Sandwich, Kent

Details

Accessibility

Ai search:

"Sandwich has a mix of accessible and less accessible areas, which is typical for a medieval town with narrow, historic streets. However, several attractions, restaurants, and local services have taken steps to improve accessibility for visitors with disabilities. 

• Town centre: The main streets are historic and may have uneven surfaces. The area around the quayside and the Guildhall is more level.
• Parking and amenities: Public conveniences with disabled access are located near the Guildhall car park. Accessible parking is available in several locations, including near the Sandwich Town Tours start point.
• Accessible routes: Explore Kent lists the Sandwich Old Town Walls as having well-surfaced routes suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, with no limiting features like stiles."

Brief description

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/sandwich-p212311

2025:

"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 town n 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 to see seals 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 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. There’s also a very popular waterside café here.

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. Sandwich has two Championship links courses ranked among the best in England - Prince’s Golf Club, a links course overlooking Sandwich Bay and Royal St George’s - ranked the best golf course in England by Top 100 Golf Courses and host to 15 Open Championships, most recently 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."

Address

Sandwich Visitor Information Centre, Guildhall, Cattle Market, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9AH

Email

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/sandwich-p212311/email

Phone

01304 201066

Website

http://www.visitsandwich.co.uk/places_to_visit/index.htm and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandwich,_Kent and https://choosewhere.com/sandwich-visitor-guide

Directions

https://choosewhere.com/sandwich-visitor-guide

2025:

"Sandwich is easy to reach by train, with regular Southeastern services from London St Pancras (just under 2 hours) and Canterbury (about 30 minutes). The station is just a 10-minute walk from the town centre. If you're driving, the town is accessible via the A256 from Dover or Thanet, and from Canterbury via the A257.

For cyclists, Sandwich is on National Cycle Route 1 and the Viking Coastal Trail, making it a great stop on a longer ride."

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

Transport

https://choosewhere.com/sandwich-visitor-guide

2025:

"Sandwich is easy to reach by train, with regular Southeastern services from London St Pancras (just under 2 hours) and Canterbury (about 30 minutes). The station is just a 10-minute walk from the town centre."

Amenities

https://choosewhere.com/sandwich-visitor-guide

2025:

"Parking

There are several pay-and-display car parks around town, including The Quay, Gazen Salts, and Guildhall car parks. Street parking is available in some areas, but it’s limited. Parking is generally affordable and convenient, especially if you arrive earlier in the day.

Dining

Despite its size, Sandwich has a strong selection of places to eat. The George & Dragon offers classic pub food in a characterful setting with timber beams and open fires. No Name Shop is a local gem—part deli, part café, serving great coffee, pastries, and cheese boards. For fish and chips, Goats That Dance (yes, that’s the name) is a popular and tasty takeaway choice.

If you're after something more refined, The Salutation's Tearoom (when open) or The Drill Hall Emporium & Café offer upmarket lunch options in lovely surroundings. For relaxed riverside dining, try The Kings Arms or The Crispin Inn, both traditional pubs with a friendly vibe.

Shopping

Sandwich is a haven for independent shops, with a focus on antiques, crafts, books, and local produce. Renaissance Antiques and Strawberry Fields are perfect for a leisurely browse, while Sandwich Bookshop is a must for book lovers. There are also a few quirky gift shops and art galleries, such as Salt Marsh Studio, that reflect the town’s creative spirit.

When to Visit

Sandwich is charming year-round, but the best time to visit is between April and October when the gardens are in bloom and events are in full swing. Spring brings birdlife to the surrounding marshes, and summer sees the town come alive with festivals and open-air activities. Autumn has a gentler, golden feel, with fewer crowds and plenty of seasonal colour.

Winter is much quieter but still worthwhile, particularly for cosy pub lunches and exploring the town’s medieval lanes without the crowds.

Local Events

Key annual events in Sandwich include:

• Sandwich Festival (August): A week-long celebration with live music, street food, duck races, and medieval-themed activities.
• Sandwich Salutes the 1940s (September): A nostalgic throwback to wartime Britain, with costumes, parades, and swing bands.
• Sandwich Arts Week: Showcasing local artists, makers, and musicians in venues around the town.
• Sandwich Folk & Ale Festival (July): Folk music, ale tasting, and dancing in the streets.

Exploring Beyond Sandwich

There’s a lot to see nearby if you want to expand your adventure:

• Deal (15 minutes’ drive or 20 minutes by train): A charming seaside town with a pebbly beach, independent shops, and a lovely pier.
• Richborough Roman Fort (5 minutes by car or 40-minute walk): An evocative Roman ruin surrounded by countryside.
• Ramsgate (20 minutes by car or train): With its Royal Harbour, beach, and underground tunnels, it makes a lively contrast to Sandwich.
• Dover (30 minutes by car): Explore Dover Castle, the White Cliffs, or take a ferry across to France.
• Canterbury (30 minutes by car or train): A must for anyone interested in cathedrals, history, and shopping.

Sandwich may be small, but it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those who take the time to explore it. Steeped in history, surrounded by nature, and filled with hidden corners, it’s a town that wears its heritage with pride yet continues to evolve with quiet charm. Whether you're sipping tea in a walled garden, tracing Roman footsteps, or walking alongside the Stour, Sandwich promises a memorable and refreshingly unhurried escape."