9The Shell Grotto, Margate

In the seaside town of Margate lies a subterranean mystery—the Shell Grotto. Discovered in 1835, this labyrinth of passageways is decorated with over four million shells arranged in intricate mosaics.

To this day, no one knows who created it or why. Some believe it was a Victorian folly, others suggest it dates back to ancient times. Its otherworldly beauty makes it one of England’s most fascinating hidden treasures, and yet many visitors to Kent remain unaware of its existence.