Discover the Shell Grotto in Margate, Kent, England
- Amanda Vosloh-Tedford
- Feb 19
- 5 min read
Hidden beneath the streets of Margate, Kent, lies one of England’s most mysterious and mesmerizing attractions—the Shell Grotto. Discovered in 1835, this underground passageway is adorned with an astonishing 4.6 million shells, arranged in intricate patterns that continue to puzzle historians and archaeologists to this day. No one knows exactly who built it or why, adding to its eerie, otherworldly charm. Whether you’re drawn to its mysterious history, stunning craftsmanship, or simply the chance to see something truly unique, discovering the Shell Grotto is an unforgettable experience.
Table of Contents
Hours, Parking, & Tickets
Hours, Parking, & Ticket Prices
Notably, the Shell Grotto doesn't have set entry times. Hours change throughout the year, so it's important to check the official website leading up to your visit.
Additionally, there is no on-street parking available outside the Shell Grotto. Many of nearby residential roads do, however, have space to park. Alternatively, there is often ample pay and display parking available at the Trinity Square Car Park. From there, it is approximately a 10-minute walk to the Grotto.
The Trinity Square Car Park also provides good access to the Old Town and Turner Contemporary in Margate.
Tickets must be purchased in person, as there is no online option to pre-book. Prices as of February 2025 are as follows:
Adult: £4.50
Child: £2
Infant: Free (under 4)
Family: £10 (two adults; two children)
Due to limited space inside, the total number of visitors allowed to enter at one time is limited. Visiting the Shell Grotto only takes about 30 minutes, however, so wait times to enter rarely exceed 10-15 minutes.
Access & Amenities
Unfortunately, access to the Shell Grotto requires the use of two sets of stairs. There is no elevator. As a result, it's not suitable for individuals with wheelchairs, walking frames, or reduced mobility. The floor inside the Grotto is also uneven, but handrails are provided.
Bathroom access may also be limited, as there is only one public toilet on site.
Only registered assistance dogs are permitted to enter the Grotto. They are, however, welcome in shop!
Attractions
Shell Grotto Shop
Aside from the Grotto itself, the only other attraction is the adjoining souvenir shop. Here you can find a wide variety of seaside items, many containing or made of shells.
Personally, I'm a big fan of the products offered by the Shell Grotto shop, as they are all sustainably sourced. They do not stock items removed from the sea for purely decorative purposes, such as starfish, seahorses, and puffer fish.
It's also a great place to find beachy jewelry, polished stones, sea-themed decorations, and relevant books!
Not in the area? You can shop online!
History
The Shell Grotto is one of England’s most intriguing and enigmatic landmarks. Likely discovered in 1835 by a local schoolmaster and his children, the grotto was hidden underground, completely unknown to the town above. What makes it truly remarkable is its intricate interior - winding passageways covered in 4.6 million shells, arranged in elaborate geometric patterns, floral motifs, and possible symbolic designs.
Despite its discovery nearly two centuries ago, the origins of the Shell Grotto remain a mystery. There are no historical records documenting its construction, leaving historians and archaeologists to do little more than speculate.
Some theories suggest it was a Roman or Phoenician temple, a secret meeting place for a mystical society, or even a folly (decorative structure with no practical use) created by a wealthy eccentric in the 18th or 19th century. Others believe it could date back thousands of years, linked to pre-Christian or Druidic practices.
Regardless of its origins, the Grotto quickly became a local attraction and opened to the public in the 1830s. Over time, the delicate shells - oysters, whelks, mussels, and cockles - began to fade and suffer damage, but conservation efforts have helped preserve this remarkable site. Today, the Shell Grotto remains one of Margate’s most fascinating destinations, drawing visitors eager to explore its mysterious past and stunning craftsmanship.
If you're unable to visit in person but still want to learn more about this unique location, the museum text is available for download here.
My Experience
My husband and I visited the Shell Grotto in the spring. As we had our dogs with us, we took turns entering the underground chamber. This was my first time seeing anything like this and I found the intricate shell designs on the walls to be quite spectacular! The lighting inside is minimal and the ground somewhat uneven, however, so watch your step.
The space is comprised of a few decorated passageways that all interconnect, as well as a larger open space called the Altar Room. All of it was interesting, but my favorite bit was the circular opening in the ceiling. This is a really unique sight to behold!
Although the Grotto itself wasn't very crowded, the shop was quite popular. Because of this, I only managed to find a couple small shells to purchase before excusing myself from the bustle. There are some really nice items available, though, so I recommend sticking around longer if it's not too busy!
Even with time to take pictures, it took little more than half an hour to see the entire space.
Recommendations
Read Historical Material Ahead of Time
As mentioned, space is tight and the lighting isn't great. As a result, I highly recommend reading information about the site prior to your visit. This will allow you to focus your attention solely on the experience of being inside the Grotto, rather than fussing over reading materials.
Most everything you need to know can be found in the museum text, which is available for download here.
Wear Appropriate Shoes
The Shell Grotto floor is uneven in places, with slight inclines and declines throughout. Because of this, heals and open-toed shoes are not recommended. Trainers are optimal. These Karrimor Weathertite shoes are my go-to choice for adventuring, but find walking shoes to suit your needs and style!
Leave Large Personal Items Behind
Again, space is limited inside the Grotto. To ensure admittance, leave any large personal items in your car before entering. Not only is it important not to accidently damage the walls, but big bags will make maneuvering throughout the space much more difficult.
Visit the Shop
The Shell Grotto shop is well worth look, with a wide variety of beach-themed goodies available to purchase! I recommend shopping at the end of your visit, however, so you don't have to worry about carrying anything extra into the Grotto.
Take Pictures (Without a Flash!)
Photography is allowed inside the Shell Grotto, but due to the dim lighting and narrow passageways, capturing its full beauty can be a challenge. Flash photography is not permitted to help preserve the delicate shells, so you may want to adjust your camera settings or use a phone with a good low-light mode. The intricate patterns and shimmering surfaces make for stunning close-up shots.
Personally, I use the Nikon D7000 digital SLR with either a 18-55mm lens or 55-200mm lens. Amazon also has a comparable Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR camera, which comes with two lenses and a carry bag.
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