WHAT'S ON
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SHELL BRACELET MAKING
Thu 9 + Fri 10 Apr, drop in 10am - 12pm
Free with entry
Oh we do like to be beside the seaside! This Easter, join us at the Shell Grotto and create your own take on the ever-popular beach fashion accessory - the cowrie bracelet! Pick your cord colour, arrange your shells and dazzle the runways of Margate. No booking required.
MER-MAY
HALF TERM
23 - 31 May, 10am - 5pm
Throughout May Half Term, swim among the jellyfish reef and wave to the mermaids in our shop, as we take our annual deep dive into the mythical world of sea folk. Oh, and did we mention? Kids go free all week! Arrive in your best underwater-inspired fancy dress to receive a special little shell. No booking required.
GROTTO RESTORATION WORKSHOP
Fri 11 Sep, 7pm
£35 /person
Led by our award-winning conservator Rob, discover the processes involved in restoring the Shell Grotto's Grade-I listed walls from the master himself and then use them to create your very own piece of slate-backed shell mosaic to take home.
Featuring live demonstrations and a very special, behind-the-scenes tour of the conservation in action. With all proceeds going right back into sponsoring more restoration!
PROSECCO & PAINT: BIRTH OF A QUEEN
Fri 15 May, 8pm
£40 /person
Inspired by the Birth of Venus, paint an iconic reimagining of Botticelli’s masterpiece with our dazzling resident drag queen and total work of art, Shelly Grotto. It’s giving Renaissance realness meets modern drag excellence. Venus wishes she looked that good! No experience necessary. Booking required. 18+.
SAILORS GALENTINES
Fri 12 Jun, 7pm
£35 /person
Based on the beautiful Sailor's Valentine in our collection, get the girls together and join us for a Galentines date to remember.
With a cornucopia of shells to choose from and a wealth of inspiration, design and create your own beautiful, shell-mosaic keepsake, either for yourself, a loved one or your very best Judy. Complete with a special, candlelit tour of the Grotto and a glass (or two) of Prosecco - to get those creative juices flowing.
OYSTER GHOULS
Thu 29 + Fri 30 Oct, drop in 10am - 12pm
Free with entry
Boo! In honour of the Grotto’s resident ghost and the oyster shells on our walls, this October Half Term, design your own phantom friend and turn a humble oyster into a ghostly Halloween decoration. Will your creation be nice, geeky, nasty or just plain shellfish? No booking required.
SHELL BAUBLE WORKSHOP
Fri 4 Dec, 7pm
£35 /person
Our Santa’s workshop is overflowing with thousands of shells, from all over the world. Pick your favourites and craft a beautiful shell-encrusted bauble for your or your loved one’s Christmas tree. It’s the ultimate festive seaside decoration. Christmas songs, mince pies and mulled wine included, naturally.