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White Cliffs and Sandwich Greeters

Kent Greeters offer you an exciting and rewarding experience through the eyes of a volunteer greeter who is passionate about their local area of Kent and would like to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors.
A Greeter welcomes people from around the world. Whatever your interest whether it's the best places for families to visit, places to eat, where to access services, how to use local transport, while others specialise in Kent's heritage, architecture, history, art or music. 
Meeting a Greeter is a rewarding experience for the individual traveller, group of friends or families and the service is completely FREE!

To book please click here    

Old Town Wall

Although the major part of the old wall itself has disappeared the raised earthen-works remain, and now provides a picturesque walk right around the central conservation area of the town with views across the lovely Kent peg tiled roofs of the ancient buildings. Part of the walk is dry moated and part remains bordered by wet moat and river. It comprises The Butts, The Ropewalk, Millwall, The Bulwarks, and Town Wall. The original Fisher Gate and The Barbican can still be viewed from The Quay.

Guildhall & Museum

Dating from Elizabethan times with modern enlargements, the Guildhall can be hired for functions and provides interesting tours which include the Mayor’s Parlour and the Ancient Court Room. The illustrative panels and artifacts dating back to the 13th century in the Museum allow you to discover the story of Sandwich from Medieval times.

Tel: 01304 617197

River Bus

A delightful regular daily summer service to Richborough Roman Fort departs from the Quay by the Old Toll Bridge, enabling visitors to view different aspects of Sandwich, the River Stour and her wildlife. In Autumn and Spring sailings are available from Thursday to Sunday, and in Winter on Sundays. Charter trips to the river mouth, and inland to Plucks Gutter for pub lunches available by arrangement on non-service days.

Tel: 07958 376183

Toll Bridge & Barbican

Visitors are no longer subjected to fees for passage over the River Stour, but they may be held up while the bridge is swung open to allow passage of river traffic. The lovely unusual building of the Barbican imposes a size restriction on traffic crossing at this point, and provides a popular subject for painters and photographers. An original toll price plaque makes interesting reading. Before the bridge was built a ferry operated here and just down river, an ancient boom was swung out over the river to prevent pirate invasion.

The Salutation

Set within the town and adjacent to the River Stour, surrounded by 3.5 acres of delightful gardens and grounds and almost entirely edged by the old city walls. The Salutation was built by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1911-1912 for William, Gaspard and Henry Farrer as a weekend retreat to enable them to enjoy the east coast air. Named after an Inn that originally stood within the grounds, the house is supported by Knightrider House, Gatehouse, Coach House and Gardeners Cottage.

Having been hidden and neglected for over a decade, there has been a considerable renovation programme. The house itself remains a private home.

Rare Species Conservation Centre

Rare Species Conservation Centre was created in 2006. It was formerly a small children's zoo and it was taken over and renovated by a small group of people passionate about preserving the World's lesser known rare and endangered species of animal which are often overlooked in other more mainstream zoological establishments.

The Centre forms part of The Rare Species Conservation Trust which is a registered U.K. charity. Apart from running RSCC as an education and captive breeding facility, it also supports and runs various other in-situ conservation projects in the field.

Tel: 01304 611578

Gazen salts nature reserve

13 acres of man made nature reserve with 1.5 miles of winding paths leading through woodland to several different habitats, including waterways, lake, pond, reedbed and experimental area. A favourite with children who can enjoy feeding the visiting waterfowl after exploring the paths. Free entrance. No dogs. Parking on Sandwich to Canterbury road adjacent to Gallows Field and The Butts.

Monks wall nature reserve

Pfizer Monks' Wall Nature Reserve is managed jointly by Sandwich Town Council, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory and Pfizer with financial support also from the Ministry of Agriculture's Countryside Stewardship Scheme. The entrance to the reserve is on the Ramsgate Road 5 minutes from Sandwich Quay opposite the entrance to Stonar Estate. Access is by permit - which can be collected free from Sandwich Tourist Information Centre at the Guildhall or from Pfizer Main Reception.

