visit sandwich kent

Things to Do in Sandwich, Kent - Sandwich Attractions

Things to do in sandwich, explore popular experiences, tours in and around sandwich.

Dover & White Cliffs Tour; Canterbury, Coastal Towns & Castles

Private Half-Day Trip to Picture Postcard Villages of East Kent from Dover Including Traditional Cream Tea

In Search of the Real James Bond

Spring green forage.

From Dover Port; Grand Tour of White Cliffs Country & back

Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 11.00 Tour

Silver Ring Workshop in Kent, England

Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 14.00 Tour

Private Guided Walking Tour of Canterbury

The Canterbury Classic Tour

Tours & sightseeing, top attractions in sandwich.

Other Top Attractions around Sandwich

What travelers are saying

• Sandwich Guildhall Museum
• Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre
• Sandwich Bay Beach
• St Peter's Church
• White Mill Rural Heritage Centre
• Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory
• Worth Marshes
• River Runner
• Captain Colin's Riverbus

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13 of the best things to do in Sandwich

Steeped in ancient history and with a charming centre full of age-old pubs and beautiful architecture, Sandwich is ideal for a quaint city escape

There’s more to Sandwich than its status as the ancestral home of everyone’s favourite lunch. In fact, the fourth Earl of Sandwich, who popularised shoving food between two slices of bread, didn’t have much to do with the place itself. But with Roman ruins, a selection of first-class pubs and some of the UK’s finest wildlife, this  pretty town  on the  Kent  coast is more than just carbs – although we promise you’ll find more than enough great stuff to eat in these parts. Here are the best things to do in Sandwich right now.

RECOMMENDED: Explore nearby Deal , Ramsgate or Margate too 

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Best things to do in Sandwich

Sleepy Sandwich is full of cute cottages and perfectly preserved medieval buildings. Grab coffee and a fresh pastry from the superb  No Name  Shop   and wander to the quayside, eyeing half-timbered  houses and antiques shops as you go.

Soak up the vibes

Head ten minutes out of town to explore the  wilds of Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature  Reserve . It’s all salt marshes, wildflowers, mudflats and golden sea cliffs, with trails for windswept coastal walks and places to pause and spot rare birds and butterflies. As Kent Wildlife Trust's largest site, dozens of species migrate through this coastal spot, including cuckoos and hard-to-spot nightingales.

Stop for lunch

If you’ve been daydreaming about bread, order excellent Mediterranean-themed dishes at Tan Bueno , which places a special emphasis on vegan treats. Alternatively, supersize your lunch with enormous club sarnies at The Bell Hotel . When in Rome...

Get back to nature

Head down to the water and take a boat trip from the quay. If you’re lucky, you’ll spy the local seal colony as well as getting a blast of the sea air that makes Sandwich so popular with day-trippers. Prefer to stay on dry land? Explore the lush gardens at The Salutation . Document the greenery  – the symmetry is a photographer’s dream – or book on to a propagation workshop.

Drink like a local

There’s no shortage of historic pubs in Sandwich. Step back in time at The Crispin Inn , which was built in 1491. The nearby Kings Arms is equally historic – it was first recorded as The Queen’s Arms during the 1500s and even has Elizabeth I’s coat of arms on the side of the building. For soothing grub after a day spent hopping between the town’s excellent boozers, not to mention ales from independent Kent breweries, the tiny  Mermaid’s Locker   is the perfect place to wind down .

If you only do one thing

Thought Sandwich was super-old? It’s nothing compared with the ruins of Richborough Roman Fort , just outside of town. Said to be where the Romans first set foot on British soil, it was once home to an arch marking the official entrance to Britannia. Roam around the crumbling walls and grass ditches in this impressive and peaceful place.

And if you stay the night, wake up here

Sure, you could pitch up in rooms above any number of Sandwich’s lovely pubs. But why compromise on sleep when you could have peace and quiet in this beautiful detached house just a short drive away from town? Signal Cottage has its own private garden, not to mention views over classic English countryside. It’s the ideal way to make your stay in this pretty corner of Kent extra-special. From £85 per night

Staying in Kent?

The 13 best things to do in Kent

• Things to do

Dubbed the ‘garden of England’ and home to numerous farms, breweries and fishing towns (not to mention all that exceptional greenery across the South Downs and beyond), Kent really is great. Here are all the best things to do while you’re there.

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Top Things to Do in Sandwich, Kent - Sandwich Must-See Attractions

Things to do in sandwich, explore popular experiences, tours in and around sandwich.

Dover & White Cliffs Tour; Canterbury, Coastal Towns & Castles

Private Half-Day Trip to Picture Postcard Villages of East Kent from Dover Including Traditional Cream Tea

In Search of the Real James Bond

Spring green forage.

From Dover Port; Grand Tour of White Cliffs Country & back

Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 11.00 Tour

Silver Ring Workshop in Kent, England

Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 14.00 Tour

Private Guided Walking Tour of Canterbury

The Canterbury Classic Tour

Tours & sightseeing, top attractions in sandwich.

Other Top Attractions around Sandwich

What travellers are saying

• Sandwich Guildhall Museum
• Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre
• Sandwich Bay Beach
• St Peter's Church
• White Mill Rural Heritage Centre
• Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory
• Worth Marshes
• River Runner
• Captain Colin's Riverbus

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Sandwich in White Cliffs Country is a true hidden gem and is one of the most complete and well-preserved medieval towns in Britain; it’s unspoilt streets are said to contain more half-timbered houses than any other street in England.

Retrace the steps of history‘s famous visitors to Sandwich – King Charles II drank outside The Bell Hotel and Queen Elizabeth I visited in 1573. Make sure you include a visit to the Guildhall Museum , which tells the story of the Town and surrounding areas from Mesolithic times to the modern day and home to Sandwich’s 1300 AD Magna Carta and Charter of the Forest.   

A wealth of historic sites and attractions awaits those who visit Sandwich. Follow the historic Town Trail through narrow winding passageways, past Norman churches and along the town walls. Climb the tower of St. Peter’s Church for incredible views across the town and surrounding rural area. 

Take a relaxing trip aboard the River Runner from Sandwich and learn about the wildlife and the historic river Stour.  See regular demonstrations of medieval crafts and skills including Blacksmithing, Boatbuilding and Calligraphy at Sandwich Medieval Centre.

Visit the newly opened, fun filled Whitemills Wake and Aqua Park , near Sandwich.  The only wake park in Kent (with a state of the art 5 Tower Ski Rixen Cable System), an incredible floating obstacle course, open-water swimming and other water-based activities for all ages.  

You can really embrace the festival spirit in Sandwich. The town has a busy calendar of events, from Le Weekend – a celebration of all things French – to Sandwich Salutes the 1940s; together with Sandwich Food Fayre; Sandwich Folk and Ale Festival and Sandwich Arts Week.

Sandwich is well-known for its fantastic golf. Part of Kent’s Golf Coast, Sandwich has amongst its golf courses two Championship courses - Prince’s Golf Club , a links course overlooking Sandwich Bay and   Royal St George’s - ranked the number one links course in England (Golf World Top 100 Rankings 2021) and played host to The 149th Open in 2021.

There are many fine shops and quality restaurants to enjoy, from traditional Kent pubs to more modern British and international eateries.  Enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep in Sandwich, whether you opt for riverside accommodation such as the Bell Hotel or a traditional countryside inn such as The Five Bells.

For more information on places to stay , visit and events , visit the official tourism website for Sandwich .  

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The Best Things to do in Sandwich, Kent

September 19, 2023

Often overlooked as visitors stream to and from Dover, this southern English town was once the most important place in Britain. Here are some of the best things to do in Sandwich, Kent.

Why Visit Sandwich

Famous for the invention of the, well, sandwich, this southern English town has much more to it than just a humble sarnie. Picture medieval fire and smoke, crooked stone walls, stone masons, stone secret secrets, scones and even seals. Both the parchment and the wild kind.

And the best part? It’s not crawling with tourists. 

I spent three days and two glorious nights with baby Lab, now six, exploring Roman ruins, gazing at the Magna Carta and staring off towards France.

We drifted on the ripples of the willow-lined River Stour, with the scent of fresh brownies wafting out of cute cafés, the creaking of wooden staircases and the sing-song shine of swords. And all in one small town. 

So, enough chat, let’s spill the tea on Sandwich and what makes it worth visiting.

Disclosure: we visited Sandwich as guests of Visit Dover on assignment. As ever, as always we kept the right to write what we like. There’s simply no point otherwise. Also, if you book or buy through any of the links on this page, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

11 Best Things to Do in Sandwich, Kent

Let’s talk about the most popular activities to do in Sandwich to make the most of your visit. And then let’s also introduce you to some new, unique and unusual things to do. 

Take a Stone Carving Lesson

At times, Sandwich seems all about history and so it’s quite therapeutic to join in and immerse yourself in a timeless pastime as well. 

Carrie Horwood runs stonemason lessons at her newly opened studio known as Cat’s Eye Carving. The warm-up involves making rubbings of stone carvings with crayons. 

Then, chisels are handed over and the artistry begins! This was one of my daughter’s favourite experiences, not least because she turned out to be so much better at it than I was. 

Lessons are open to everyone but it’s wise to book in advance. In one afternoon, you can expect to take home your own block of stone with your initials or a design of your choice.

Hit Up the Guildhall Museum 

The modest size of the Guildhall Museum from the outside camouflages the immense amount of history found inside. 

You’ll find a real Roman bust, returned after 50 years in hiding in the back of a garden by boys who grew into men. 

There’s copies of the Magna Carta and the the Charter of the Forest, which protected the rights of the common man. 

And the prime exhibition is the Court Room.

The Guildhall building dates back to 1579 and the courtroom, while no longer in use, functioned as a courtroom during the Tudor reign and beyond. You can walk around freely, while portraits look down with disdain.

Spoiler: Look out for the portraits of Queen Elizabeth and the 4th Earl of Sandwich. Also, the fancy dress section of period costume for kids.

Stare at Swords at Sandwich Medieval Centre 

Smoke and sparks sizzled into the sun as we first approached Sandwich Medieval Centre. 

Once part of the Royal Cinque Ports during the French raids, it’s now a great place to experience medieval crafts, cookery, and war strategy. A winning combination.

We met Bob, a man who walked us through the different types of arrows, while the blacksmith behind him turned black into blaze. 

We stared at standard arrows, cavalry arrows, fire throwing arrows and poaching arrows. We saw the Welsh longbow, the height of a six foot man, and, apparently, responsible for the victory against the French at Agincourt. 

Apparently, during medieval times, men, women and children over the age of seven had to practice archery every Sunday so as to be ready to take on the French. Football was banned – and apparently the law still stands today. 

Cruise the Waters of River Stour 

Looking see things from a different point of view? Take the time to drift along the River Stour with River Runner. 

We scuttled down to Sandwich Quayside for 9am, the end of summer light glinting through late morning mist, filtered by the willows.  

With around ten others, we boarded and met Lauren who handed out binoculars and birdspotting sheets while Captain Paul took the helm. After a thorough safety session and distribution of life jackets, we were underway.

Travelling at a dreamy pace, Lauren pointed out the bright colours of Sandwich marina, a ship rescued from Dunkirk and bird after bird, from herons to kingfishers and curlews. 

The highlight, though, is the search for the seals but I’d kept my expectations low. After a few cruises around the coast of the UK with binoculars pressed tight against my nose, I’d racked up no more than a few humble smudgy sightings of grey far off in the distance. 

