A relaxed, romantic and rustic medieval English town: explore Sandwich, Kent

'A relaxed, romantic and rustic medieval English town'

Sandwich, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Britain, will captivate you - you’ll love its laid-back vibe as you discover the quaint, idyllic charm of this rustic Kentish beauty spot.

The town was one of the famous Cinque Ports, which were grouped together by Edward the Confessor for defence purposes. Explore centuries of English history with a guided tour of the town - visit the historic centre and discover perfectly preserved ancient architecture. The town’s street plan hasn’t changed much at all since the Domesday Book was commissioned. Make sure to include a visit to the Guildhall Museum, home to Sandwich’s very own Magna Carta! A river tour to Richborough Roman Fort & Amphitheatre - one of the most symbolically important Roman sites in Britain - is highly recommended.

From a more modern perspective, Sandwich is well-known for its fantastic golf. Part of Kent’s Golf Coast, Sandwich has two Championship courses - Prince’s Golf Club, a links course with accommodation that overlooks Sandwich Bay, and Royal St George’s, which has been ranked the number one links course in England (Golf World Top 100 Rankings 2021) and which hosted the 149th Open in 2021, the fifteenth time the Open Championship has been played here.

Sandwich is, unsurprisingly, widely associated with its namesake snack - although the Earl of Sandwich had no real connection with the town. Nonetheless, food is an important part of this town’s fabric, with plenty of different culinary fairs and festivals taking place throughout the year.

Relax by the water in Sandwich as you soak up the tranquillity of the River Stour. Cruise from the quayside for a marine wildlife encounter, spotting seals in their natural habitat, or board a Cold War-era gunboat boasting Hollywood connections. Browse bespoke shops for curios; dine in style – you’ll be spoilt for choice with eating establishments ranging from traditional Kent pubs to fine-dining British and international restaurants. 

Sandwich is more than a bite-sized adventure… With so much to discover and explore, you won’t want to rush home. Relax overnight here and feel refreshed for tomorrow, ready to enjoy more of the magic in White Cliffs Country. There are plenty of places to stay the night - from camping to hotels and cottages – so don’t miss the magic of Sandwich.

Character Towns

Explore Sandwich, Kent