RNLI Margate Lifeboat Station
Home to a vital RNLI lifeboat crew, this station is a beacon of maritime safety and community spirit on the Margate coast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Stunning coastal views
RNLI Margate Lifeboat Station
Best Time
Stunning coastal views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to a vital RNLI lifeboat crew, this station is a beacon of maritime safety and community spirit on the Margate coast.
"Fantastic important Service and amazing people, incredible service and hard to believe it's not a fully funded emergency service."
Confirm Shop Hours
Visitor reviews suggest inconsistent opening times for the shop. Call ahead or check online before visiting. :clock1:
Donate to the Cause
The RNLI is a charity. Consider donating to support their vital life-saving work. :heart:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shannon Class Lifeboat
Witness the impressive Shannon class lifeboat, a modern vessel used by the RNLI for rescues.
Lifeboat Station Views
Enjoy scenic views of the sea and coastline from the lifeboat station, especially during sunrise.
RNLI Gift Shop
Browse the shop for RNLI merchandise and support a great cause.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Hours
Support a Vital Service
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Confirm Shop Hours
Visitor reviews suggest inconsistent opening times for the shop. Call ahead or check online before visiting. :clock1:
Donate to the Cause
The RNLI is a charity. Consider donating to support their vital life-saving work. :heart:
Look for Launches
Witnessing a lifeboat launch is an incredible experience. Keep an eye out for drills or actual call-outs. :boat:
Enjoy the Scenery
The location offers beautiful seaside views, especially at sunrise. :sunrise:
Tips
from all over the internet
Confirm Shop Hours
Visitor reviews suggest inconsistent opening times for the shop. Call ahead or check online before visiting. :clock1:
Donate to the Cause
The RNLI is a charity. Consider donating to support their vital life-saving work. :heart:
Look for Launches
Witnessing a lifeboat launch is an incredible experience. Keep an eye out for drills or actual call-outs. :boat:
Enjoy the Scenery
The location offers beautiful seaside views, especially at sunrise. :sunrise:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for the RNLI Margate Lifeboat Station highlight the vital and commendable work of the RNLI volunteers, with one visitor expressing deep gratitude for a recent rescue. However, some visitors have noted inconsistent opening hours for the associated shop, leading to disappointment.
"Sign said open 11am to 2pm, but it was closed shortly after 1pm with no signs of life inside.
RLNI might want to reassess this branches volenteer staffs dedication and commitment to the shop. Clearly current staff aren't the people for the job, let alone people who should be representing a ROYAL charity establishment. Shamefull."
Bret Garrick
"Fantastic important Service and amazing people, incredible service and hard to believe it's not a fully funded emergency service. Have always donated as understand the important work they do, however had the need for them yesterday when my Son and I got into trouble on the fast turning tide and head winds off West bay when sea fishing from our Kayak.
I ritually rescued by fisheries agency who then informed the Inshore Lifeboat from Margate.
Thank you so much for the rescue, help and advice I have been to the website and made a donation to help sustain the incredible service you provide."
Steve N
"One day I will see them in action but hopefully it will be for a drill"
Kevin Gammon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The RNLI Margate Lifeboat Station is located on the seafront in Margate, Kent. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby, and also by public transport, with Margate train station a short walk away. Many visitors arrive for a day trip to Margate, enjoying the beach and town before visiting the station. +1
Yes, there are several car parks in Margate, including those close to the seafront and the lifeboat station. Be aware that parking can be busy during peak season.
Absolutely! Margate is a popular day trip destination, easily reachable from London in under two hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the lifeboat station itself is generally free, allowing you to see the exterior and learn about the RNLI's work. However, the associated gift shop may have specific opening hours.
The station's operational hours are 24/7 for rescue services. However, visitor access to the shop or any public viewing areas can vary. Reviews suggest inconsistent opening times for the shop, so it's best to check in advance.
There is typically no admission fee to visit the exterior of the lifeboat station. Donations are highly encouraged to support the RNLI's crucial services.
While public tours might not be regularly scheduled, you can often see the lifeboats from the outside. Keep an eye out for any special open days or events that might offer closer access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the impressive lifeboats, including the Shannon class, and learn about the brave volunteers who operate them. The station is a hub of activity for a vital emergency service. +2
While you can't guarantee a launch, you might be lucky enough to witness a drill or an actual rescue operation. These are powerful and moving experiences.
It's known for housing a classic 1991 Mersey Class lifeboat and is a key operational base for the RNLI in the area, serving the community and visitors.
Yes, the station offers great photo opportunities, especially during sunrise with its silhouette shots of volunteers and the lifeboat. 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Margate has a vibrant food scene with many options. You can find seafood restaurants, cafes, and ice cream parlors near the seafront. +1
Seafood is a popular choice, with many establishments offering fresh catches. Margate also has a growing reputation for its diverse culinary offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise offers stunning opportunities for dramatic silhouette shots of the lifeboat and volunteers. The coastal setting also provides beautiful backdrops throughout the day.
Focus on the lifeboats, the station architecture, the volunteers in action (if permitted), and the surrounding seascape. Black and white photography can also be effective here.
The old lifeboat ramp is a popular spot for capturing sunrises and the lifeboat in its environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the station itself might not have specific child-focused exhibits, the surrounding Margate seafront offers plenty for families, including beaches for playing, ice cream shops, and amusement arcades. It's a good idea to check the shop's opening times beforehand, as it can be a fun place for kids to pick up a souvenir.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2Beyond sunrise, the coastal environment provides endless opportunities for seascape photography. The RNLI lifeboats themselves, whether docked or in action, make for compelling subjects. Consider black and white photography for a classic, impactful look.
+1❤️ Supporters of the RNLI
+1Supporting the RNLI is vital, as they are a charity. Visiting the gift shop is a direct way to contribute, or you can make a separate donation. Hearing stories of rescues, like the one mentioned by a reviewer who was assisted by the Margate lifeboat, underscores the importance of their work.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The RNLI: A Lifesaving Charity
Visitors can learn about the RNLI's history, the types of lifeboats they use (like the Shannon class), and the bravery of the crews. The station serves as a tangible reminder of the risks faced by those at sea and the importance of maritime safety. Understanding that it's a charity-funded service often inspires visitors to contribute.
It's important to remember that while the station may have a shop or visitor area, its primary function is rescue. Respect the volunteers' time and dedication, and if you witness a launch, understand the seriousness of the situation.
Experiencing Margate's Coastal Charm
Beyond the lifeboat station, Margate is famous for its Turner Contemporary art gallery, vintage shops, and a growing number of independent eateries and bars. The town's unique character, a blend of old and new, makes it an appealing destination. Visitors often combine a trip to the lifeboat station with exploring the town's cultural offerings and enjoying the coastal views.
For those interested in photography, Margate provides ample opportunities, from dramatic seascapes to the charming streets and iconic landmarks. The sunrise over the sea, often captured near the lifeboat station, is a particular highlight for photographers.
+1
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