Not so on the cruise from Sandwich. First one seal, then another. And another, another. We simply couldn’t keep count. Swimming, sunbathing and posing, this pod of seals put on a show. 

Book your tour with River Runner here.  Cruises run daily in the summer holidays and on Fri, Sat & Sun the rest of the year. 

Step into the Past at Richborough Roman Fort 

It’s just a short drive out of Sandwich to reach Richborough Roman Fort.

When the Romans arrived, of course, they took the shortest route across the waves from France, which meant pitching up somewhere near Dover. 

They built their first ever British fort at Sandwich, at the time on the coast, and this became the entry port for every Roman who visited Britain. 

The new visitor centre shows what it would have been like, with a triumphant arch marking the entry to the conquered land. Glass cases reveal ceramics, jewellery, and coins, all found during excavations on this land. 

The ruins themselves are fairly, well, ruined but a few reconstructions here and there help to give a sense of scale. An in-depth audio guide is also available, as is a historical treasure hunt for kids. 

It’s like flipping through a history book in 3D.

Take a History Tour of Sandwich

As you may have gathered by now, there’s a lot of history to see, touch and taste in Sandwich. 

To uncover things you may have overlooked, take a walking history tour with a guide from the Sandwich History Society. 

We met up with Mike Elmes, who showed us hidden messages in stone carvings, fleshed out with feisty stories at important points, before leading us to Holy Ghost Alley.

Also, look out for the New Inn where Shakespeare once stayed when the plague hit London.

Climb the Tower at St Peter’s

Climbing a church tower may not sound all that exciting at first for a small child, but St Peter’s has some surprises in store. Beyond the narrow, spiral stone stairs, the space opens up to reveal an exhibition about medieval town life. 

St Peter’s still rings the curfew bell, for example, named from the French for  couvre-feu  meaning cover your fire and which was essential to stop medieval blazes destroying the town. The practice has continued to this day, with little interruption. 

Audio soundtracks provide context as you walk around and from the top, you can see the pretty skyline of Sandwich unfold all around. 

Maps and illustrations point out the key landmarks like the Guildhall and the Art Deco cinema. And on the proverbial clear day, you really can see across to France. 

It’s run by Anne Marie Huigen, who distributes binoculars and info sheets to all those who dare to climb therein. But another surprise involves the heart-warming and bright community area and café with in the church itself. Shop for second hand books, toys and clothes not only to find great deals but also to help support victims of domestic abuse in the process.

Find the details on visiting St Peter’s here.

More Things to Do in Sandwich

It’s astonishing that we managed to see and do so much on just a two night stay. But, as is so often the case, we longed for more!

Here’s what we wanted to see but couldn’t squeeze in…

The White Mill Rural Heritage Centre 

The  White Mill Rural Heritage Centre resides in a stunning 18th-century smock mill surrounded by idyllic countryside. 

The ‘ooh’ moment? The original wooden machinery, perfectly preserved, gives a rare peek into the life of a miller. 

Beyond milling, there’s a treasure trove of vintage agricultural tools and rescued local cottages to shine some light on the past. 

Little-known fact: The White Mill was capable of producing 150 sacks of flour per day during the 20th century. 

The meaning of the word Sandwich

The world may know it as a food item but the name Sandwich actually derives from its Anglo-Saxon days. Wich means village and so you’ll see the name in Norwich and Ipswich along the east coast of England where the Anglo-saxons arrived. Sandwich at that time was on the coast, on the sand, and so the name Sandwich was born.

Birdwatch at Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory 

Packed with feathered friends from different continents, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory is a place to up your bird-spotting game.

Chill Out at Sandwich Bay Beach

A shingle and sand stretch of beach with room enough for some solitude, it’s just a short drive from Sandwich city centre.

Play Golf at the Royal St George’s Golf Course

Golf, anyone? Mr Lab would surely love it. 

This prestigious ground has been the backdrop of many a golf championship, including 14 Open Championships, with the White Cliffs of Dover serving as a dramatic backdrop. 

Where to Eat in Sandwich, Kent

Despite the name, you really won’t find much focus on sandwiches here. No “world’s first sandwich shop” nor giant cardboard sandwich for you to pose with. 

Instead, find cosy cute cafes like the Goats that Dance and The Waiting Room, which dates back to 1922. And some lovely restaurants, serving traditional and innovative food alike. 

Here’s where we enjoyed:

• The Toll Bridge  – from the Cuban to the Texan, you will find full and fiery sandwiches here and smoked meat is a specialty.
• The Bell Hotel – traditional British fare from pies to scotch eggs in an elegant setting
• The Drill Hall – hipster style pizzeria in a converted building.

Where to Stay in Sandwich, Kent

We stayed in St Peter’s B&B , just a stone’s throw from the church of St Peter’s. Family run, it features a secret garden, a fully cooked breakfast and a quirky local charm. 

If B&Bs are not for you, then these are the Sandwich hot spots:

The Bell Hotel – A landmark since Tudor times, The Bell Hotel combines vintage appeal with contemporary comfort. There are 37 individually styled rooms, but it’s the panoramic view of the River Stour that wins the day. 

The Fleur de Lis – The Fleur de Lis in Sandwich offers a blend of old-world allure and modern comfort. This 16th-century inn has 11 rooms. Just think, while you’re drifting off to sleep, you’re sleeping where monks from Canterbury may have stayed on their travels. 

Things to Do Near Sandwich

You’ll find plenty of other things to do in the surrounding area but here are the most famous spots nearby.

• The White Cliffs of Dover – who can miss this symbolic part of England? Maintained by the National Trust, follow the signs to the car park and hike out to see the white cliff faces and France.
• Deal – a Victorian seaside town with traditional beachside activities.
• Canterbury – home to Canterbury cathedral and the base of one of the most powerful positions in the Church of England. For centuries, pilgrims have flocked here and political deals have been made here. Parts of the city are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Walk part of the Via Francigena , an ancient route from Canterbury to Rome.

More on Travel in England

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• What is Somerset famous for?
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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Sandwich

Things to do in sandwich, explore popular experiences, tours in and around sandwich.

Dover & White Cliffs Tour; Canterbury, Coastal Towns & Castles

Private Half-Day Trip to Picture Postcard Villages of East Kent from Dover Including Traditional Cream Tea

In Search of the Real James Bond

Spring green forage.

From Dover Port; Grand Tour of White Cliffs Country & back

Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 11.00 Tour

Silver Ring Workshop in Kent, England

Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 14.00 Tour

Private Guided Walking Tour of Canterbury

The Canterbury Classic Tour

Tours & sightseeing, top attractions in sandwich.

Other Top Attractions around Sandwich

What travellers are saying

• Sandwich Guildhall Museum
• Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre
• Sandwich Bay Beach
• St Peter's Church
• White Mill Rural Heritage Centre
• Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory
• Worth Marshes
• River Runner
• Captain Colin's Riverbus

• Destinations

White Cliffs Country

England's most charismatic chunks of chalk, chic eateries, boutique sleep spots, history-rich ports and prime golf courses, make this a must-see stretch of Kent coast.

Connecting the vibrant, bustling port of Dover and its iconic, ruggedly beautiful White Cliffs, with the quaint coastal dwelling of Deal and the medieval Cinque Port of Sandwich, White Cliffs Country is a unique destination. Here, striking coastline meets quintessential countryside, ancient history meets modern convenience, and peace and tranquillity meet action and adventure.

White Cliffs Country is proudly home to Kent’s Golf Coast. While “The Club On The Cliffs” offers spectacular views across the English Channel and out to France, three championship links courses are perfectly positioned amongst the sand dunes: Prince’s, Royal Cinque Ports and Royal St George’s. The latter plays host to The 149th Open in July 2021.

Just a little over an hour from London by train and offering the UK’s shortest ferry crossing from Europe, White Cliffs Country is one of Britain’s best-connected destinations. It enjoys one of the warmest and driest climates in the UK.

Explore the area and discover why kings and queens throughout the centuries have made their homes here; why well-known classical authors were inspired to write their greatest literary works here; and why White Cliffs Country continues to be a destination of choice for visitors today.

Watch the White Cliffs Country video: www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk

To discover how to spend a weekend in White Cliffs Country, check out our 48-hour itinerary  

Dover Highlights

Awe-inspiring and world-famous, The White Cliffs of Dover have been captivating visitors for centuries. Witness their majestic splendour from the water onboard a chartered vessel from Dover Harbour; or experience this ten-mile-long natural chalk feature from the air in a glider plane above the English Channel. Explore the cliff-top trail to South Foreland Lighthouse , or begin your White Cliffs adventure at sea level from Samphire Hoe and awaken your senses as waves crash on the shore.

Step into the past at Dover Castle . This magnificent coastal fortress overlooks the Port of Dover and chronicles 2000 years of history, from its Roman Pharos to its medieval refortifications to its secret wartime tunnels of the twentieth century. Find the world’s oldest-surviving sea-going vessel at Dover Museum : a 3000 year-old Bronze Age boat, discovered yards from where it is now on permanent display.

For rest and refreshment, try the 4* Dover Marina Hotel ; with waterfront dining at Mr White’s English Chophouse, traditional freshly-caught fish and chips at Wheeler’s, and accommodation with stunning sea views. Alternatively, nestled in the beautiful Alkham Valley the Marquis of Granby serves modern British cuisine and offers boutique-style accommodation in the heart of White Cliffs Country’s pretty countryside.

Watch the Dover video at: www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk/explore/dover

Deal Highlights

Quirky and charismatic, Deal boasts an award-winning high street of independent shops; a pebbly beach dotted with fishing boats and beach huts; and an unspoiled seafront graced by bespoke bistros and historical buildings. Deal is frequently highlighted as one of the best places to live in Britain.

Wander through Middle Street and spot signs of Deal’s smuggling history. Here elegant Georgian town houses rub shoulders with fishermen’s cottages on the cobbles. Stop for beachside refreshment and enjoy the sea view from the Royal Hotel , to which Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton were frequent visitors. The panorama from Deal Pier has been perfectly preserved for almost a hundred years. Stroll along the promenade past the Timeball Tower, once a vital tool for maritime navigation before visiting Deal Castle , a 16th century Tudor artillery coastal defence built on the orders of King Henry VIII.

Walk or cycle to neighbouring Walmer and experience beautiful Walmer Castle , once a residence of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Relax as you explore the delightful grounds and exquisite formal gardens. If you love the Arts, you’ll feel immediately at home in Deal, where art galleries mingle with museums, the Astor Theatre stages a variety of performances and cultural festivals take place throughout the year.

Deal has waterfront restaurants with mouth-watering menus and cosy, chic eateries tucked away in the characterful town centre. Rest your head at The Rose, full of artistic charm and hotel-style comforts. Or stay at The Clarendon Hotel, a refurbished 18th century establishment on the seafront with views over the English Channel and Deal’s famous pier.

Watch the Deal video at: www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk/explore/deal

Sandwich highlights

Soak up the romantic charm of Sandwich, an unmissable part of your White Cliffs Country adventure. This former Cinque Port, once described as “the completest medieval town in England”, is full of hidden gems. Follow the historic Town Trail along ancient walls, past Norman churches and through winding streets to browse boutiques for antiques, gifts and curios. Ascend the tower of St Peter’s Church for incredible views. Uncover the fascinating origins of Sandwich at the refurbished Guildhall Museum , where the town’s own Magna Carta and Charter of the Forest are on display. Delve further into the past and visit the Roman Fort at nearby Richborough, where Roman rule began in Britain.

