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Westwood Cross

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About

Westwood Cross is the main shopping and leisure centre located in the seaside town of Margate on the Isle of Thanet. It is a modern and vibrant destination that attracts both locals and tourists travelling through Kent in the United Kingdom. Thanks to its convenient location and wide range of offerings, Westwood Cross has become a hub for anyone looking for quality shopping and relaxation.

Westwood Cross. Illustration.
Source: Kupi.com AI

Traveller photos:

The complex is an open-air pedestrian zone home to many popular high-street brands. You can find everything here, from fashion and accessories to electronics and home goods. It’s a true paradise for shoppers who can spend several hours exploring the latest collections and finding great deals.

In addition to the shops, Westwood Cross offers excellent leisure opportunities. The site features numerous cafes and restaurants to suit every taste, where you can relax and grab a snack after a successful shopping session. There is also a modern multi-screen cinema and other entertainment venues, making it an ideal place for a family outing or meeting friends.

With its location just a few miles from iconic sites like the Shell Grotto, Westwood Cross is easy to fit into any sightseeing itinerary of the region. It’s a wonderful opportunity to combine exploring local landmarks with pleasant and comfortable shopping.

Contacts

If you're planning to visit the Westwood Cross shopping centre, we recommend checking for the latest information in advance. To find out exact shop opening hours, product availability, or current promotions, we suggest visiting the shopping centre's official website or checking local directories for the town of Margate. This will help you plan your visit as effectively as possible.

How to contactContact
Address23 Margate Rd, Westwood, Broadstairs CT10 2BF, UK
Phone+44 1843 867273
Websitewestwoodx.co.uk

What to Do

Westwood Cross is the premier shopping and leisure hub near Margate, drawing in both local residents and tourists. It features a wide variety of well-known brand stores where you can find everything from fashion and footwear to the latest electronics and homeware. It’s a fantastic place to spend a few hours or even a whole day browsing for deals and new arrivals.

Beyond shopping, Westwood Cross offers various ways to relax and have fun. After a successful shopping trip, you can grab a quick bite in one of the many cafes or enjoy a full meal at a restaurant of your choice. For those looking for a bit of excitement, the Grosvenor Casino Thanet is located right next to the shopping centre and is a popular attraction in the region.

Visiting Westwood Cross is more than just a chance to shop; it's a complete experience. It is often recommended to tourists travelling along this part of the United Kingdom coast as an excellent leisure option, especially on rainy days. Everyone will find something to enjoy here, whether it’s a leisurely shopping trip, culinary discoveries, or evening entertainment.

Getting There

The Westwood Cross shopping centre is located in the Westwood Industrial Estate, making it easily accessible for both local residents and tourists. If you are travelling by car, it is easy to find by following the road signs toward the retail parks. Thanks to its location between Margate and Broadstairs, it serves as a central hub for shopping in the area.

For those who prefer public transport, Westwood Cross can be reached by local buses. Several routes from the centre of Margate and other nearby towns stop close to the shopping centre. It is a good idea to check current timetables and routes on the local transport company's website before your trip. Taxis are also always available—a quick and convenient way to reach your destination directly from your hotel or any point in the city.

Nearest city: Margate

History & Facts

While Westwood Cross is known today as a modern shopping and leisure destination, its significance is largely defined by its location in a historically rich region. The complex is situated on the Isle of Thanet in Kent, an area with centuries of tradition, between the notable towns of Margate and Broadstairs. Thus, the history of the site itself goes much deeper than that of the modern building.

The region where the shopping centre is located holds great cultural importance for the United Kingdom. For instance, neighbouring Broadstairs was a favourite holiday spot for the famous writer Charles Dickens, and today the Dickens House Museum operates there. This shows that the land on which Westwood Cross is built has attracted prominent figures and served as a cultural hub for centuries.

The shopping centre itself is a relatively new development, built to meet the needs of both the local population and the many tourists visiting the area. Its creation was a logical step in developing the infrastructure of a region that draws guests with its beaches, history, and cultural events. Westwood Cross has successfully integrated into the landscape, becoming a modern focal point surrounded by historic attractions.

Time Needed

When planning a visit to the Westwood Cross shopping centre, you should expect to spend about 2 to 4 hours here. This is a large open-air complex that brings together many shops, cafes, and restaurants. This amount of time will be enough to leisurely browse the boutiques that interest you, make some purchases, and have a bite to eat without feeling rushed.

Of course, the exact length of your visit will depend on your goals. If you're coming for a specific item from one or two shops, an hour might suffice. However, if you're in the mood for a full shopping spree, want to compare prices, try on clothes, and end the day with dinner at one of the local spots, you could easily spend half a day at Westwood Cross. The complex is designed for a comfortable and extended stay, so it's best to allow some extra time.

Working Hours

Westwood Cross is a large complex, and its opening hours may vary. Since there is no specific data on operating times in the provided sources, we recommend visiting the official shopping centre website or contacting the management directly before planning your visit for the most up-to-date information. This is particularly important during public holidays when schedules may change.

Generally, shopping centres of this type are open year-round. Keep in mind that the hours for individual shops, restaurants, and the cinema within the complex may differ from the overall Westwood Cross opening times. No special booking is required to enter the shopping centre, though it may be necessary for the cinema or certain restaurants.

DayOpening hours
Monday9:30 – 19:30
Tuesday9:30 – 19:30
Wednesday9:30 – 19:30
Thursday9:30 – 19:30
Friday9:30 – 19:30
Saturday9:30 – 18:30
Sunday10:00 – 16:00

Nearby

Visiting a major shopping centre like Westwood Cross is a great experience in its own right, but exploring the surrounding area can turn a simple shopping day into a full adventure. Often, the most interesting discoveries are just around the corner from popular spots. By exploring nearby streets, parks, and landmarks, you can dive deeper into the local atmosphere and find unique places that make your trip truly unforgettable.

The town of Margate offers many interesting locations situated close to the shopping centre. From historic monuments and mysterious grottos to cosy parks and museums, there is something here for everyone. Below is a list of attractions located in the immediate vicinity that are worth including in your itinerary.

NameDistance
Smoke & Co1 km
Ellington Park2.7 km
Shell Grotto3.1 km
Dreamland Margate3.2 km
Margate Clocktower3.2 km
Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum3.3 km
Olby's Soul Cafe3.4 km

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