Visit the best-preserved medieval town in England
Lined with winding alleyways, independent shops and restaurants and set on the River Stour, Sandwich offers a wonderful mix of culture and leisure
Sandwich is a beautiful small historic town, easily reached from Dover either by ferry or the Channel Tunnel. Packed with winding streets and ancient churches it offers plenty of interesting shops, things to do and places to stay.
This is probably the best-preserved medieval town in England and even though it has fewer than 5,000 residents, it boasts a huge choice of great places to eat and stay, from black and white timbered pubs with oak beams and draught ales to family-run B&Bs steps from the town centre.
Although it’s now two miles inland, Sandwich was originally on the coast and a key trading port. It is one of the original Cinque Ports, a group created by Edward the Confessor back in the 11th century to protect the coastline and boost maritime trading.
A guided walking tour brings this incredible history to life, pop into the Guildhall Museum and you’ll find Sandwich’s very own 1300 Magna Carter and Charter of the Forest.
The town is built on the River Stour, where you can take a relaxing cruise aboard the River Runner to spot grey seals and seabirds or sail up to Richborough Roman Fort, where you will see some of the Finest Roman ruins in Britain bristling with Saxon Shore fort walls. Climb the ramparts for epic views across the Kent countryside to the coast.
With jaw-dropping treats round every corner, you’ll be spoilt for choice, but St Peter’s Church in Market Street is a must. Open daily, climb the medieval church tower for outstanding rooftop views stretching to France on a clear day. Browse market stalls of books and bric-a-brac, rest at the café and relax in the gardens.