Today, we are going to the ancient kingdom of Kent and the seaside town of Margate. It is a grey day with a 10% chance of rain but mild in temperature (around 11°C).

Walking down Pentonville Road

Bright and early (well, at 8:30 to be precise), we set off on foot down Pentonville Road, heading for St Pancras Station.

E L & N

At the station, we made a pause for coffee at E L & N. The station was quite busy with both inland and international train services

Making for the train

When our train was ready, we hurried aboard.

Fellow passenger

The train was soon crowded but by hurrying we had been able to secure good seats.

A view of Kent countryside
Photo by Tigger

We are travelling on the HS1 which runs, as its name indicates, at high speed to Ashford in Kent, then at normal speeds for the last few stations.

Margate Station

We arrived at Margate where we were meeting family members.

Brewers Fayre

We went to the Brewers Fayre pub that is part of the Premier Inn hotel beside the station.

Dining room

Later we obtained a table in the restaurant and had lunch.

Along the seafront

After lunch, we went for a walk along the seafront.

A bleak view

It was not cold but was very windy (which plays havoc with my hearing aids so that I covered the microphones with my fingers to stop the racket) and the beach was empty, making for a bleak scene.

A sunny moment

Just for a moment, the sun broke through, transforming the scene but, sadly, it did mot last.

Edmanson Avenue

We parted from our companions and turned inland, walking down Edmanson Avenue.

We caught a bus

This led us into Westbrook Avenue where we caught a bus heading towards Margate Station.

Refreshments

At the station we were attracted by the word “Refreshments” in gold lettering above a door.

In the cafe

The lettering is old but the cafe is modern. We found comfy armchairs and ordered tea and coffee, (Guess who had which 🙂 )

Scales by Pooley

For decoration, the cafe had an antique weighing machine made by Henry Pooley & Son. It was in working order though needed calibrating.

Platform 3

We let the first London train go without us so that we could enjoy our drinks without hurrying. Then we went to Platform 3 for the 15:30.

Seats beside the wheelchair area

We boarded the train and found seats beside the wheelchair area which gave us plenty of leg room (and ready access to the toilet should we need it!).

Goodbye, Margate
Photo by Tigger

The HS1 rushed us through the Kent countryside under mournful cloudy skies.

Crossing the Medway
Photo by Tigger

We crossed the Medway, an important landmark on our journey.

Approaching Ebbsfleet
Photo by Tigger

We approach Ebbsfleet with the silhouette of the Grade II listed RC Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in the distance. From here, we cross the Thames into London and home territory.

St Pancras with King’s Cross in view

After a brief stop at Stratford (still called “Stratford International” even though international trains no longer stop there), we arrived at St Pancras. Through its big window you have a view of its companion and rival, King’s Cross.

Aboard the 214

Exiting into Midland Road, we had a 214 bus almost immediately and this carried us through heavy traffic up the hill to the Angel. Going on an outing is good but so is coming home again where we can relax, make tea and be at ease.