Explore the wildlife of Monks Wall Nature Reserve , then take a river trip out to sea to watch seals frolicking in their natural habitat. Visit Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory and enjoy a guided walk or workshop, experiencing the diverse birdlife of this beautiful environment. Restore positive health and wellbeing along the many walking and cycle routes that weave throughout Sandwich and its neighbouring coastline. Or play a round of golf here, at one of the best championship links courses in the country.

Embrace the festival spirit in Sandwich, from Le Weekend – a celebration of all things French – to Sandwich Salutes the 1940s; Sandwich Food Fayre; Sandwich Folk and Ale Festival, and Sandwich Arts Week.

Enjoy a meal at the picturesque quayside, or shop from the delis and picnic in pretty waterside parkland, watching boats on the River Stour. Choose from riverside accommodation such as the Bell Hotel , or a traditional Kentish inn such as The Five Bells.

Watch the Sandwich video at: www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk/explore/sandwich

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Our World for You

A visit to sandwich in kent, england, last updated 2nd april 2023, a medieval bite into kent’s ancient history.

Yep, believe me when I say Sandwich is an English town and not just a lunchtime snack.

Although the good old sandwich does derive its origins from here.

When the 4th Earl of Sandwich was said to have ordered his valet to bring him some slices of meat, tucked in two slices of bread and "eh voila", it all began.

How to get to Sandwich, Kent

By Train - You can catch a train from London St. Pancras International direct to Sandwich Station , which takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

By Car – Sandwich is 82 miles from London, along wither the A20/M20, or A2/M2, and then a series of further A roads.  There are pay & display car parks around town.

Visit Kent’s Cinque Ports

If you're intrigued by Kent's weird and wonderful history, or all unusual stories around the county, then take a peek at "Kent's Strangest Tales".

You won't be able to put it down, you can pick it up for your Kindle or in good old paperback .

Discover Sandwich’s quayside tales

Stay informed

Unearth the intriguing architecture of sandwich.

We have a new little book on our shelves that we delve into when we're heading to the coast.

Packed full of historical facts, and broken down into the different counties of England.  It tells tales of the history of the shoreline that surrounds our country.

Available in Kindle & Hardback editions , it's an excellent addition to anyone's collection who loves the English seaside.

The Barbican Gate in Sandwich

Explore the streets of Sandwich

I know it’s a bit of a cliché, but it was like stepping back in time. There didn’t appear to be one home or building that looked out of place from centuries gone by.

We got such a warm and friendly feel from the place; on three or four occasions, people in their cars stopped in the road to lets us take photos or video.

Strolling The Butts

Sandwich was historically a walled town; it was due to constant enemy invasion that in 1385 Richard II ordered for Sandwich to be protected; therefore, a Bulwark was erected. As the barricade was constructed of wood, traces of the structure no longer survive. However, there is a pathway along The Butts by the River Delf, which you can stroll along, passing by the cricket pavilion, where the Bulwark would have once been.

Through the winding lanes of Sandwich

Sandwich Town Square

The Guildhall Museum

In the town centre is open Wednesday - Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00 and is free.

You can find out more at their website -   Sandwich Guildhall Museum

It’s the little things that make Sandwich special

Inspired into creating your own adventure?

Your perfect accommodation, need a car.

Old Traditions in Sandwich

We have created a little YouTube video of Sandwich - why not check it out?

Why not subscribe to our YouTube channel and get the latest clips as we post them?

Escape for a few days

Are you looking for that ‘perfick’ holiday hideaway to relax in while you discover the Garden of England?

After a day exploring the Kent coast and its many historic castles enjoy one of the handpicked properties and unique retreats at   Holiday Cottages.

The ancient Almshouses in Sandwich

A Founding Father of America

A Blue plaque marks where Thomas once lived along New Street. One of Thomas Paine’s most significant works was the “Rights of Man” in 1791.

Hiking and cycling around Sandwich

For a perfect stay in Kent

I would definitely encourage you to choose Sandwich as a place to base yourself while you discover other parts of Kent.

From here you could visit Ramsgate , Margate , Dover Castle , Hythe , Deal and Canterbury .

Most of these towns are also accessible by bus from Deal; my parents have first-hand experience of this. They love using the buses as you meander through tiny villages across the Kent countryside.

Where to stay

- The Bell Hotel – The recently refurbished Bell Hotel is located on the quayside in Sandwich. The elegant rooms offer a beautiful, tasteful feel within traditional stylish surroundings - The Fleur De Lis Hotel – This traditional, comfortable hotel is located within the heart of Sandwich. They offer pleasant rooms, and a full English breakfast is included in the price.

Home of The Royal St George’s Golf Club

If you’re an avid golfer, then you would have probably heard of Sandwich already, as the Royal St George’s Golf Club is here. The Links club will be hosting The Open Championship in 2021. Also nearby is Prince’s Golf Club in Sandwich and the Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club in Deal.

The signpost for ‘Ham Sandwich’

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We were literally looking for a day trip down by Dover as we will be driving to England and need a resting stop! Sandwich is really quite cute and I love that the good ole’ sandwich derives from here! #FarawayFiles

It is a really pretty town and most certainly worth a visit. It has lots of character and it’s not too touristy.

Yes it funny about the sandwich, great little snippets of information.

I’m with you! I think the Ham Sandwich sign is funny! Sandwich looks like a lovely and quaint place to visit. I’ll be visiting Kent this summer, and with so much to see and do in I’ll be hard pressed to decide. #farawayfiles

Wow, you’ll list will be long, there are some lovely, towns, castles, cathedrals, villages….I could go on. Have a wonderful time and I hope the sun shines for you.

If you make it to Dover Castle, there’s a Banksy in Dover town you may want to catch.

Me too, with the ham sandwich sign! I love how you’re sharing all of Kent’s seaside towns on the blogs and marvelling how you always seem to have the most wonderful blue skies for your visits. Thanks for sharing on #farawayfiles

Thanks Clare, it’s amazing how many lovely towns there are along the Kent coastline. The Ham Sandwich sign I believe has been around for years, I don’t think anyone dares to replace it.

Sandwich in Kent is a very nice and historical village Definitely worth paying a visit too. Full of lovely old buildings; and the Barbican Bridge worth seeing.

We love visiting Sandwich it’s such a charming place and like you say full of so many historic buildings. It’s a little different from other towns along that stretch of the Kent coast, it still has a strong community feel about it.

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Open Sandwich

Sandwich in Kent

• Discover Sandwich

Where to Stay

History of sandwich, what to see & do.

• Around Sandwich
• Sandwich Town Tour

Historic Churches

• Golf Courses

Richborough Roman Fort

• Richborough Port
• East Kent Wind & Water Mills
• Ash, Eastry, Woodnesborough & Worth

Town Information

• Travel, Maps & Directions
• Shops & Businesses
• Organisations in Sandwich
• Local Links
• Dining in Sandwich
• Hotels & Inns
• Bed & Breakfast
• Self Catering
• Upcoming Events
• Events Calendar
• Past Events
• Introduction
• Origin of the Sandwich
• The Cinque Ports
• Past & Present Photos
• Old Pubs & Inns
• Richborough Fort
• People & History
• Ancient Traditions
• Ancient Hospitals
• First Mayors
• 13th Century Election
• 15th Century Council
• Good Ship Hercules
• Magna Carta Discovery

Things to do and Places to Visit: in & around Sandwich Kent

Sandwich is surrounded by small villages, such as Eastry, Ash, Worth and Woodnesborough, which have always been regarded as part of the Sandwich area. The larger towns of Canterbury, Deal, Dover and Thanet (Ramsgate, Broadstairs & Margate) and their shops and entertainments are within easy reach by road and rail. Here is a brief list of Visitor Attractions in and near the town of Sandwich.

Tour Sandwich, one of the best preserved medieval towns in the UK

1) First take the town tour in the comfort of your own home see map photos & history

2) Download a leaflet & map - it was written some time ago but the history & places are still relevant also it's in English, French, German and Dutch. View, Download or Print Town Trail leaflet here

3) Finally venture out and walk around Sandwich and see the real places.

Or you could do it in any order or all at the same time!

You can also download an ordinary Sandwich Town Map: Download here from www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk

Best of all -

Try a guided tour of sandwich by the sandwich local history society:.

Let the local History Society Guides inform and entertain you as they personally conduct you around the narrow twisting streets of our medieval town, one of the original Cinque Ports.

Whether you are organising a trip for schools, societies or groups, or if you are a family on holiday, History Society tours are a great way to see the sights and appreciate some of Sandwich’s history.

Tours can take around two hours and cost £5 per person, with a minimum charge of £15

For more details see The Sandwich Local History web site

Tour bookings and more details please contact:, mike elmes - 07773 335 612 or email: sandwichlocalhistorysociety@gmail.com, the guildhall as well as housing a museum the guildhall itself, with it's ancient courtroom, is well worth a visit.

• Guildhall paintings collection online: ART UK project website

Sandwich Museum at The Guildhall

The displays include The Sandwich copy of The Magna Carta; Sandwich at war, Sandwich Haven, Roman times, Medieval times and later, Commerce, Crime, Refugees, Hospitals and Churches.

Monday and Tuesday - Closed Wednesday; Thursday; Friday: Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 to 16:00

Website: www.sandwichguildhallmuseum.co.uk

St. Peter's Church: Discover St. Peter's Church Tower Tours Climb to the top of the tower for magnificent roof top views of Sandwich

The Tower is now fully open.

Opening Times:

7 days a week 10am to 3pm

£3.50 adults £2.50 children also a Family or Group ticket is available

Entry to the Church - FREE

Address: Market Street, Sandwich, CT13 9DA

see: www.stpeterschurchsandwich.org.uk

The Sandwich Medieval Centre / The Nicholas Project

Saturdays 10:00am to 3:00pm Sunday 11:00am to 3:00pm

Address: The The Quay, Sandwich.

see: https://sandwichmedieval.org

White Mill Rural Heritage Centre

Windmill built c1760 with original wooden machinery Restored Miller's Cottage, Farming & Craft Displays, Complete Wheelwright's Workshop and Displays of everyday Victorian life.

Address: The Causeway, Ash Rd, Sandwich, CT13 9JB

see: www.whitemillheritagecentre.org.uk

For more Mills & Watermills throughout East Kent - see our Wind & Water Mills pages

Sandwich / Ramsgate River Runner:

Coastal boat trips on the river Stour - Discover the resident seal colony at the entrance to the River Stour

For Bookings and Information: Tel: 07955 465 729

or https://river-runner.co.uk

Gazen Salts Nature Reserve

15 acre man-made reserve with 1½ miles of winding paths escort you through the many created habitats. A central lake accommodates an attractive collection of wildfowl.

An enjoyable visit for all the family. FREE ENTRY. NO DOGS PLEASE https://gazensalts.co.uk

Strand Street, Sandwich - Opposite The Kings Arms Hotel, a walk from The Gazen Salts Car Park.

1½ miles North of Sandwich - off the A257 - opposite The Fire Station

Where the Romans invaded Britain in AD 47 (Also, their first invasion in 55BC may have been very close to Richborough)

Tel: 01304 612013 for information.

For further history : See the History Section

There are 4 ancient church buildings in Sandwich:

St. Clement's, St. Peter's, St. Mary's and the United Reformed Church.

