.

Broadstairs: Victorian Charm

Broadstairs is a charming town with a more traditional feel. It has several lovely bays, like Viking Bay, which are great for swimming and relaxing. The town is known for its connection to the famous writer Charles Dickens, who often visited and wrote about the area. You can still see places that inspired his stories. Broadstairs also hosts a popular Folk Week festival every August, with music and dancing.

Ramsgate: Royal Harbour

Ramsgate is unique because it has the only "Royal Harbour" in the United Kingdom. This title was given by King George IV in 1821. The harbour is a busy place with boats, cafes, and restaurants. You can watch the ships come and go or even take a boat trip. Ramsgate also has a network of historic tunnels that were used as air-raid shelters during World War II, which you can explore on a tour.

Thanet's Natural Beauty

Beyond the towns, Thanet has beautiful cliffs and coastal paths. These are great for walking and enjoying the fresh sea air. The area is also important for wildlife, especially birds that live on the cliffs or visit the coast. Protecting these natural spaces is a key part of what the local council does.