Penny Rope Bed Chamber

• Sleeps: 2
• Bedroom: 1
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 1 night

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to spend a night in prison, but don’t fancy breaking the law to find out? Would you believe us if we told you there was a cell where prisoners can stay the night, but leave in the morning with no repercussions?

Penny Rope is a prison-themed bedchamber built into the former cold store of a Grade II-listed Georgian property in Margate, where visitors take on the role of prisoners in this completely quirky, totally unique guesthouse experience. Complete with bunk beds, bars on the window and an old-fashioned lock and key, Penny Rope offers a perfect base from which to explore this iconic seaside town, while also creating an experience guests will remember for a lifetime. 

Painstakingly transformed by owners Polly and Clare, there is thought behind every detail of Penny Rope to create a sense of imprisonment, from the tin mugs for your morning tea or coffee to the coat hangers marked ‘Useless’. Even the name has been taken from the Victorian tuppenny rope that London’s poorest would pay to sleep over, for want of a bed.

However, despite these seemingly austere details, there is no lack of comfort for the prisoners. The bunks are dressed in white cotton linen, with thick, cosy duvets, blankets and hot water bottles provide extra warmth on chilly nights, and a heater keeps the cell cosy if needed. With indoor lighting, you decide when it’s ‘lights out’ and plug sockets and free Wi-Fi mean you don’t lose all your communication rights!

Guests have the use of their own private shower and toilet in an outbuilding in the private walled garden, and even this has received the artistic genius of Polly and Clare – although we won’t give too much away! Half the enjoyment of a stay at Penny Rope lies in spotting another clever detail, another ironic witticism, all of which add to the unique character of this place.

Guests are free to use the private garden and can enjoy BBQ facilities on sunny days. You can even hire vintage bicycles, perhaps for a leisurely ride along the Viking Coastal Trail, taking in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate or the surrounding villages.

Only three minutes’ walk from the beach, Penny Rope is ideally located for exploring Margate and all it has to offer. A visit to the stunning Shell Grotto is a must, as is a wander through Margate Old Town for its wonderful collection of independent shops and cafes (Polly and Clare will happily recommend ideal stops for dinner and breakfast). Five minutes away is the Turner Contemporary for a spot of culture, and a visit to Margate isn’t complete without a stop at Dreamland for its classic theme park rides.

At a glance

• Sleeps two; private shower and toilet in outbuilding within walled garden
• Use of private walled garden, BBQ facilities and vintage bike hire – perfect for exploring Viking Coastal Trail through Ramsgate and Broadstairs
• Ideally located for exploring Margate – 3 mins from beach; 5 mins from Turner Contemporary; 10 mins from Dreamland

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Seaside Breaks

More information

When your release date is up, don’t forget to pose for your prison-themed mug shots (you’ll see what we mean once you’re there). However, with such a fantastic location, warm hospitality and cosy accommodation, Penny Rope is surely the only cell in the country that prisoners won’t want to leave. 

Things to note

No minimum booking period. No smoking (outdoor seated smoking area). Due to cell size, Penny Rope beds not suitable for inmates over 12 stone in weight or 6.5 feet in height. Pets welcome in Penny Rope. £10 refundable deposit on return of keys.
Low season prices start from £95 per night in Penny Rope. As Penny Rope is outside the main house, toilet and shower facilities (with hot and cold water) are situated in a walled garden at the rear of the property and are accessible to guests at all times. Both Penny Rope and The Booth studio apartment also located in the same property may be booked together for larger groups.