For information on the Churches of Sandwich: Click Here

Also see Town Tour of Historic Sites

Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust (SBBOT)

There are many varieties of birds, flora and fauna to be seen (many rare).

All enquiries to: SBBOT, Guilford Road, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9PF Tel: 01304 617341

Website: https://sbbot.org.uk

Monks Wall Nature Reserve

Managed by the Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust

School Groups are welcome - children must be accompanied by adults.

Sandwich Coarse Fishery

The Fishery is situated in a quiet, peaceful countryside setting with far-reaching views, 11 miles from Canterbury and 2 miles from Sandwich on the A257 Sandwich Road. It caters for all anglers from the dedicated carp angler to novices and beginners.

Address: Sandwich Road, Ash, Kent CT3 2AH

Tel: 07936 409 912 or 07872 101 015

Website: www.sandwichlakes.co.uk

Visitor Information Centre

The Guildhall, Sandwich Kent CT13 9AH

Open Monday to Sunday 10am to 4pm

Tel: +44 (0)1304 617197

You can View, Download or Print a Sandwich Town Map (pdf document) from Dover District Council Website: Sandwich Town Map »

St. Clement's Church View Churches

Royal St. Georges View Golf Courses

Worth Village Pond View Villages

Useful Websites & Downloads

Discovering Britain - Self guided walk around Sandwich, Booklet, information, history & photos: The Royal Geographical Society Sandwich walk

Sandwich Walks' Pack - 7 circular walks (3-5 miles) from the White Cliffs Country Partnership Click Here to download Sandwich Walks pack

5 to 6 mile Circular Walk between Sandwich Town and Sandwich Bay area - https://explorekent.org/activities/sandwich-walk-flights-over-the-gateway/

Discover Kent by Bike from 'Explore Kent' Leaflet and maps - includes 'Sandwich to Rye' and many other routes Click to view website

Please note that Open Sandwich bears no responsibility for the availability, content and services of 3rd party & external websites, web pages & publications

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Photos on this page copyright Open Sandwich and Wikimedia unless otherwise stated.

Other Useful Websites

• Aerial Photos of Sandwich 1920s - 1940s
• The Aerofilms Collection - Britain From Above

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Sandwich; a delightful, medieval town in Kent

If you’re looking for a quintessential English town packed with character and historic buildings, then Sandwich is the ideal destination.  Located in East Kent, Sandwich is a medieval town where time has stood still.  It has a labyrinth of ancient streets with half-timbered houses and boasts the title of “completest medieval town in England.”

We discovered this treasure on our recent staycation in Kent in South-East England.  We chose Sandwich as a base for visiting the nearby attractions in East Kent but were pleasantly surprised at the town and all its gorgeousness.

Read on to discover the best attractions in this medieval town and all the best things to see and do in Sandwich, Kent.

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Contents: click to jump to a section

How did Sandwich get its name?

Firstly though, we should address the question of the town’s unusual name.   Sandwich wasn’t named after the food, but is actually of Saxon origin, meaning “sandy place”.

It didn’t become a favourite picnic food until years later when the 4 th Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu, made the word popular.  Apparently, he ordered his valet to put his meat between two pieces of bread, so he could continue playing cards whilst eating.

How to explore Sandwich

Sandwich is such a pretty place and we loved just wandering at leisure around the quaint, narrow streets with their characterful properties.

However,  one of the best things to do in Sandwich is follow the town trails.  This way you can ensure you don’t miss any of its many historic sites.  It’s a fairly small town, so easy to explore by foot.  Allow a couple of hours to see it all and some time to stop at the one of the coffee shops!

There are two trails in Sandwich, both with information boards at key points along the way.  One trail leads you round the walls of the old town and the other explores the historic centre.  Having already seen the town centre, we started by exploring the old town walls.

Sandwich Toll Bridge

We started at the main entrance to Sandwich via the iron toll bridge, a historic swing bridge which crosses the River Stour.  There has been a crossing here for centuries.  In 1023, King Canute granted the monks of nearby Canterbury the right to operate a ferry here.  However, the first bridge wasn’t built until over 700 years later.

The Barbican

From the bridge, you can get your first glimpse of medieval Sandwich.  Built in 1539, the Barbican is the former tollgate for visitors coming into the town.

The two towers of this Grade 1 listed building make an impressive portal to the town and create a feeling that you’ve really stepped back in time.

Although the crossing is now free, you can still see the table of tolls displayed on the walls of the archway.  They decided the prices by the number of animals you were bringing through.  At the turn of the 20 th century a chariot driven by 6 or more horses or beast would have set me back 2 shillings and 6 pence.

Sandwich Quay

However, rather than going through the tollgate, we took a left to Sandwich Quay.  This is a tranquil stretch of the River Stour with mooring for small leisure boats.  In summer you can take a wildlife boat trip towards the nature reserve at Shellness Point to see the resident seal colony.

Seeing the Quay today, it’s hard to believe that Sandwich has a rich nautical past and was previously one of the most important sea ports in England.  In fact, in its heyday, Sandwich had a vibrant harbour and regularly welcomed large ships on their way to and from London.

Thanks to its vital strategic position, Sandwich became one of the original Cinque Ports, with Dover, Romney, Hythe, Hastings (plus the ancient towns of Rye and Winchelsea).  The coastal ports were grouped together for defence purposes and Sandwich provided one of the main mustering points for troops going to the 100 years’ war between England and France.  Quite a contrast to the serene riverside area that is there today!

Sandwich Medieval Centre

One of the first sights we came to on our town trail was the Sandwich Medieval Centre.

This centre is a museum dedicated to keeping the medieval crafts alive.  Their current project is the construction of a replica of a cog, one of the boats used in medieval times.

Sandwich town walls

The Bulwarks are the defensive walls that once surrounded Sandwich.  King Richard II ordered the wall’s construction in 1385 as protection against the many violent attacks on the town.

Today you can still see key sites from Sandwich’s history.  We traversed the Rope Walk, a tree-lined avenue once used for walking out the ships’ ropes.  We also passed the Butts, a medieval archery grounds and the Gallows fields.

Even if you’re not interested in history, it’s a pleasant scenic walk.

Sandwich town centre

Of course, the very best things to do in Sandwich is explore the medieval town centre.  Prepare to be amazed, as it really is gorgeous.  You could happily lose yourself in the labyrinth of little streets and historic alleys and can find medieval buildings at every turn.

Strand Street is the oldest street in Sandwich and has more half-timbered houses than any street in England.  Look out for the King’s Lodging, one of the finest period houses and lodgings for at least two royals.  Both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I stayed here on their visit to Sandwich.

Sandwich is also home to four ancient churches, dating back as far as the 12 th Century.  You can climb the tower at St Peter’s Church for magnificent views over the town.  If you are in town at night listen out for the chime of the curfew bell at 8pm.  This is a long tradition, signalling the time for the town people to cover their fires for the evening.

Near the church is a row of houses, known as Sandwich Weavers, named after its 16 th Century Dutch inhabitants.

Modern shops, eateries and galleries carefully blend in with their historic counterparts.  Look out for quirky names, such as the No Name Shop in No Name Street or Goats that Dance .

Sandwich Guildhall

One of the most significant buildings in Sandwich is the refurbished Guildhall.  This 16 th century building is in the heart of the town in the old Cattle Market.  Inside the entrance you can see a plan of where farmers sold the animals in bygone days.  The “fat pigs” quarters brought a smile to my face.

The Guildhall houses Sandwich Museum, which holds an assortment of treasure from the town’s past, including its own Magna Carta from 1300 AD.  The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday and admission is free.

Places to eat in Sandwich

Sandwich has a vibrant feel in the evenings and offers a good choice of places to eat.  There are several old inns by the Quay and a pizzeria.  In the town centre, you’ll find an array of restaurants, coffee shops and a delicatessen.

If you are there in peak season, you should book in advance, as the best restaurants can get busy.

Although it took me some time to find it, I knew there would be A Sandwich Shop . And I was right.  Perfect.

As well as the independent shops,  you’ll find a couple of small supermarkets, which is perfect if you are self-catering.

Other places to visit in Sandwich

If you head away from the medieval town centre, there are plenty more things to do in Sandwich.

The White Mill Rural Heritage Centre

About one mile from Sandwich town centre is the White Mill Rural Heritage Centre.  Built in 1760, this ancient mill was originally used to grind wheat, barley, and oats.

It currently has no sails but is part of a restoration project.  Twice a week a group of talented volunteers meet to restore the windmill to its former glory.  They are also developing the site as a rural heritage centre.

As well as the windmill, you can see displays of agricultural tools and visit the Miller’s Cottage.  We even went up inside the windmill to see the inner workings.

The Heritage Centre is open 3 times a week and admission is free.  You can walk from town, or take a short drive.

Richborough Roman Fort

If you love history, one of the best things to do outside Sandwich is visit Richborough Roman Fort and Ampitheatre.

Owned by English Heritage, Richborough may have been the site of the first-century Roman landing in Britain.  Consequently, it is now one of England’s most important Roman settlements.

Today, you can see the ruins of the Roman defence walls and the encircling ditches.  Several information boards around the site give a brief insight into the history of the attraction.

Sandwich Bay

Sandwich does have its own beach, but you’ll need to pay to drive there, as it’s a private road.  It’s a shingle beach, but there is sand when the tide is out.

Accommodation in Sandwich

When it comes to accommodation in Sandwich, you have a number of options.  There’s a handful of hotels and pubs, or you can opt for one of the many self-catering options, including a stay at The Prince’s Golf Club .  If you are looking for something more quirky, you could stay on a Dutch Barge .

Alternatively, you could stay at Deal and do a day trip to Sandwich.

Things to do near Sandwich

Deal , another of the Cinque Ports is only 7 miles away.  One of the best things to do in Deal is explore Deal Castle, a defensive fortress built by Henry VIII.  Afterwards, take a stroll along Deal promenade and visit the pier.

If you prefer a sandy beach, head in the other direction to the picturesque seaside town of Broadstairs.   Famous for its association with Charles Dickens, Broadstairs is a bustling town with plenty of places to eat and drink.  You can also visit the iconic Botany Bay.

Alternatively, you can be in the or the vibrant fishing port Whitstable in only half an hour.  Amble round the Harbour Market, or head up to Tankerton Beach, before returning to the castle and shops.

Another great place to visit near Sandwich is Canterbury.  This historic city is famous for the murder in its cathedral and consequent pilgrimages to visit.  Read more:   Day trip to Canterbury: How to spend a day in Kent’s medieval city

How to get to Sandwich, Kent

Sandwich is in one of the furthermost South East corners of England.  However it is really accessibly by car.  You can take the M25/M26/M20 if you are coming from the South or the M2 from London.  It is about 75 miles from central London.

The fastest train from London to Sandwich leaves from St Pancras and takes just under 2 hours.

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What are your favourite things to do in Sandwich, Kent?  We’d love to hear your comments below.

You may also like:

• Best things to do in Whitstable
• 8 lovely reasons to visit Leeds Castle, Kent
• A weekend in Rye, East Sussex
• Exploring Beccles, a pretty Suffolk market town
• A visit to Hever Castle and Gardens

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At Chimptrips we have a passion for travel and discovering new places. We love to explore and have adventures, both at home and abroad and want to inspire others.

