Entertainment in Ramsgate

The Granville Theatre is Ramsgate’s one and only theatre. You’ll find it on Victoria Parade, commanding some quite sublime views of the English Channel. It’s primarily an independent two-screen cinema with cheaper-than-cheap ticket prices and a fond following from the local community. It shows a wide range of films beyond the ubiquitous blockbusters. The theatre’s second screen also doubles down as a stage for visiting professional theatre companies as well as local amateur and in-house players.

Your other cinema option nearby is the Vue Cinema Thanet, which is a part of the Westwood Cross Shopping Centre and just a 10-minute drive away from our Ramsgate hotel. The Vue Cinema is a 10-screen, state-of-the-art affair. Plus, if you get peckish before or after your film, Westwood Cross has all your favourite fast-food options right on hand, including Nando’s, McDonald’s and Frankie & Benny’s.

The best theatre option in the area is the Theatre Royal Margate. As the name suggests, you’ll need to make the short trip to Margate, but it’s worthwhile seeing a show in this stunning Georgian theatre. It enjoys an excellent reputation for dance as well as drama and also attracts famous names from the comedy circuit, too. As if that wasn’t enough, the Theatre Royal is also affiliated with three local companies. It means there’s always something happening at this stellar entertainment venue.

Lastly, if you’re plotting a trip to Broadstairs and you want to see a show, make your way to the Sarah Thorne Theatre. It’s a lovely community theatre with an always-wonderful programme of theatre, dance and music. Take a look at what’s on during your stay and support this wonderful venue for the arts.

For the sports fans among you wanting to see some football during your stay, you can make your way to the Southwood Stadium to try and catch a Ramsgate FC home game. The club as we know it today was founded in 1945, although Ramsgate has had its own football team since the 19th century. They’ve never played in the Football League. However, it’s still an entertaining way to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday. Check if there’s a fixture on during your stay. Tickets are about a tenner for adults, less for concession, a quid for juniors and absolutely free for younglings under the age of 12.

It’ll be music to the ears of gig-enthusiasts that Ramsgate is home to one of the best small venues in the UK, Ramsgate Music Hall. It’s an incredible independent that’s bringing some of the most exciting artists in the UK to play its 130-capacity stage on the Thanet coast. On top of its excellent programme of gigs, it boasts a well-stocked bar and good prices. It’s super intimate, so when the crowd gets going, there are few better venues around. The sound is always excellent, and there are always at least a couple of gigs every week.

Other local live music options include The Queens Head, an iconic pub on the Harbour Parade that’s instantly recognisable from its fantastically intricate facade. It’s got a great reputation for live music, with something happening almost every day of the week. You can enjoy it with something from their top-class ale selection, which could have easily placed The Queens Head among our favourite Ramsgate nightlife pubs.

The Red Lion is another cracking local pub, which you’ll find just off King Street. There are gigs on Friday and Saturday nights, and it can get absolutely packed, which is only ever a good sign, isn’t it?

Lastly, you may want to try The Churchill Tavern. It’s a smart pub on the Paragon with delicious food, tasty sunset views of the English Channel and live music on Saturday night and Sunday evening. The staff are super friendly, too. It’s a fantastic option for first-time visitors to Ramsgate.