The picturesque town of Sandwich is 2 miles away from Deal and has a rich cultural heritage as one of the Cinque Ports. Sandwich is a true gem, being one of the best preserved medieval towns in the UK and is now in ownership of its own Magna Carta.
It has lots to see and do including the Guildhall with its ancient courtroom and museum, White Mill Rural Heritage Centre, Salutation Gardens anad four historic churches. It is a lovely town to wander around with its narrow streets and timber framed buildings. There is an independent retro cinema, a delicatessan and grocers and a good choice of places to eat and drink. There are many events in the town centre throughout the year including street festivals.
Just outside of Sandwich is Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre, an English Heritage site, where you can explore the huge stone walls of this saxon Shore fortress. The fort can be reached on the Sandwich River Bus, a traditional type boat that travels from Sandwich quay to the fort. During the summer take a trip towards the sea and spot wildlife and seals.
Golfers will be spoilt for choice with three golf courses literally on the doorstep including one 27 hole Championship Links course – Prince’s – and two 18 hole courses Royal St. Georges Sandwich and Royal Cinque Ports Deal.
Sandwich Bay can be easily reached by car or by foot – it is a wide, sweeping pebbled beach that exposes sand flats at low tide. For walkers and lovers of the countryside, there is beautiful walk from Sandwich Bay that meanders on a public footpath across the sand dunes of Royal St Georges and follows the River Stour to the quay in Sandwich. The quay has a good selection of terraced bars and dining options. Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust Field Centre is open daily and a great day out for all ages. The centre is a great source of information about general wildlife in the local area, as well as rarer sightings for the avid spotter.
The Chequers Kitchen and Restaurant, located halfway between Deal and Sandwich, on the Ancient Highway is a cookery school as well as a restaurant that has an open kitchen for all to see – enjoy a weekend lunch and evening suppers made from fresh and seasonal ingredients. If you are looking to improve your cooking skills then join a cookery demonstration where you get to dine too.
For water lovers, On the Water Top windsurfing locations include Minnis Bay and Whitstable – conditions are so good a world speed record was even set there! Kent’s calmer coastal and inland waters are ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Aficionados paddle the three spectacular routes that set out from both Sandgate and Sandwich Bay, or make for St Margaret’s to glide below Kent’s remarkable White Cliffs.