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Sandwich is a delightful place to visit. Loved wandering the quaint streets and soaking up the history . We paid a visit to the Guidhall and were given a tour with a very informative talk by one of the volunteer guides. Leant so much more than if we had toured by ourselves . Lots of lovely individual cafes and coffee shops . Also, enjoyed a delicious Pizza down on the quayside . Sandwich is a must to visit

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1 Welcome to Sandwich

Sandwich is one of England’s best-preserved medieval towns, packed with ancient narrow streets lined with colourful timber buildings. Centuries ago Sandwich was a prosperous port beside a major shipping channel. That all changed in the sixteenth century when the port declined. Sandwich was left almost frozen in time.

This walk explores how the changing landscape affected the town and its people. We will discover Sandwich’s medieval importance for trade and defence. We will hear why the town welcomed monarchs and migrants, martyrs and pilgrims - perhaps even an elephant!

The route is about two miles long starting and finishing at the bridge on The Quay. There are a few slopes and some very narrow pavements. A short section is across open land which can be muddy, so wear suitable shoes. We hope you enjoy the walk!

Begin the walk halfway across the Town Bridge on the side facing the Bell Hotel and riverside buildings. Look across the river to the car park and quayside.

2 A sandy place

From this bridge we can begin to understand Sandwich’s layout. The river below is the Stour. The buildings to the right mark the edge of the town, built on an area of high ground known as the Thanet Beds.

Look at a map of Kent you will see an area called the Isle of Thanet. As the name suggests Thanet was once an island. It was separated from mainland Kent by a strait called the Wantsum Channel. Once 600 metres wide, it was a major shipping route connecting the English Channel with the Thames Estuary.

Sandwich was located on a sand bank south of the Isle of Thanet, where the River Stour flowed into the Wantsum Channel. This location probably gave the town its name - ‘Sandwich’ derives from the Saxon for ‘sandy place’. In the tenth century the town relocated to higher ground, where it still stands today.

The direction of the prevailing winds along the Wantsum Channel made Sandwich a natural harbour for ships. A port developed here, known as the Sandwich Haven. Sandwich was ideally placed to trade with the rest of England and the Continent. By the eleventh century the town was England’s fourth-largest port.

Cross over the bridge towards the Bell Hotel. Turn left then carefully cross over the road. Follow the pavement beside the quayside buildings. Stop when you reach a stone archway next to a white building.

3 Fishy tales

Sandwich was once a walled town with access through a series of gates like this one, the Fisher Gate. Fisher Gate was the main entrance from Sandwich quay into the town itself.

There has been a fortified gatehouse on this site since 1380, though the current one dates from 1581 when it was enlarged. The town’s merchants passed through the Fisher Gate to conduct business on the quayside. The medieval quay would have been a busy place lined with ships and bustling with people.

Tradesmen like coopers would have used this gate on a daily basis. Coopers were skilled craftsmen who made barrels, a vital trade in a medieval port. Barrels were the best way of transporting goods by sea, including wine, beer, spices and salted fish.

Pack horses carried sacks of Kentish wool through here to be shipped to Flanders. Imports arrived through the Fisher Gate too. Wine from France, fruit from across Europe, timber from the Baltic were unloaded at The Quay and carried into the town through here.

To protect the town’s trade the Fisher Gate had a portcullis which could be lowered to seal off the street behind. We can still see the groove in the archway. Next to the Fisher Gate is a building called The Keep. A chain crossed the river here, allowing the town’s authorities to collect taxes from ships entering and leaving the port.

From the Fisher Gate continue along The Quay. Cross over the road then turn left before the entrance to the Secret Garden. Head towards the river and stop by the beacon with a large coat of arms on it.

4 A privileged port

This beacon was built to celebrate the Millennium. It also marks the former entrance to Sandwich port. During the town’s medieval heyday the River Stour was much wider and covered part of this grassy area.

Notice the coat of arms on the beacon. The red and blue shield is the emblem of the Cinque Ports. Formed around 1050, the Cinque Ports were all on England’s south coast. The original five (‘cinque’ is the French for ‘five’) were Hastings, Romney, Hythe, Dover - and Sandwich.

The Cinque Ports played a special role in medieval England. England did not have a Navy until the reign of Henry the VII. Before then the Cinque Ports provided the king with men and ships for fifteen days a year and during times of war.

In return these ports had special royal privileges including tax exemptions, salvage rights, and their own law courts. Later we will pass the Guildhall, where the Cinque Port court sessions were held. Look out for other examples of the Cinque Ports emblem around the town.

The Cinque Port towns became very wealthy. This wealth meant that they became strategic targets, however, and they were frequently attacked by French raiders. These attacks escalated between the 1330s and the 1450s, the ‘Hundred Years War’ between England and France.

Look across the grassy area for a ditch beside the stone wall. This was part of Sandwich’s defences. We will find out more about them at the next stop.

From the beacon head away from the river and cross the grassy area towards the stone wall. When you reach the wall turn left. Follow the path, keeping the wall and fence on your right. At the playground the path bears right and climbs uphill lined with railings. Continue on this path until you reach a bench and noticeboard. You should be overlooking a ditch and tennis courts. Stop at the bench.

5 Walls and wars

The Wantsum Channel made Sandwich accessible but vulnerable. Attacking forces could sail right into Sandwich Haven and plunder the town. From the thirteenth century Sandwich was attacked several times by the French.

King Richard II was so worried that in 1385 he ordered extra walls to be built around Sandwich. Stone was costly to transport so most of the walls were earth ramparts topped by wooden fences. The raised earthworks survive today and visitors can still follow long stretches of them.

We are now at the remains of The Bulwark. This was a large two-storey building completed in 1451 to protect Sandwich harbour.Notice how high up we are compared to the quayside. This site allowed men inside to spot potential enemies sailing up the river. They could fire arrows and cannon at the approaching raiders, while the chain across the river provided extra security.

Despite these defences attacks still occurred. In 1457 a violent raid breached The Bulwark and a 4,000 strong French force sacked the town. Many buildings were destroyed and the mayor was killed. To this day the Mayor of Sandwich wears a black robe.

All that remains of The Bulwark is this raised bank and a few stone sections at the bottom of the ditch. Today the ditch and other surviving defences protect the town from flooding rather than the French.

Continue along the path of The Bulwark up to the road bridge. This was the site of Sandown Gate, another of the town’s medieval entrances. Recent research indicates that a royal castle may have existed nearby in the medieval period opposite the Mill Bank. Turn right into Sandown Road and continue until you reach a church on the left. Cross the road and go into the church grounds beside the Knightrider Street sign.

6 Towering presence

This is Sandwich’s parish church, St Clement’s. It dates from the twelfth century and was built in stone imported from Caen in France. The impressive Norman tower was a lookout point in the town’s defences and ships used it navigate the harbour.

Sandwich had three medieval parish churches - another clue to the town’s prosperity. From the tenth century Sandwich belonged to the monks of Christ Church, Canterbury. As major employers and landowners, they collected a large amount of taxes from tenants, fishermen and visiting ships.

Another reason churches flourished in Sandwich was a constant stream of pilgrims travelling through the town. In 1170 Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, landed in Sandwich after meeting King Henry II in France. Becket then journeyed to Canterbury Cathedral where he was murdered.

After his death Becket was canonised as a saint. A shrine was created in Canterbury Cathedral at the spot where he was killed. Pilgrims from throughout Europe arrived in Sandwich to follow in Becket’s footsteps and journey to his shrine.

Keep the church on your left and follow the path through a set of metal gates. Follow the road ahead then turn right into Fisher Street. At the end note the slope down to the back of the Fisher Gate. Also note the Old Custom House to the right.

Turn left into Upper Strand Street. Pass Pondicherry Alley, a narrow passage that runs down to The Quay. At the end turn right and then immediately left past The Admiral Owen pub. Continue on the left hand side of Strand Street. Stop outside a building with a sign for Sandwich Weavers.

7 Weaving strands

We are now in one of the oldest parts of Sandwich. Here in Strand Street we can still see evidence of the original Saxon street plan. Many streets in this part of the town are narrow passages barely ten feet across. They would have bustled with people, pack animals, and barrels being trundled to and from the quaysides.

Notice how on some buildings the upper stories jut out over the pavements. The Sandwich Weavers is a fine example. These jettied designs allowed traders to maximise their floor space in a restricted site.

This building is named after Dutch migrants who settled here in the sixteenth century, though the building itself is much older. When Sandwich was at the height of its prosperity, this building was part of The Bull Inn. Merchants, sailors and townspeople who met here would have been able to glimpse ships in the Stour.

In the thirteenth century The Bull Inn was at the edge of the river. The clue is in the street name. ‘Strand’ was an Old English word for ‘bank’ or ‘shore’. The buildings we can see today on the other side of the street appeared after the River Stour shrank and the land was redeveloped.

Continue along Strand Street and cross over narrow Potter Street. As the road curves to the left, stop outside the large timber-framed building opposite the boatyard.

Strand Street is thought to be the longest unbroken stretch of timber-framed buildings in England. This towering building is actually two houses - Harfleet House and Dragon Hall - often known collectively as ‘The Pilgrims’

Harfleet House was probably built for a thirteenth century merchant. Over time its wealthy owners modified it to three storeys. In 1660 it belonged to major wool merchant, William Harfleet. The building has had many uses since including bank, antique shop, hotel, tea room and pub.

Wooden-framed buildings like ‘The Pilgrims’ were made from a mix of materials. The outside frames were built with Wealden timbers but internal walls and floors were often made from hardwood imported from the Baltic.

External walls were made from local mud, wattle, and even dung. These buildings were strong but susceptible to thieves, who could force a way through the wall panels. This method became enshrined in law as ‘breaking and entering’, a phrase still widely used today for burglary.

Before we move on, notice the street sign across the road – Breezy Corner. Linger here and you might feel a rush of ‘Sandwich wind’, caused by the town’s location on high ground near the coast.

Continue along Strand Street to the end of Harnet Street. Carefully cross over then turn left to continue along the right hand side of Harnet Street. Turn right into Guildcount Lane. When you reach the end turn left into Bowling Street. Look across the road at the large house with window shutters on the corner of Vicarage Lane.

9 Strangers in town

At the Sandwich Weavers building we heard about Dutch migrants who settled in the town. We have now arrived in the area where this community flourished.

In the sixteenth century the Netherlands were ruled by Spanish Catholics. Many Dutch Protestants fled their homeland to escape religious persecution and in 1560 Queen Elizabeth I granted a licence for a group of them to live in Sandwich. Around 25 families moved into this part of the town. They were known locally as ‘the Strangers’ (from ‘étrangers’, the French for ‘foreigners’).

The Dutch Protestants arrived at just the right time. By the 1560s Sandwich’s economy had begun to struggle. Changes to the coastline meant that the port had begun to shrink. The Dutch migrants introduced the town to new ways of making a living.

Dutch weavers used local wool to make broadcloth, a luxury item with significant value. The Dutch were also experts at land drainage and market gardening. They introduced new crops to the area, such as celery and carrots, on the sandy soils to the east of the town.

Sandwich still had some trade with the Continent, so the Dutch were able to use their contacts and expertise to trade. Sandwich’s economy has given a boost and some of ‘the Strangers’ became wealthy themselves.

A good illustration is the building on the corner, Richborough House. It was built in 1590 for one of the Dutch settlers. Notice the brick pattern above the door and the end wall covered in expensive stone, both signs that this was a wealthy person’s home.

By 1590 the Dutch made up nearly half of the local population. Many houses in the town were modified with features like gable walls and ornate brickwork. See how many examples you can spot.

Continue along Bowling Street. At the end carefully cross the road and turn right into Delf Street. Continue up to Horse Pond Sluice, a small L-shaped area of water outside a grey house.

