Visit us
Location
Turner Contemporary
Rendezvous, Margate
Hours
Ground floor & shop open 10am–5pm
Café open 10am–3pm
Welcome to Turner
In the heart of Margate, overlooking the main sands, our David Chipperfield-designed gallery is waiting for you.
Explore our latest exhibition, join in a creative workshop, or pop in for a coffee and a look in the shop.
Admission is free, because art is for everybody.
Getting here
-
Rail is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel and a great alternative to driving. We encourage our visitors to travel by rail where possible.
Southeastern run high-speed trains from London St Pancras and Stratford International every hour which take under 90 minutes to Margate station.
Southeastern also runs mainline trains from London Victoria, Cannon Street, Charing Cross and London Bridge, but will take a little longer.
-
The closest bus stop is Cecil Square. From here turn right down the main high street then right again towards the harbour arm. You’ll see the gallery just across the road in front of you.
Buses serving Cecil Square: Thanet Loop, 8,8A,8X,32,36
-
The nearest car park is the Rendezvous Car Park, a 2-minute walk from the gallery entrance, with 24/7 access, 2 EV charging points and parking for motorcycles available.
To access the car park drive onto Rendezvous and the entrance is on the left as you face the RNLI lifeboat station.
Postcode: CT9 1HG
what3words’ link: https://w3w.co/bunny.rent.wooden
-
The gallery is part of the Viking Coastal Trail. You'll find bike racks to the left of the gallery, just outside Droit House.
-
Mobility scooters are welcome in the gallery. Please find more details about how we can make your visit accessible here: Accessibility
You are not permitted to cycle or ride scooters anywhere inside the gallery.
Electric scooters are not allowed in the gallery. You can lock your scooter in the bike racks outside the Margate Visitor Information Centre next to the gallery.
Non-electric scooters and folding bikes are permitted but must be stored in the public lockers.
Gallery Map
Things to know before you visit
-
Our gallery is a safe space for everyone to enjoy art and creativity. All we ask is that children under 12 are accompanied by an adult and that you wear clothes and shoes in the building.
-
We’re happy to welcome assistance dogs that support our disabled visitors in the gallery. While we can’t allow pets inside the gallery, they’re more than welcome to join you in our café.
-
Food and drinks are not allowed in the gallery spaces. For legal reason’s vaping and smoking is not allowed anywhere on the premises.
-
We take the safety of our staff, visitors and artworks very seriously. Abuse of any kind will not be tolerated, and you may be asked to leave.
-
For everyone’s safety and comfort, we kindly ask that large bags and suitcases aren’t brought into the gallery. Lockers are available on-site, or you’re welcome to use a nearby luggage storage facility.
-
To help keep everyone safe, bag checks may be carried out when you arrive. We appreciate your understanding.
-
Children’s scooters and e-scooters can’t be used inside the gallery spaces. If you need any help or have questions, our staff are always happy to assist.
-
We do not allow campaign materials to be brought inside, and the the use of loudspeakers and amplification equipment is not permitted.
-
Please feel free to draw and sketch with graphite or coloured pencils.
We don’t allow charcoal, permanent markers, pastels, watercolours or oil paints in the gallery spaces. -
Your well-being is our priority. Please speak to our team if you need assistance or feel unwell—our trained first aiders will be happy to help.
-
If you have a question, want to talk about the artwork or just need some help our team are always ready to help.
Accessibility
We’re working towards being a fully accessible gallery. Today you’ll find step-free access across all floors, large-print guides, sensory bags and all our staff are trained in delivering audio-descriptive tours.
Find out how we can support you on our accessibility page, and if you have any questions get in touch at access@turnercontemporary.org or +44(0)1843 233 000 (operated daily 10am–5pm).
Other useful information
-
There are periods when Clore Learning Studio will be closed. Dates and times are listed below:
- Monday 2–Friday 13 June 2025, Closed during changeover
- Wednesday 2 July 2025, 10am–3.30pm
- Thursday 3 July 2025, 10am–3.30pm
- Friday 18 July 2025, 2.30–5pm
Please ask a member of staff about our Gallery Resources:
Gallery Toolkits – Borrow a bag filled with fun activities to help you explore the exhibition in different ways
Sensory Bags – Explore the different textures and materials you can see in the exhibition
-
You are welcome to take pictures for personal use in our galleries.
However, we don’t allow:
- Selfie sticks
- Tripods
- Flash photography
- Photographing/filming our staff, visitors or children without their permission
We’ll always let you know if filming or photography is taking place during your visit.
For any commercial or press photography or filming requests, please contact press@turnercontemporary.org
-
Lockers are available in the gallery for a £1 charge.
Each locker can fit a cabin-sized bag. If your item is larger than 56 x 25 x 45cm it won’t be allowed in the gallery.
All items are left at the owner’s risk, and we can’t accept liability for loss or damage to personal belongings.
Anything left in a locker at the end of the day will be taken to our lost property.
-
We want the Turner to be a safe, welcoming environment for anyone who spends time here.
Abuse, violence, harassment or discrimination of any kind are not acceptable. If we think you are behaving in a way that risks the comfort and safety of other people or artworks, you will be asked to stop and may be told to leave the building.
Please see our full Code of Conduct.
Keep exploring
Café & Restaurant
Introducing Louie On Sea – presenting a café by day evening chef residencies s by night, with aperitivo and music in between.
Find out more
Bespoke Tours
Our expert-led tours give you an in-depth understanding of the current exhibition and artist/s involved.
Learn more
Educational Groups
Book a self-led visit, tour or workshop for your school or community group.
Find out more
Weddings & Celebrations
Celebrate your big day surrounded by sea views and breath-taking art.
Learn more
Free Audio Guide
Explore Turner Contemporary in a new way with our free audio guides available on Bloomberg Connects.
Learn more