Cliftonville

What does Cliftonville offer?

Discover the charm and beauty of Cliftonville, a hidden gem nestled within the coastal region of Thanet in the United Kingdom. This idyllic seaside town, with its rich history and stunning landscapes, offers visitors a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Located just a stone's throw away from Margate, Cliftonville is renowned for its breath-taking coastline, sandy beaches, and magnificent Victorian architecture, making it a perfect destination for a tranquil and rejuvenating holiday. During your stay in Cliftonville, indulge in leisurely strolls along the enchanting coastline, whilst soaking up the serene atmosphere that envelopes this picturesque town. Explore the vibrant local culture by visiting the colourful array of independent shops, art galleries, and cafés that line the bustling streets. The town is also home to the famous Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, a historic attraction that provides an unforgettable and unique swimming experience. With its harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and friendly atmosphere, Cliftonville is truly an enchanting destination that promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Top attractions in Cliftonville

1. Turner Contemporary Art Gallery: A renowned art gallery showcasing contemporary and historical works, with a focus on JMW Turner's connection to Margate. The gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions, workshops, and events throughout the year.

2. Walpole Bay Tidal Pool: A unique and historic tidal pool, perfect for swimming and enjoying the coastal scenery. The pool is maintained by the community and offers a safe, natural environment for swimmers of all ages.

3. Tom Thumb Theatre: A quirky and intimate venue presenting a diverse range of live performances, including theatre, comedy, music, and spoken word events. The theatre is housed in a former Victorian coach house, providing a charming and memorable setting.

4. Cliftonville Farmers' Market: Held on the last Sunday of every month, this vibrant market offers a wide selection of locally produced food, drinks, and crafts. It's a great opportunity to support local businesses and sample the best of Kent's produce.

5. The Shell Grotto: An intriguing subterranean passageway adorned with over 4 million seashells, arranged in intricate patterns and designs. This mysterious attraction invites you to explore its hidden chambers and speculate on the origins of this fascinating site.

Best areas to live in Cliftonville

1. Eastern Esplanade: This picturesque coastal road offers stunning sea views and direct access to the beach. Properties here boast a blend of Victorian architecture and modern amenities, making it a highly sought-after area in Cliftonville.

2. Dalby Square: A beautiful conservation area featuring grand Victorian homes, Dalby Square is known for its well-preserved architecture, spacious gardens, and proximity to local amenities, making it a desirable location for families and professionals alike.

3. Northdown Road: This bustling high street is lined with a wide variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Living here means you'll have all the conveniences you need right on your doorstep, as well as excellent transport links to the rest of Thanet and beyond.

4. Palm Bay Avenue: Located near the scenic Botany Bay, Palm Bay Avenue boasts an array of attractive detached and semi-detached homes with private gardens. This quiet residential area is perfect for those looking to enjoy a more peaceful lifestyle while still being close to local amenities.

5. Kingsgate Avenue: This prestigious road offers a mix of elegant period properties and modern homes, all within walking distance of the beautiful Kingsgate Bay. With its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to excellent schools, Kingsgate Avenue is popular with families and retirees.

6. Sweyn Road: Nestled between the beach and Northdown Park, Sweyn Road offers a range of charming terraced houses and apartments. With its prime location and strong sense of community, this road is perfect for those seeking a friendly neighbourhood with easy access to leisure facilities and green spaces.

7. Edgar Road: Situated close to both the Cliftonville Lido and Walpole Bay, Edgar Road is highly sought after due to its proximity to the seafront and local attractions. This leafy street features a mix of characterful period properties and contemporary homes.

8. Percy Road: This quiet residential road offers a range of attractive properties, from spacious family homes to modern apartments. Its close proximity to local schools, parks, and shops makes it a popular choice for families and young professionals.

9. Athelstan Road: With its close proximity to the vibrant Northdown Road and stunning coastline, Athelstan Road is a desirable location for those looking for a balance of convenience and natural beauty. The road features an array of period properties, each with its own unique charm.

10. Norfolk Road: This attractive tree-lined street is home to a mix of Victorian and Edwardian properties, as well as more modern developments. Its central location and excellent transport links make it a popular choice for those looking to enjoy the best of Cliftonville and the wider Thanet area.

Best things about living in Cliftonville

1. Stunning Coastal Scenery: Cliftonville boasts a breathtaking coastline with beautiful sandy beaches such as Walpole Bay and Palm Bay. These picturesque spots provide a perfect setting for relaxing, sunbathing and taking leisurely strolls along the shore.

2. Rich Local History: Cliftonville is steeped in history, with numerous historical buildings and sites to explore, such as the impressive Grade II listed Cliftonville Lido and the iconic Tom Thumb Theatre. Additionally, the nearby town of Margate offers even more opportunities for history lovers to delve into the area's past.

3. Vibrant Art Scene: The Northdown Road, Cliftonville’s main shopping street, is a thriving hub of creativity, hosting a variety of independent art galleries and studios. Moreover, Margate's famous Turner Contemporary art gallery is just a short distance away, offering world-class exhibitions and events.

4. Excellent Leisure Facilities: Golf enthusiasts will be delighted by the North Foreland Golf Club, an outstanding 18-hole golf course with stunning sea views. Cliftonville also offers a range of other leisure activities, including tennis courts, bowling greens and scenic walking routes.

5. Proximity to Margate: Cliftonville's prime location provides easy access to the charming seaside town of Margate, with its wealth of attractions, such as Dreamland amusement park, the Shell Grotto, and the bustling Margate Old Town. This close proximity ensures that residents of Cliftonville can enjoy the best of both worlds – the tranquillity of a coastal village with the excitement of a lively neighbouring town.

Drawbacks to living in Cliftonville

1. Limited Employment Opportunities: Cliftonville, being a small town, offers limited job prospects, especially in specialised fields. This often necessitates a daily commute to larger towns or cities such as Canterbury, Ashford, or even London for better employment prospects.

2. Public Transportation: Although Cliftonville has access to public transport, including buses and trains, the frequency and connectivity can be subpar, especially for those who rely on it to travel to work or school. This can result in longer travel times and inconvenience for residents.

3. Seasonal Tourism: As a popular seaside destination, Cliftonville experiences an influx of tourists during the summer months, leading to increased congestion, parking issues, and a general sense of overcrowding. This can be disruptive for residents who seek a peaceful and quiet living environment.

4. Limited Entertainment Options: Cliftonville offers a modest selection of entertainment venues such as pubs, restaurants, and a few small shops. However, for more varied cultural experiences, shopping, and nightlife, residents need to travel to nearby towns or cities, which can be time-consuming and costly.

5. Coastal Erosion: As a coastal town, Cliftonville is exposed to the challenges of coastal erosion, which can lead to property damage and the loss of recreational spaces such as beaches. This ongoing issue may require residents to be vigilant and adaptive to the environmental changes affecting their community.

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