10 Water, water, everywhere…

Horse Pond Sluice is named after this small metal sluice by the doorway of the house. Sluices are gates used to control water levels, especially in streams and canals. The sluice here helps the flow of a waterway called the Delf.

The Delf flows into Sandwich from a series of springs in the Lydden Valley behind the town of Deal. Some sections are underground now but there are stretches, such as here, that are still open at street level.

The name ‘Delf’ sounds Dutch but it is actually from Old English for ‘ditch’ or ‘dig’. The Delf is not a natural stream. Locals diverted it in the twelfth century to supply the town with clean water. Despite strict laws to maintain it, however, the results were mixed. 

Animals got into the water and the stream was used to dispose of all kinds of waste. Beyond Horse Pond Sluice blacksmiths, butchers and tanners used the Delf for their work. As a result waterborne diseases were a constant problem in Sandwich. Even so the Delf was used for drinking water until the end of the nineteenth century.

Continue along Delf Street then turn right into Church Street (signposted Church Street St Marys). Take time to admire some of the houses. At the end of the road is a church on the right hand side. Stop when you have a good view of the church.

11 Earthquake!

We have now arrived at St Mary’s, Sandwich’s oldest church. It is thought to date from the eleventh century but was rebuilt several times after damage by French raids.

Notice that St Mary’s doesn’t have a tower. This is because in 1580 “a great and terrible earthquake struck Sandwich which did shake and cleave St Mary’s Church”.

The earthquake weakened the building and in 1667 the tower collapsed. Beyond Sandwich, the Dover Straits Earthquake of 1580 shook the whole Kent coast and even parts of Europe. There was a landslip at the White Cliffs of Dover and buildings were damaged in Lille and Ghent. In the English Channel 165 ships sank with much loss of life.

In Sandwich, St Mary’s resounded with a loud crack. Damage to the rest of the town though was surprisingly light. Sandwich’s many wooden buildings were more flexible and therefore more earthquake resilient than the few stone ones.

Though large earthquakes are unusual in Britain, the area around Sandwich has been struck more than once. An earthquake in May 1382 sank up to 30 ships in the English Channel. Earthquakes hit the Dover Straits again in 1776 and 1950.

In May 2015 an earthquake struck Sandwich again. Nearby Folkestone was the centre of two smaller earthquakes in 2007 and 2009. The tectonic activity in East Kent is another example of how Sandwich has been shaped by physical forces over the centuries.

Pass the church - take care as there is no pavement on the right hand side of the road. Carefully cross over Strand Street and head towards the car park using the paths marked for pedestrians. Stop by the wooden gate overlooking the river.

12 Royal river

Today the River Stour is popular with pleasure boaters. Look among the boats here for the Sandwich River Bus, a ferry that runs between Sandwich and Richborough Roman Fort. There has been a ferry on the Stour for almost a thousand years, since King Canute granted the monks of Christ Church a charter to operate one in 1023.

The ferry and the river have many royal connections. These river banks were once lined with quays. Monarchs from Henry II to Elizabeth I used them to travel between England and the Continent. Henry V, for example, set sail from Sandwich in 1415 for the Battle of Agincourt. His army included local archers and ships supplied by the Cinque Ports. Heavy goods, including horses, were loaded by a riverside crane.

It is possible that a more unusual animal may have travelled through Sandwich. In 1255 the French king, Louis IX, sent King Henry III a present – a ten year old African elephant. It was the first elephant to arrive in England since Roman times.

Henry ordered the High Sherriff of Kent to bring the elephant from France to London by water. The Wantsum Channel was the main shipping route, so the elephant probably travelled through Sandwich port. The Sheriff submitted a bill of £6 and 87 pence for transport charges. Expensive indeed when a Knight at Arms could live on £15 a year.

Stay beside the River Stour and look along the river towards the bridge where the walk began.

13 Deposition and drainage

This view along the river shows how much the Stour has shrunk since Sandwich’s medieval prime. In the 1400s almost 100 local ships were based here and the river welcomed many visiting vessels. So what happened to them and why is today’s river so small?

The fate of Sandwich is linked to its geography. Sandwich was founded on a sandbank, where the River Stour flowed into the Wantsum Channel. This location created but then destroyed the port. It happened when the two changes in the landscape combined.

The first change was natural. The prevailing winds and tides that carried ships into Sandwich also moved sediment along the Kent coast from south to north. This sediment was deposited across the mouth of the Wantsum Channel, gradually blocking access to Sandwich Haven. The same process ultimately stopped the Isle of Thanet being an island.

The second change was caused by people. Beside the Wantsum Channel were extensive salt marshes. The monks drained these marshes to use the land for farming. This considerably reduced the Wantsum Channel’s width, making it harder for ships to reach Sandwich port.

By the end of the sixteenth century Sandwich port and its trade had shrunk dramatically. The last recorded use of the Wantsum Channel was in 1672 when a ship from London delivered a set of bells for St Clement’s Church.

Turn away from the river and head towards the former brewery buildings to the left of the car park. Go through the gates marked ‘pedestrian access only’ and follow the path through the trees. After a short distance there is a playing field on the right. Look over the playing field.

14 Salt and water

Looking across the field, notice how flat this land is. This is one of the areas reclaimed salt marshes we heard about at the last stop. Besides creating farmland, draining the marshes released a useful by product.

In the era before refrigerators, salt was a very important way to preserve food. In Sandwich fish were a staple of the local diet and they could perish very quickly if left unsalted.

Salt marshes also play an important role in flood protection. They absorb sea water and protect land during high tide or storms. The playing fields here can soak up water when the River Stour floods or after heavy rain. This to preserve this natural flood barrier, notice there is little housing here.

Flooding is still a risk, however, in Sandwich. The Environment Agency estimates that 488 homes could be affected by flooding. Flood defences costing £21.7 million have been built along the banks of the Stour, including higher walls and spillways.

Changes in the natural environment still affect Sandwich, just as they have for thousands of years.

Remain facing the playing fields and look towards the complex of pale modern buildings on the horizon.

15 Secrets and discoveries

This landscape hides several interesting secrets and discoveries.The pale modern buildings on the horizon are part of Discovery Park, which opened in 1957 as a research and development facility for the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. Many new drugs were developed here to treat various illnesses and diseases.

Before Discovery Park was built this low-lying area was a secret military base. In 1916 a military port called Richborough was created here, named after a nearby Roman fortress. The port supplied the British Army with food and ammunition during the First World War. It was also where roll on / roll off ferries were first developed.

In 1939 part of the disused port - the Kitchener Camp - accommodated 5,000 Jewish men escaping from Nazi-occupied Europe. Sandwich welcomed their arrival. Many found work rebuilding the military camp during the Second World War. Kimbers Golden Crust Bakery on Harnet Street even started to sell real coffee to cater for these new European customers.

To the left of Discovery Park, the dense group of trees is part of the Gazen Salts Nature Reserve. This area of protected land has become a haven for wildlife, including orange tip butterflies, tufted ducks, teals, cuckoos, woodpeckers, warblers, kingfishers and endangered water voles.

Continue along the path as it sweeps to the left. Pass the entrance gate of the Gazen Salts Nature Reserve on the right. A fence will appear on your right and a stream on your left. Stop when you reach a concrete bunker on your left.

16 A place of punishment

We are now outside Sandwich’s medieval walls. The path we are on led to the Canterbury Gate, the town’s main entrance from the west. Being outside the town walls meant this area was used for less desirable activities.

The land on the other side of the fence is Gallows Field, where the town gallows were located. Robbers were hanged and their bodies displayed to deter other criminals from entering the town. Women accused of crimes were ducked in stagnant water.

Note the ditch beside the path. The water here is the Guestling, a stream that flows from the Delf we saw earlier. The medieval monks created the Guestling to drain their land. After the French raid of 1457 many of these drainage channels were deepened to create extra defence features.

Across the ditch is a concrete bunker. This is a Type 22 pillbox built during the Second World War as part of the south coast defences against Nazi invasion in 1940. The ditch and the pillbox show how Sandwich was on England’s frontline for over 500 years.

Continue along the path until you reach a road. Cross the road carefully and enter the lane to the left of Guestling Cottage. Pass the houses on the left and continue onto a raised path lined with trees. Pass through a pair of metal gate posts. A stream and cricket pavilion will appear on the right. Stop at one of the benches by the path and look at the flat land beyond the stream.

17 Bows and bats

We are now on top of the old town walls again. This pleasant stretch is called The Butts. The unusual name comes from an activity that used to take place on the drained marshland now occupied by Sandwich Town Cricket Club.

During much of Sandwich’s medieval prosperity England was at war with France. English monarchs demanded that their subjects should always be ready for war service. Henry III for example issued an edict in 1252 that required all “citizens, burgesses, free tenants, villeins and others from 15 to 60 years of age” to have ready weapons.

The most effective English weapon in this era was the longbow. From the age of ten every able-bodied man had to learn how to use one. Archers developed their skills by hitting targets – or ‘butts’ – set at ranges of up to 200 metres.

In medieval times the flat land here was where locals and the king’s men practiced. It is thought that Henry V’s archers trained here before the Battle of Agincourt.

The preferred wood for making longbows was yew. This very strong wood was so popular that English supplies ran out. By around 1350 stocks had to be imported from Spain and Italy through Sandwich port.

Continue along the path of The Butts. Pass a small bridge on the right and a supermarket car park on the left. At the end of the path turn left. The start of the road (called Moat Sole) was the site of the Woodnesborough Gate, another of Sandwich’s medieval entrances. Follow Moat Sole as it sweeps round to the left. Stop almost immediately opposite a large stone building with a porch by the road.

18 Pilgrims’ progress

This grand stone building is St Thomas’ Hospital. It is not a hospital in the modern medical sense – instead it accommodated medieval pilgrims. It is named after Thomas Becket.

As we have already heard, Sandwich became a popular stop for pilgrims travelling to Becket’s shrine in Canterbury. There has been a St Thomas’ Hospital in Sandwich since the fourteenth century, though the buildings we can see were completed in 1878. The date on the porch refers to its earlier location.

There were three ‘hospitals’ in medieval Sandwich; St Thomas’, St Bartholomew’s and St John’s. Pilgrims added considerably to Sandwich’s wealth by spending money here and paying taxes on their accommodation and travel.

Pilgrimage was a serious matter. Pious devotees travelled throughout Europe to go on spiritual as well as physical journeys. For many working people it was also their only chance to leave their lord’s manor for an extended period.

We can get an idea who went on pilgrimages from Geoffrey Chaucer’s epic poem The Canterbury Tales. Written in the 1370s it follows a group of pilgrims travelling to Canterbury from London. Besides clergy the group includes a knight, a merchant, a yeoman, a sailor, a widow, and a miller.

The Prologue contains an outline of their journey:

     Palmeres for to seken straunge strondes      To ferne halwes, kowthe in sondry londes;      And specially from every shires ende     Of Engelond, to Caunterbury they wende,      The hooly blisful martir for to seke      That hem hath holpen, whan that they were seeke.

     Wandering travellers tread new shores, strange strands      Seek out far shrines, renowned in many lands,      And specially from every shire’s end      Of England to Canterbury they wend      the holy blessed martyr there to seek,      Who has brought health to them when they were sick.

Continue along Moat Sole until you reach a mini roundabout. Use the supermarket crossing point to the left to cross the road. Continue along Moat Sole and stop outside the Red Cow pub.

