Thanet

Thanet is a peninsula in northeast Kent, England, comprising the historic Isle of Thanet and the surrounding coastal towns. It lies along the East Kent coast, bordered by the North Sea to the east and by the Wantsum Channel to the west. The principal towns are Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs, all connected by rail and road. The area features promenades, beaches, chalk headlands such as North Foreland, and two working harbours at Margate and Ramsgate.

Historically the Isle of Thanet was separated from the Kent mainland by the Wantsum Channel, a sea inlet that gradually silted up, forming a peninsula. The name has ancient origins, and the area has prehistoric and Roman-era sites. From the 18th century it developed as a popular seaside resort with rail access.

Today tourism, service industries, and light industry form the core of the economy. Cultural venues include Margate's Turner Contemporary and Dreamland, a revival of the seaside amusement park. Ramsgate hosts a working harbour and marina, while Broadstairs is known for its beaches and seaside towns.

Thanet District is a local government district of Kent, administered by Thanet District Council. It is represented in Parliament by the North Thanet and South Thanet constituencies, and its population is concentrated in the coastal towns with a mixed economy.