Under $100: Margate, England

Margate used to be a hugely popular seaside resort for the British public before falling into disrepair with the rise of foreign package tourism.

Now the charming town is experiencing something of a renaissance, with a focus on art and vintage shopping. Start your day with a big breakfast at Fort’s Café, a quintessentially English experience with famous favorites such as the fry up, bubble and squeak and Welsh rarebit ($10).

Turner Contemporary © Matt Linehan | Dreamstime

Next, take a stroll down to the Turner Contemporary. The Margate outpost of the famous Turner Gallery is completely free to visitors and illustrates the town’s important artistic connections. Big names such as Tracy Emin and JMW Turner both lived in Margate, and the Turner Contemporary continues this cultural tradition.

After a stroll along the seafront to work up an appetite, stop in at GB Pizza Co. The outfit started in the back of a 1974 VW Campervan before opening in this permanent seafront location. Wood-fired pizzas always go down a treat, and the twist here is the British-inspired toppings such as pear and English blue cheese. It might sound unlikely, but you won’t be disappointed ($18).

© Charlotte Leaper | Dreamstime

Continue your walking tour and stop into some of the vintage shops that have sprung up all over town. Alongside them are a number of independent boutiques which are also worth a visit. After some retail therapy, head to the Shell Grotto. No one knows exactly who studded the walls of these caves with more than 4 million shells, but it is a beautiful sight and one that has fascinated visitors since it was discovered in 1835 ($5).

A trip to Margate wouldn’t be the same without spending some time at the fairground that has entertained so many visitors. For $10, you can get a Twilight ticket that will allow you to explore Dreamland from 5–9 p.m., with stops at the roller disco and Ferris wheel a must.

Dine at The Ambrette, an award-winning Indian restaurant that serves plenty more than curry ($25 with drinks) before a nightcap at traditional English pub The Lifeboat ($15).