Is Westgate-on-Sea a Good Place to Buy a House?
Westgate-on-Sea is a good place to buy if you want a quiet, residential seaside town with good schools, two sandy bays and direct trains to London. It's calmer than neighbouring Margate but just three minutes away by train.
What is Westgate-on-Sea like?
Westgate was developed in the late 1860s as a private estate for London families who wanted a quieter seaside retreat. It has kept that character. The streets are lined with Victorian villas, and the town centre is built around a canopied parade of shops on Station Road. There you'll find a traditional butcher, a greengrocer, bakeries and a Co-op.
What are the beaches like?
Westgate has two sandy bays. St Mildred's Bay holds a Blue Flag award and is popular for paddleboarding and kayaking in calm water. West Bay is known for rock pools at low tide. The Thanet Coastal Path connects Westgate to Margate and Birchington along the seafront.
Are there good schools?
Families have a choice of schools close by. St Crispin's Community Primary School serves infant-age children, and St Saviour's CE Junior School takes older primary pupils. For secondary school, Ursuline College educates pupils from 11 through to sixth form.
How good are the transport links?
Westgate-on-Sea station has direct Southeastern trains to London St Pancras in as little as 1 hour 36 minutes, and to London Victoria in around 1 hour 43 minutes. Margate is about three minutes away by train, Broadstairs nine and Canterbury West about 41.
What is there to do?
- Food and drink: Quince on Station Road is listed in the Michelin Guide. The Swan, St Mildred's Bistro and Millie's Beach Bar are local favourites.
- Culture: the Carlton Cinema is in town, with Turner Contemporary in Margate and Quex Park in Birchington close by.
- Sport: Westgate & Birchington Golf Club (founded in 1893), a cricket club, and surf and sailing schools along the coast.
Are there new build homes for sale in Westgate-on-Sea?
Yes. Coastal St Clement's is a collection of five new three-bedroom homes on St Clement's Road. Each has around 110 m² of space over three storeys, a private garden, parking with an EV charger and partial sea views from the top floor. The show home is open now. Chalk House is a collection of 36 apartments on Sea Road. With a range of 1 and 2 bedroom homes some with sea views, private balconies / terraces, communal gardens including an outdoor kitchen, children’s play area and residents' gym.