4.6 million shells. 2000 sqft of mosaic. 70ft of tunnels. 1 subterranean mystery. 🐚✨ Open to enquiring minds since 1838.
Grotto Hill, Margate, Kent
Joined August 2012
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In 1885, renowned novelist Marie Corelli referred to the Shell Grotto as 'one of the wonders of the world'. And last week, 140 years later, we're thrilled to be listed in @guardian's top 10 wonders of the world, as nominated by one of its readers! 📰 💗🐚
theguardian.com/travel/2025/…
Did you catch the Grotto on Channel 5's ‘Kent: The Garden of England’ the other week? Our brilliant conservators Rob and Kurtis were on hand to show the cameras around and explain the restoration process.
📺 Watch it now: bit.ly/4hjIv9G
"That's the thing about unsolved mysteries - they leave a space where multiple realities are simultaneously possible."
A superb article about the Grotto in @nytimes this week from Gabrielle Schwarz, who appreciates the power of uncertainty. 📰✨
nytimes.com/2024/10/15/magaz…
The countdown is on to our summer exhibition, featuring new works from artist Graham Ward inspired by his fascination with pilgrimage.
Explore the world of St James & pilgrim shells & discover the lost art of building grottas to mark the saint's day.
From 27 July – 1 September
Design and print your own decorative Easter egg inspired by the Grotto’s incredible shell mosaics!
Artist @DawnMCole will be joining us on Weds & Thurs to run the family-friendly printing workshops. Activities run from 10-12 and are included with entry. Hope to see you soon!
Design and print your own decorative Easter egg inspired by our shell mosaics 🐚
Artist @DawnMCole will be running printing workshops 10am - 12pm on Weds & Thurs this week and next. Activities are free with entry to the Grotto. All welcome!
Our shell ladies are looking rather splendid in their Easter bonnets 🐚🌸
Shell ladies have been sold as souvenirs in #Margate since Victorian times & we’re proud to continue that tradition.
We’re open daily 10-5, until 14 April. Hope to see you soon!
Here comes the sun! 🌞
A little optimistic perhaps, but it's spring equinox, which means that spring has officially sprung. It also means the start of spring opening hours at the Grotto. From today we're open daily, 10-5, all through the Easter holidays until Sunday 14 April 🐚
To 'shell-ebrate' all the wonderful mums out there on #MothersDay, we’re gifting every mum a free pearl troca shell when they visit the Grotto this Sunday with a paying ‘child’ - whether that child is 4, 24 or 64! We're open from 11am-4pm🐚
