About Margate

Margate Football Club are based in Margate, Kent. Nicknamed the Gate, they were founded in 1896 and play at Hartsdown Park.

They compete in the Isthmian League South East for the 2026/27 season. In 2025–26 they finished 6th of 22 in the division.

Hartsdown Park has been Margate's home since 1929. The stadium has a 3G pitch and is approximately 0.7 miles from Margate railway station on Southeastern's Chatham Main Line and Kent Coast Line.

Quick Facts

Full Name: Margate Football Club

Nickname: The Gate

Founded: 1896

Stadium: Hartsdown Park

Capacity: 3,000 (400 seated)

Location: Margate

League: Isthmian League South East

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Stadium Information

Stadium Name

Hartsdown Park

Address

Hartsdown Park

Hartsdown Road

Margate

Kent

CT9 5QZ

Capacity

3,000 (400 seated)

Opened

1929

Surface

3G artificial

Stadium History & Features

Margate were founder members of the Kent League in 1894 and later played in the Southern League before reaching the Football Conference in 2001. Protracted redevelopment at Hartsdown led to ground-sharing and expulsion from the Conference National in 2004; the club returned to the ground in 2005.

The club have won the Kent League, Southern League and FA Trophy, and reached the FA Cup third round in 1972–73. Their record attendance at Hartsdown is 14,169 for an FA Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur in January 1973.

Away Fan Seating

No fixed away allocation is published on Wikipedia or margate-fc.com. Follow stewards and any fixture notices on the day.

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Getting to Hartsdown Park

By car

From junction 2 of the M25 take the A2 and then the M2 towards Dover. At the end of the M2 take the A299 towards Margate.

Stay on the A299 for 16 miles, take the 2nd exit at the roundabout for the A28 towards Margate, then after passing the BP garage and the Hussar pub on the right take the 2nd right onto George V Avenue (signposted Ramsgate A254). Follow it up and around to the left past Hartsdown Academy School, turn right into Hartsdown Road; the ground entrance is on the left (margate-fc.com).

By train

Margate station is approximately 0.7 miles (1 km) from Hartsdown Park on Southeastern services from London Victoria to Ramsgate and on the Kent Coast Line to Dover Priory (Wikipedia).

Travel Tip

Hartsdown Park is about a 15-minute walk from Margate station. Allow extra time on busy fixtures — margate-fc.com confirm 2026/27 matchday prices as Adult £12, Concessions £8.50, U18s free.

Real-Time Travel Updates

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Parking Information

Parking arrangements for away supporters are not detailed on Wikipedia or margate-fc.com. Check matchday information before you travel.

Matchday parking

Use official or clearly signed parking where available near Hartsdown Park. Respect local residents and any matchday restrictions.

Important Parking Advice

Use official or recommended parking where possible. Always check signs and do not block residents' driveways.

Pubs and Bars

Named pubs near the ground are not listed on Wikipedia or the club's official site. Check local listings before you travel.

Local options

Location: Margate

Distance: Check before you travel

No specific pubs are named on Wikipedia or the club's official site. Use the Follow Away app and local listings for away-friendly options.

Pub Tips for Away Fans

Be respectful and follow any steward or pub instructions. Policies can change by fixture.

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Food and Dining Options

Inside the Stadium

Margate-fc.com reference matchday admission and pre-match dining experiences at Hartsdown Park. Confirm catering availability on the club website before you travel.

  • Hot Food: Matchday kiosks where available
  • Drinks: Soft drinks and, where permitted, alcohol

Near the Stadium

Margate

Check local listings in Margate for cafes and restaurants.

Margate

Margate has a range of dining options — check local listings for matchday opening times.

Need a hotel?

Staying overnight? Here are some of the highest-rated hotels near Hartsdown Park on Google. For more options, get more venues on the Follow Away App.

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Ticket Information

Buying Tickets

Buy online via margate-fc.com or at the gate on matchdays. Season tickets are also sold on the club website.

Ticket Prices

2026/27 league matchday (margate-fc.com): Adult £12, Concessions £8.50, U18s free. Carers admitted free with valid carer ID when accompanying a concession ticket holder.

Important Ticket Information

  • Prefer official club channels or your own club's ticket office
  • Photo ID may be required for collection or entry
  • Never buy from touts or unofficial sources
  • Check sale dates and any segregation notices before you travel

Matchday Tips for Away Fans

Before the Match

  • Arrive Early: Allow time for travel, parking and security checks.
  • Transport: Check rail and bus operators for any matchday changes.

At the Stadium

  • Security: Bags may be searched; allow time at the turnstiles.
  • Seating: Follow stewards to the correct area for the fixture.
  • Facilities: Toilets and kiosks are usually in the concourses or clubhouse.

After the Match

  • Exiting: There may be a short hold-back. Follow steward instructions.
  • Transport: Allow extra time for the journey back.

General Advice

  • Cash & Cards: Many grounds accept contactless; some still prefer cash — check the club site.
  • Respect: Be respectful to home fans, stewards and local residents.

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