Complete Guide for Visiting The Shell Grotto in Margate

The Shell Grotto Margate. Over the half term, we visited the county of Kent. As soon as we knew we were going I started researching things we could do. And I came across The Margate Shell Grotto. As soon as I saw the website I knew that we would have to visit the small English town of Margate and visit this underground place for ourselves. 

Discovered in 1835 they have no idea how or why these shell structures were created. With a complete lack of historical records of its existence, it is still an unsolved mystery, and there are all sorts of theories as to how it came about. Including a secret cult such as the knights templar. Or an ancient Pagan temple with its strange symbols and altar chamber. Or even just a rich man’s folly. The fact it survived the Blitz and World Wars relatively unscathed (one wall was lost) makes it a must-see if you are in the area.

This astonishing find was discovered by digging of a duck pond. Consisting of small rooms, winding passages with a larger rectangular chamber at the end of the passage. It is the rectangular room that has suffered water damage. Almost the whole surface area of the walls is covered with mosaic panels made from shells. The beautiful mosaic is made from lots of different shells including local oyster shells, humble cockles, razor shells and elaborate trees of life designs.

However, during my research I discovered, there is not a lot of practical information. so here are some tips for visiting The Shell Grotto in Margate to help you plan your visit.

The Shell Grotto Margate

Where is The Shell Grotto?

I am not sure why I thought that the Shell Grotto would be in the centre of Margate but I did.  Turns out it is not. Instead, it is in the middle of a residential area which is full of old Victorian terrace houses and one-way streets! It really wasn’t what I was expecting at all and parking very close to the Shell Grotto is more potluck than anything else. I would suggest heading to the park which is close by and parking along the road adjacent to it. This is what we did and there was plenty of space even on a Friday in half term.  It is only a few minutes walk to the Grotto from here.

What else is there to do close by?

Close by there is a large park with a play area and a cafe. There is also a pub at the bottom of Grotto Lane to the right if you stand with the Grotto behind you. Ideal if not all people in your party want to explore the Grotto. The Grotto has its own toilet and a small cafe area so if you are moving around there is the opportunity for refreshments. But it is very small with only bench seating available.

Is there a gift shop?

If visiting with children then make sure they bring their pocket money. As attached to the Grotto is an amazing shop selling all different types of shells. It is a treasure trove for little hands and prices are really reasonable with shells starting at under £1. They have all sorts of other sea and shell-themed gifts as well. Including a selection of Christmas decorations, jewellery, vases and books. So it may not just be the children that want a treat!

Don’t forget your camera – you will want pictures of the shell mosaic

The lighting is not brilliant in the underground passages, altar room and grotto itself, which is no surprise. Since it is underground. But if you are wanting to take photos and your camera phone does not cope well with dim areas. Then it is worth thinking about taking something with a better flash. As you will definitely want to take photos. Even with the latest iPhone, I struggled to get the crispness I was after.

How long do you need at The Shell Grotto Margate?

There is a small museum room that gives you a brief history before you go down to the tunnels. It also covers some of the conservation work which has gone on at the Shell Grotto of Margate. The tunnels themselves are small but beautiful. There is lots of head height, they run in a figure of eight before leading into an alter room. Known as the serpentine passage.

We were given a map that shows the grotto’s design and the different areas and pictures you can see on the panels of this remarkable subterranean enclave. Including the prehistoric astronomical calendar in the ornate subterranean passageway.

Because it is not a large attraction it does mean that you can easily slot it into other plans in the area. Also if others don’t want to visit then you don’t need to feel under pressure to rush around. With the two boys (age 8 & 4), half an hour was probably enough in the tunnels themselves. Just make sure you allow some time in the souvenir shop!

How much does it cost to go to The Shell Grotto Margate

You can probably guess that I loved our trip to the Shell Grotto. It is such an amazing place. I think it represents great value, with a family ticket costing just £9.50 (2 adults and 2 kids). I can not remember visiting an attraction that is so different from anything else and seeped in history for such a reasonable price. 

The fact that it still remains unexplained today. And is one of Kent’s greatest mysteries adds even more to this underground cavern. Although we may never know about the secret society that created it. 

At the moment because of the virus, you need to book timed slots online in advance. They will sell tickets on the day but of course, it depends on how popular it is so I would recommend booking to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be brought directly from the grotto’s website.

This is definitely one for the bucket list even if we never know the purpose of the structure it is a unique work of art. Have you visited margate’s shell grotto? I would love to hear about your experience in the comments below of your visit to the ornate regency folly.

If you’ve liked this post please follow me on my social media channels:

Mudpie Fridays: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest |LinkedIn

PIN for later – The Shell Grotto Margate