19 Thirsty work

As the name of The Red Cow suggests, this part of Sandwich has a farming history. Until the 1970s the car park across the road was the site of the town’s cattle market. The street around the car park is still called Cattle Market today.

Many regulars at the Red Cow were animal drovers and farmers. Cattle and sheep were reared on the marshy fields outside the town walls before being herded into the market. Farmers had to breed animals that could live on marshy land. North Kent sheep in particular were well adapted to living on these salty soils.

Sandwich livestock supplied the town plus the nearby naval base at Deal. From the sixteenth to the nineteenth century sailors and Royal Marines at sea were given one pound of salted meat as part of their daily rations. Fresh meat was loaded onto naval vessels while they were at anchor off the coast.

At the Red Cow, the drovers and farmers would quench their thirst. Beer was also safer to drink than the easily polluted water that flowed along the Delf and other streams around the town.

Continue along Moat Sole. When you reach the car park on the right, turn into the road to the left. Continue a short distance and stop outside the pale building set back from the road.

20 A place of shelter

The distinctive Sandwich United Reformed Church was built in 1706. Do go inside if it is open. Holding up the ceiling are a pair of ship masts. They come from ships that transported another of Sandwich’s migrant communities - French Huguenots.

Like the Dutch weavers, the Huguenots were Protestants who arrived in Sandwich to escape religious persecution. From the late sixteenth century an estimated 40,000 Huguenots settled in England. They were the first group of people to be called refugees – the word comes from the French ‘refugier’ which means ‘to take shelter’.

In Sandwich the Huguenots found shelter with the Non-Conformist community. Non Conformists are Protestants who worship independently from the Church of England. When Sandwich’s Non-Conformists began building their church the Huguenot settlers donated the masts in gratitude.

Before we move on, notice the large building across the road. This is the back of the Guildhall. Built from 1579 the Guildhall was the Cinque Ports courthouse. It is now home to the town museum and is well worth a visit.

Feel free to enter the church if it is open. When you are ready, leave the church and carefully cross the road. Keep the Guildhall on your right and follow the pavement into a market square. Continue across the square and onto the right hand side of New Street. Stop beside a small white house with a square plaque above the door.

21 The great migration

We have already heard about people who arrived in Sandwich from abroad. People also left the town for foreign lands. By the 1600s Sandwich had declined as a port but it was still used by smaller ships. Sandwich’s reduced size helped it become a departure point of the ‘Great Migration’.

The ‘Great Migration’ was a period of religious turmoil from the 1600s. English Puritans left the country to start new lives overseas. Some 40,000 Puritans settled in America. As Sandwich was by then a small port it was an easier place for people to evade the authorities.

In Massachusetts there is a town named Sandwich, founded by Puritan migrants. Puritans were not the only people to leave Sandwich for a new life. This small house once belonged to the writer and political activist Thomas Paine.

In 1759 Paine set up a tailor’s shop here that specialised in making corsets. The business was not a success so he emigrated in pursuit of a better living, first to France and then America. Paine’s writing career there inspired the American Independence movement and he created the phrase ‘United States of America’.

Cross over the road and continue along Austin’s Lane. The next stop is the church ahead. When you are ready, bear left and go into the church grounds. Stop with a view of the tower.

22 Protection and plague

We are now at the third of Sandwich’s medieval churches. St Peter’s played an important role in the town. Its central location meant that it sounded the curfew bell at eight o’clock each night. When the curfew sounded all fires had to be extinguished - vital when most of the buildings were made of flammable timber.

St Peter’s also offered protection during the Plague. The Plague or ‘Black Death’ was one of the worst pandemics in history. It started in China then swept across Europe in 1348, though outbreaks continued for over 300 years. The disease was spread by fleas which lived on rats. Since rats often hid on ships, plague spread rapidly in port towns.

Sandwich was hit by several outbreaks. In 1564 infected people were quarantined inside St Peter’s to stop the disease spreading.

St Peter’s later became the community church of the town’s Dutch settlers. Look carefully at the tower. The top is made from darker bricks than the rest. When the original tower collapsed in 1661 the Dutch rebuilt it. They added the unusual dome on top and the Dutch gable wall on the chapel.

The curfew bell tradition continues to this day. From Monday to Saturday the bell rings at 8pm for 10 minutes.

With the church on your left, go through the gap in the wall onto St Peter’s Street. Turn right and head toward the white building on the right hand side with the noticeboard on the end wall. This is where the town jail used to be.

Go into the narrow passage across the street called Holy Ghost Alley. This was originally a shortcut that allowed people to carry water from the Delf Stream. Walk through the alley to emerge on the High Street. Turn left and continue a short distance until you are outside a dark building on the left hand side called Pellicane House.

Note: the alley may be too narrow for pushchairs and wheelchairs. For an alternative route turn right from the church and continue along St Peter’s Street. Turn left into Short Street then left at the end to enter the High Street.

23 Ups and downs

We are now in Sandwich’s High Street. Notice the buildings here are much larger compared to the streets by the river. This higher ground away from the crowded quays allowed people to develop larger properties.

Many were highly modified in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. With its flint walls, Pellicane House is a good example. Look for other buildings nearby that have been updated, including Georgian fronts added by rich owners.

By the sixteenth century the High Street had replaced The Quay as the town’s business centre. The shift illustrates Sandwich’s decline after its medieval prosperity. When the Wantsum Channel and Sandwich Haven silted up, large ships could no longer travel to the quayside. Trade shifted to Dover and Deal.

Furthermore, from 1536 Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries. The monks who owned Sandwich had to surrender their land and property to the king. Henry also suppressed religious hospitals and Thomas Becket’s shrine was destroyed on his orders.

Without its valuable port and pilgrims Sandwich became isolated. The medieval town was left behind. Sandwich hasn’t grown dramatically since. Today the population is 4,500, compared to around 2,000 in the late medieval port. By comparison, industrialised towns and cities doubled in size in decades rather than centuries.

Continue along the High Street. Stop beside The Admiral Owen pub and look at the arch ahead next to The Crispin Inn.

24 A haven again

This arch is The Barbican or Davis Gate, built in the fourteenth century as part of the town’s defences. From 1759 until 1977 it was used to collect tolls from travellers crossing the bridge. There is still a board inside listing the toll charges.

These tolls became a major source of income, especially from the late Victorian era when Sandwich’s preserved medieval streets became a visitor attraction. The amount of toll money collected funded the rebuilding of the bridge in 1892. Today tourism is still one of the main elements of the local economy.

Increased visitor numbers also helped protect Sandwich. The Barbican, the town walls, the churches and many of the houses we have seen are now listed buildings. In fact the whole medieval town is a conservation area.

Another reason visitor numbers increased from the Victorian era was a new leisure activity: golf. Sandwich is home to three world-class golf courses, including Royal St George’s which opened in 1887. Sandwich has hosted The Open Championship 15 times.

Interestingly the golf courses developed thanks to the processes that shrank the port. The courses are on coastal land created by centuries of sediment deposition. This is yet another example of Sandwich using its changing physical geography for economic gain.

Carefully cross over the end of the High Street towards the Bell Hotel. Then cross over The Quay and bear left towards the town bridge where you started the walk. As before, stop halfway across the bridge.

Note: it is possible to access the bridge through The Barbican. Please take care though as the pavements inside are very narrow and traffic from the High Street goes through the arch. Use the traffic lights to go through safely. As you do, look inside for the toll charge board and a plaque commemorating Richborough Transit Camp.

25 Monks, monarchs and migrants

We end back at the bridge overlooking The Quay. From here we can see how Sandwich has adapted to changing circumstances.

The river is no longer full of working ships but a place for leisure boating. The quayside buildings have changed from warehouses to pubs and restaurants. The Barbican has changed use from a defensive structure to a tourist attraction.

Throughout our Sandwich’s story, geography has always affected the town. Sandwich’s location created a sheltered harbour beside a major shipping route that reached its economic peak during the early medieval period. However, coastal deposition and draining salt marshes changed the landscape. The harbour was cut off from major trade and the economy went into decline, despite skilled migrants from Europe.

These physical and economic changes left the town almost frozen in time. Sandwich has capitalised on this since through tourism. The processes that destroyed the port also helped to create new land uses, from golf courses to nature reserves.

Geography is never static though and even now Sandwich faces new challenges. Like the medieval monks, monarchs and migrants, today’s residents face both the threats and possibilities posed by Sandwich’s fascinating and changing landscape.

You may like to explore the town further or follow the town walls. To go to Sandwich railway station, make your way back along the High Street. Continue onto The Chain then bear right into Galliard Street. At the end turn left onto New Street. The station is on the left.

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Saved haven

Strand Street, Sandwich © Rory Walsh RGS-IBG Discovering Britain

Sandwich walk

A circular walk around historic sandwich.

Sandwich is one of England’s most picturesque towns. The narrow winding streets are lined with colourful timber-framed buildings and surrounded by world-class golf courses. Yet behind these charming sights the town has survived sieges, earthquakes, pandemics - and more.

In the medieval period Sandwich was a major port that welcomed pilgrims, launched armies, and hosted royalty. By the sixteenth century however the town was left behind, almost frozen in time. 

This walk explores why - and follows the town’s changing fortunes to see how Sandwich has adapted over the centuries.

Follow the walk by clicking on the map pins or downloading the guides below

• audio guide
• written guide
• app download

Sandwich walk credits

Thanks to - 

Raymond Molony FRGS for creating the walk and providing the audio commentary

Rory Walsh for editing the walk materials and providing photos 

Caroline Millar for editing the audio files

The Sandwich Society for their input and generosity 

Dr Helen Clarke and Arthur Percival MBE for advice and guidance 

Anne and Aidan Hyland Lawes  (RIP) for introducing Raymond to the world of the Fine Rolls of Henry III 

Dr David Crook OBE  for help with tracking a medieval elephant 

For their valuable assistance  - Dr Frank Andrews (Sandwich Local History Society) ,   Sue Fielder (Open Sandwich Design) ,   Ray Harlow  (Sandwich Guildhall Archive) ,  Kat Hubschmann (The Wiener Library) ,  Simon Phelps (Fluvial Innovations) ,   Karen Potter (Gazen Salts Nature Reserve) ,   Dr Clare Ungerson ,   David Flintham ,  Mike Osborne ,  Angela Searles  and  Barbara Molony

• South East England

Sandwich made headlines in May 2015 when it was hit by an earthquake - major quakes have shaken the town several times since 1382

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Dover & White Cliffs Tour; Canterbury, Coastal Towns & Castles

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Tours & sightseeing, top attractions in sandwich.

Other Top Attractions around Sandwich

What travellers are saying

• Sandwich Guildhall Museum
• Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre
• Sandwich Bay Beach
• St Peter's Church
• White Mill Rural Heritage Centre
• Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory
• Worth Marshes
• River Runner
• Captain Colin's Riverbus

Sandwich and Pegwell Bay

Birds at Pegwell Bay, photo by Russell Miles

Sandwich Bay, photo by Vicky Aitkenhead

Wetland at Sandwich and Pegwell Bay, photo by Vicky Aitkenhead

Oystercatcher - Mike Snelle

Ian Andrews

Tom Marshall

• Birdwatching
• Butterflies
• Geological interest
• Stunning views
• Wildflowers

OS Map Reference

Know before you go

Parking information, bicycle parking, grazing animals, walking trails.

