ADULT
CONCESSION
(Over 60s/ Students/
Registered Disabled/ Armed Forces)
CHILD*
(Aged 4 - 16)
INFANT*
(Under 4)
FAMILY
(2 x Adults and up to 2 x Children)
* Children and infants must be accompanied by an adult.
£4.50
£4
£2
FREE
£10
We restrict numbers in the Grotto, both to protect the mosaic and ensure you have the best visit. At very busy times you might be asked to wait before entering; this is usually for a maximum of 15 minutes.
Opening Times
OPEN EVERY DAY, 16 JUL - 31 AUG, 10 - 5
PLEASE NOTE
Please read our FAQs before visiting.
Allow approx. 30 minutes per visit.
The Grotto is a confined, underground space with limited ventilation.
No dogs allowed.
Backpacks, suitcases and large bags are not permitted inside the Grotto. Please leave bags at reception.
Photography for personal use is allowed.
Photography for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
The Grotto may be closed without warning. We reserve the right to refuse admission.
PARKING
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There is no on-street parking directly outside the Grotto, but most of the roads around us do not have any parking restrictions. Although, please remember that we are in a residential area and respect our neighbours.
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The nearest Pay & Display car park is at Trinity Square, CT9 1QY. This is also the best car park to use for visits to the Old Town and Turner Contemporary.
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BY TRAIN
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From London, there are high-speed rail services to Margate from St Pancras and Stratford Intl, which run hourly and take 90 minutes. Slower services run from Charing Cross, Cannon Street, London Bridge and Victoria. There are also direct services to Margate from the Medway Towns, Canterbury and
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BY BUS​
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The Grotto is on several bus routes, including The Loop, No 8 and No 32. For full details visit the Stagecoach website here.
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National Express operate a coach service to Margate. Details on their routes can be found here.
ACCESS
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Access to the Grotto includes two sets of stairs. The Grotto's floor is uneven in places and has a slight camber. Visitors are advised to take care and use the handrails provided.
Large-print maps and text are available on site for the visually impaired. Our Museum text is also available to download here.
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We also have the Shell Grotto Visual Story; a guide that will help you find your way around the Grotto. And our Sensory Map identifies spaces around the Grotto which might be noisy, bright, busy, dark or smelly.
We do our best to be sensitive to all of our visitors’ needs so please don’t hesitate to ask if you require assistance
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We have a full Access Statement to assist with planning your visit.
PRIVATE TOUR
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Immerse yourself within the 4.6 million shells of the Grotto and discover its enigmatic past, from accidental discovery to leading visitor attraction, with a bespoke private tour from one of our expert guides.
Then take time to soak up the Grotto’s unique atmosphere with exclusive access to the site. No public - just you, the earth and the hush of millions of shells.
GROUP & SCHOOL VISITS
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Due to the delicate nature of the shells and the Grotto being a confined space, we are unable to accommodate large groups or school visits.
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We can sometimes accept bookings for smaller groups, although rarely during school holidays or at weekends. Please email us with your date, time and size of group to request a booking.
GROTTO SHOP
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We stock hundreds of products in our shop, some inspired by the designs in the Grotto, some inspired by the seaside and many inspired by, or made of, shells.
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We also stock an interesting range of jewellery, plus fossils, crystals and a small but perfectly formed selection of books.
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All the shells we sell are natural and from sustainable sources. The majority are a by product of the food industry. Our suppliers are socially and ethically responsible and do not export any currently endangered species. We do not stock items taken solely for decorative purposes such as starfish, seahorses or puffer fish.