Westgate-on-Sea's High Street Shops Stories

A self-guided tour of Westgate-on-Sea's high streets, showcasing the architectural delights and history of its independent shops.....

Discover the rich heritage of Westgate-on-Sea through our unique High Street Stories Trail. Displayed in the windows of independent businesses, 15+ illustrated posters reveal the stories behind the historic buildings lining our high streets, from their architectural significance to the people and enterprises that have shaped our town over the years.

This self-guided trail offers the chance to experience Westgate-on-Sea beyond the beaches, uncovering our Victorian origins, seaside traditions and vibrant local community. As you wander the trail around our town centre, you'll also discover its independent gift shops, galleries, eateries, and artisan businesses, that continue to give the town its distinctive character, making it easy to pause, enjoy, learn, browse, shop or enjoy a bite to eat along the way.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a local looking to learn more about where you live, an architecture lover, a shopper or a curious visitor, our High Street Stories Trail is an invitation to explore, discover and support the heart of Westgate-on-Sea - where heritage, independent businesses and contemporary seaside life come together.

This year's self-guided tour cover the shops in Station Road, St Mildred's Road and St Mildred's Walk. Illustrated posters will be up in the following shop windows, and can be explored in any order you fancy!

Borgyn & Bakes; Seymours; Prentis; Westgate Galleria; Press Bar & Cafe; Quince; Anthony Giles' Studio & Gallery; Corkscrew or Station Superstore (TBC); Sandwich Shop; Chalk; Crumb & Deli, Bake & Alehouse; Best One; Ace Attire; BB Bridal & Alterations.

The tour includes an invitation to contribute to next year's Heritage Open Day's events in Westgate. To share your memories about the shops and traders and to get involved in expanding our tour in future, you can contact the Westgate Heritage Centre here and Westgate Galleria here

Part of England's largest annual festival of history and culture - Heritage Open Days - and put on by Westgate Traders and Westgate Heritage Centre, supported by Visit Thanet and Westgate-on-Sea Town Council.