The New All England Coast Path runs through and around the boundary of the National Nature Reserve, this is clearly signposted (or please visit the Natural England website for maps).

At Pegwell Bay Country Park, there is a circular route with hard surfaces and several grass paths within the Country Park. Please help us conserve wildlife by avoiding the restricted access areas highlighted on the map.

Pegwell Bay Country Park - circular solid path around seawall which is wheelchair accessible, and mown grass paths throughout Country Park. Sustrans bicycle route runs on the boundary of the Country Park and Sandwich Road.The Ramsgate to Folkstone section of the English Coast Path passes through the reserve.

Saltmarsh and mudflats are restricted access (see map for the restricted area).

There are voluntary agreements for kite surfing and bait digging only to access the restricted zone. Please scroll to bottom of page to see more information on access agreements and for rules regarding all other activity use.

Sandwich Bay - sandy, unsurfaced paths and beach, with a restricted access area to the North of the Bay (see map for restricted areas).

On lead and restricted access in some areas. See more info at the bottom of the page.

When to visit

Opening times, best time to visit, about the reserve.

This complex mosaic of habitats holds many internationally important and rare plants and animals.

In the spring, migrant birds such as nightingales, cuckoos and warblers arrive on the reserve to breed.

In summer, visitors such as oystercatchers and ringed plover nest on Sandwich Bay’s shingle beach. Meanwhile butterflies enjoy the duneland flora and its many rare species such as lizard orchids and Deptford pink.

In the autumn and winter, seals can be seen from the end of Stonelees, just after the Country Park. During these colder months, we also see the biggest influx of waterfowl and waders such as dunlin, sanderling and grey plover, feeding in the saltmarsh and recovering from their long migrations.

Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve (NNR) is important for breeding, migrating and wintering birds all year round. Its rich feeding grounds are a vital stop during the epic migrations of birds, some of which cover thousands of miles.

Worryingly, many bird species numbers have fallen steeply here. Little terns have stopped breeding and ringed plover chick numbers have declined sharply. We have also seen increasing pressure from recreational activities in parts of the bay that need to remain undisturbed for wildlife

Human disturbance harms birds' chances of survival

When we cause birds to move or fly up, it might not seem serious, but impacts include:

• Missed feeding opportunities
• Difficulty feeding chicks
• Wasted energy
• Loss of condition before long migrations
• Relocation to overpopulated sites with less food
• Reduced breeding success

We can all take simple steps to share the bay responsibly and help the remarkable wildlife of Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve to recover and thrive once again. No matter how you enjoy the reserve, whether this be walking, cycling, birdwatching or wind sports, there are ways you can enjoy this special place while minimising harm to threatened bird species.

Please DO these things:

• Do stick do the designated access routes and avoid entering restricted areas such as the mudflats and saltmarsh.
• Do keep your dogs off the mudflats, saltmarsh and upper chalk shore (see map). Please do not let your dog chase wildlife.   
• Do clean up after your dog and take your litter home or put it in the bin.
• Do give wildlife space. We can cause animals to waste energy reserves, miss out on food and even abandon nests and chicks.

Avoid doing these things:

• Don’t forage. Commercial cockle collection can be reported to Kent & Essex IFCA: 01843 585 310.
• Don’t use drones.
• Don't kite surf
• Don’t use the area for metal detecting.
• Don’t horse ride at Pegwell Bay. At Sandwich, avoid the Restricted Area and grass/wildflowers by using the beach.
• Don’t disturb seals in the water or resting on the estuary sand banks. Give them a wide berth as they can be easily scared by humans.
• Don’t disturb roosting and breeding sites by use of personal watercraft. Keep to the navigational access route to and from Sandwich.
• Lizard orchid
• Common restharrow
• Common blue
• Small copper
• Green hairstreak
• Common seal
• Nightingale
• Oystercatcher
• Black-tailed godwit
• Sandwich tern
• Brent goose
• Short-eared owl
• Sand lizard
• Natterjack toad
• Saltmarsh and mudflats
• Beaches and strandlines

Environmental designation

Sign up to the Sandwich and Pegwell Bay mailing list

Additional information

Kite surfing information.

Kite surfing is banned all year round. Launching from or landing in the reserve is an offence.

Bait digging

Please see here for voluntary agreement: thanetcoast.org.uk/media/1920963/PegwellBay_BaitandBirdAgreement.pdf

See map below for sensitive roosting sites to avoid.

Motorboats, personal watercraft, water-skiing

Access to and from the River Stour for navigational purposes only. Stick to 8 knots p/hour and avoid making wake around the river mouth. Keep all activities, launches and landings away from the waters around Sandwich and Pegwell Bay NNR, including landing or launching in the Mouth of the Stour, as these areas are protected for wildlife.

If you encounter wildlife, such as seals either at sea or on sandbanks, slow down and give them a wide berth as they can be easily scared by humans. Please follow the  NE Kent Marine Wildlife Watching Code  for wildlife watching guidelines.

Around the Kent coastline, we're lucky enough to have populations of both grey seals and common seals that you might spot bobbing around in the sea or resting on our sandbanks and beaches. However, seal disturbance is a major issue. Find out more about watching seals safely and what to do if you spot a seal by clicking the button below:

Help be our eyes and ears

You can report any seal disturbance you witness in the waters around Pegwell Bay and the Stour Estuary by logging this with us via the following link. Information on incidents of disturbance can help us to make a difference to enabling us to better inform the appropriate authorities of the breaking of wildlife related byelaws.

Report disturbance now

If you spot an injured seal , please contact British Divers Marine Life Rescue on 01825 765546 (office hours) or 07787 433 412. 

If you find a dead seal on the shore , contact the local authority. Call 01843 577000 for Thanet District Council.

If you spot a seal,  please help us to record sightings by reporting to  ZSL #inthethames

For more information  on how you can help support our work to protect coastal wildlife please contact Nina Jones, Protected Area Warden:  [email protected]

Bird disturbance

Sandwich and Pegwell Bay is home to many important species of bird. Unfortunately, they are often disturbed by humans and/or dogs, leading to a devastating impact on their health and survival chances.

Find out more

To report disturbance, please click here: eastkent.birdwise.org.uk/reporting/

Fenced dog zone area available in the KCC Country Park to allow dogs to safely run off lead.

A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) prevents dogs on the mudflats, saltmarsh, Pegwell beach or upper chalk shore all year round at Pegwell Bay (see map for the restricted area)

At Sandwich Bay a second PSPO states there are three zoned areas with a traffic light system for dog walking

• Off leads (under control): from car park to Prince’s enclosure.  
• On leads: Prince’s enclosure.  
• Not allowed: restricted area.  

To download this map and zoom in, please click here.

Useful Links

See our Events page for regular guided walks in the area.

For opportunities on how you can support our work at Pegwell and Sandwich please check out our Jobs page.

A Meander through the Medieval Streets of Sandwich in Kent

Remnants of the once prosperous port of Sandwich in Kent still line its quay on the River Stour. Such was its importance that it was one of the original (and oldest) of the five Cinque Ports

The Guildhall

King Street and St Peter’s Street

St Peter’s Church and Tower

The Curfew Bell

The Town Walls

The Salutation Gardens

The Toll Bridge and the Barbican Gate

Where to Stay

Getting There

Regular train services operate from London St Pancras (direct) and London Victoria to Sandwich. It is also easy to get there by road thanks to the M20 that links into other motorways.

Available on GPSmyCity.com

This article is now featured on  GPSmyCity .  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours in Sandwich on GPSmyCity

This article was based on the personal experience of Valery , an ExperiencedTraveller.

Visit Sandwich a taste of medieval England ...

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Travel to Sandwich in Kent UK:

Visitor Information Centre The Guildhall, Sandwich Kent CT13 9AH

Open: Monday to Sunday 10am to 4pm Tel: 01304 617197

Sandwich Map & Leaflet (pdf)

Travel Directions

By Road: From central London - about 75 miles. Either M20 or M2 - to avoid Dover use M2 at the end continue to the Kent Coast by A299 dual carriageway through to the Sandwich bypass on the out skirts of the town. The direction signs are for Ramsgate and then Sandwich.

The AA Route Planner

By Bus: There is a National Express Coach to Canterbury from Victoria Coach Station, London (You usually have to book a seat) Phone: 08705 808080. The 'buses from Canterbury to Sandwich run regularly (you do not have to book).Timetable information is available from Stagecoach East Kent Buses (08702 433711).

National Express Coaches

Local Buses

By Rail: There is a train from Charing Cross station in Central London that goes to Sandwich every hour. The journey can take a little over 2 hours as there are quite a few stations on the way. Alternatively there is a faster train from St Pancras (1 hour 45 mins)

Sandwich Station Details

Plan & Book your Trains

Air Travel:

Gatwick 79 miles Follow the exit signs and join the M23. Leave the M23 at Junction 8 for the M25. On the M25, exit on Junction 5 with M26. From the M26 take the M20. Leave at Junction 7 and take the A249 for about 6 miles. Join the M2 at the end continue to the Kent Coast by A299 dual carriageway through to the Sandwich bypass on the out skirts of the town. The direction signs are for Ramsgate and then Sandwich.

www.gatwickairport.com

Heathrow 105 miles Follow the exit signs to the M4. Exit at Junction 4b for the M25. On the M25, exit on Junction 5 with M26. From the M26 take the M20. Leave at Junction 7 and take the A249 for about 6 miles. Join the M2 at the end continue to the Kent Coast by A299 dual carriageway through to the Sandwich bypass on the out skirts of the town. The direction signs are for Ramsgate and then Sandwich.

www.heathrowairport.com

Where to Stay

Those wishing to stay can find accommodation information about the hotels, inns, self catering and bed and breakfasts in and near to Sandwich.

• Stay in Sandwich

For both short term and long term visitors there are details of places to dine out, including, restaurants, pubs and cafés. Some are located in the centre of the town whilst there are others near the Quay. Find out More:

• Dine in Sandwich

What to See & Do

There are plenty of visitor attractions both in & near Sandwich. Also golfers have a wide choice of courses very close to the town, including championship courses such as, Royal St. Georges, Princes and the Royal Cinque Ports golf clubs.

• Activities - Things to Do
• Places to Visit in & around Sandwich
• Golf in & near Sandwich
• Places to Dine

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History & Community

See the following external websites for History of the town from Roman times to the present plus photos, shopping & events:

• Open Sandwich website

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‘we’re already in a climate emergency - it’s changing our wildlife’, campaigners bid to protect land as ‘village green’ given timeline for decision, murder investigation after man dies in hospital.

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Home   Medway   News   Article

Murder arrest after man dies following alleged attack in Chatham

A murder investigation has been launched after a man died in hospital.

The victim in his 30s, was found in a property in Chatham High Street on Monday at around 4.55pm

He was rushed to a London hospital via air ambulance where his death was later confirmed.

Police have now launched a murder investigation after it was alleged he was assaulted earlier in the day between 11am and 2pm in Magpie Hall Road, near the junction with Newnham Street.

Detectives are also investigating claims he was assaulted during a previous incident in the High Street between Upbury Way and Insititute Road on March 30 at around 10.45pm.

A 43-year-old man has been arrested today in connection with the investigation. A second who was detained on Monday (April 1) has been released without charge.

Officers are urging anyone who witnessed either of the incidents to call the appeal line.

Drivers with dashcam and residents with private CCTV in the area, are also asked to check for relevant footage.

Anyone with information should call 01634 792209, quoting reference 46/52286/24.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by using the online form on their website.

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