One of the best preserved medieval centres in the UK, Sandwich is a collection of timber-framed houses set in quiet lanes, dotted with properly ancient churches. It was one of the original Cinque Ports which were established in 1155 in order to provide ships for Crown use on a given number of days per year. Some of our pick of the best places to stay in Sandwich are equally historic. We've uncovered a range of friendly B&Bs, historic pubs-with-rooms and smaller hotels.
As well as its lovely early architecture, Sandwich boasts roots going back to Roman times and the ruins of the Roman fort of Richborough are nearby. The town also has one of the original copies of the Magna Carta in its Guildhall Museum. You'll also find an Art Deco cinema and a good collection of cafes, bars and restaurants, not to mention the independent shops and galleries.
Keen golfers will be spoilt with a stay here! The Royal St George's course is a regular host of the British Open and there are plenty more courses to choose from in the area. Other outdoors activities include birdwatching (head to the Monk's Wall Nature Reserve or the bird observatory at Sandwich Bay — the area is known for its migrating waders and wildfowl), cycling and walking — whether over the white cliffs and coastal paths or in the pretty inland countryside. And we can't talk about the Kent coast without mentioning the beaches. The closest is the long sand and shingle Sandwich Bay, but you can easily head slightly further afield to either Deal or Pegwell Bay.
As with many coastal destinations the best places to stay in Sandwich are incredibly busy during the peak summer months. If you plan to visit in July or August, get organised and book well ahead.
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Sandwich
Beautiful hotel overlooking the river. Large elegant rooms, club dining room, bar. Nearby surrounding golf courses.