Two tidal pools and some tasty beers in Margate
A weekend on the Kent coast provided new chilly swimming opportunities and the discovery of the perfect post dip tipple.
Over half term I spent a long weekend with family in the now-trendy seaside resort of Margate. Famous for its Dreamland amusement park and these days for being the backdrop to much of season 4 of Killing Eve and the Sam Mendes ode to cinema Empire of Light.
To my joy there are not one but two tidal pools in Margate, one on the main beach and one along the coast at Walpole Bay. Both are covered entirely at high tide but calm and inviting as the sea goes out.
At Margate there are four walls around the water and two ladders to enter in the 'deep' end - though it could probably do with having some sand dredged out as it is not much more than waist deep. Walpole Bay has just three walls and four ladders into the pool. I waded in at the beach end and past quite a bit of seaweed to get into deeper waters.
Walpole is bigger by some distance, and there were others getting in and out while I swam, though never more than one or two in the water with me. On our final day we did spot someone else gingerly getting into the Margate pool but the two days I went in it was just me. A friend's eight year old accompanied me up to the waist, got out and then came in again before deciding she wouldn't immerse herself.
Both were wonderful and I would love to go back in warmer weather and swim for more than a few minutes.
Post swim beer
On day one, before I swam, we had lunch at the delicious Palms Pizza where I spotted a can or two of an IPA called Tidal Pool. A quick internet search told me that Northdown Brewery that produces it was a short drive away and has a taproom that's open on a Friday and Saturday so of we popped.
Not only does Northdown make Tidal Pool IPA, it has an occasional port infused porter called Tidal Moon. What can I say except that I tried both and they are delicious. Highly recommended to anyone in the area, especially if you've been in the water first.