Laura Bailey on why Margate is her favourite escape in the UK
The London Standard|October 31, 2024
Incredible light, sea air, galleries galore and only two hours from Victoria: it's the model and photographer's dreamland...
Joe Bromley
Laura Bailey on why Margate is her favourite escape in the UK

Where is your favourite destination and why?

I am admittedly more in love with London every day, although I do harbour a fantasy of off-season St Tropez or Amalfi as winter looms. But I also love a British getaway, even for 24 hours, for a change of scene, or sea air, or pure adventure. I love Edinburgh, hiking in Dorset and my friend's pub in Oxfordshire where I pretend I keep a room. But my favourite UK escape is Margate. I even love the journey: two hours on the train from Victoria feels just about ideal-time to read and reset, my two dogs curled up at my feet.

When was the last time you were there, and who were you with?

March, with my friend Chantal, who is one of my favourite travelling companions. We just have that easy unconditional understanding of each other's rhythm and desires and fall into a kind of student carefree camaraderie on the road together. She taught me the concept of lines in the diary, time out for sisterhood, rest and the occasional runaway quest. Our daughters are best friends and I love knowing that we have something special in the diary to look forward to.

Where do you like to stay there?

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