River-side walk

A good tarmac footpath leads from the Quay through the park and follows the river along raised sea defences in the direction of the sea at Sandwich Bay. This path also branches off following a smaller waterway and leads over the Royal St Georges Golf course via the dunes again to the sea.

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Countryside attractions

Cycling and Walking

Sandwich is on the long distance paths of The Saxon Shoreway and The Stour Valley walk. There is also an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways which can be used to create a number of circular walks through the local countryside or around the town itself. We recommend the Ordinance Survey landranger map no. 179, available online from www.ordsvy.gov.uk. Local newsagents and the Sandwich tourist information centre (tel: +44 (0) 1304 613565) also have a good selection of maps and mini-guides which provide suggested routes and information about things of interest along the way. The area is well provided with historical information boards. Sandwich is also on national cycle route 1 connecting Dover and Canterbury and information on the dedicated cycle paths, and recommended cycle routes, which keep the cyclist off the beaten track away from heavy traffic, can be found on the landranger map or via the tourist centre.

Contact Caitlins Beach Cruisers for Bike Hire 07956 395896, delivery is free. 

Horse riding

We can arrange for you to enjoy a days riding for all levels of ability. The stables are situated on a 1500 acre farm with access to the farm land for escorted rides with optional jumps and hazards. Other facilities include an all weather dressage arena, indoor schooling area and show jumps. Hard hats and boots are available for hire.

Cornilo Riding: 01304 853305

Trout and course fishing

Peaceful, tranquil surroundings set in delightful countryside. The well stocked lakes offer the discerning angler year round sport with no closed season. Tuition and Tackle hire is available.

Cottington Lakes tel: 01304 380691

White Mill folk museum

Restored Smock Mill dating from 1760. Houses original machinery and agricultural displays. Also restored cottage furnished in pre 1939 style, forge, wheelwrights shop and corn grinding engine. Shop, toilet and car park.

Opening hours and admission Sundays and Bank Holidays between Easter and mid Sept, 14.30-17.30 and every Fri and Sun 10.30-12.00. Groups by arrangement.

Tel: 01304 612076

Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory

Field study centre provides seven day a week study facilities and bunk house accommodation, with regular talks, walks over the nature reserve and special events. Opportunities to see birds at close quarters. Sandwich Bay is frequented by many migratory birds and there are regular sightings of rare species.

Open 10.00-4.00pm sbbot@talk21.com Toll fee of £1 if parking at observatory.

Tel: 01304 617341

Sandwich Bay Beach

Reached via a private toll road, this lovely stretch of sand dunes is home to several rare and interesting plants and shelves gently out into Sandwich Bay providing safe sea-bathing and water sports with no commercial distractions. Idyllic for family days out with a bar-b-cue or picnic. Toilets and car parking. No shops or cafes.

Sandwich Bay Nature Reserve

Comprising dunes, salt marsh and reed beds, this varied ecosystem often yields interesting finds and rare species.

Richborough Roman Fort

This impressive ruin of defensive ditches and huge walls was the site from which the Romans launched their successful invasion of Britain in 43 AD. Now an English Heritage site with small museum and shop, ample car park. Taped tours, and special event days. Nice half day out combined with river trip from The Quay in Sandwich where you can get inclusive tickets.

Opening hours and admission April-Sep 1000-1800, Oct 1000-1700, Nov 1000-1600, Dec-Feb weekends only, Mar Wed-Sun 1000-1600.

Tel: 01304 612013

Dover Castle

Set high above the famous white cliffs, Dover Castle boasts a colourful and fascinating history. Re-live the turbulent war years as you discover the labyrinth of Secret Wartime Tunnels built deep within the cliffs. Walk through the rooms where Sir Admiral Ramsay planned the "miracle of Dunkirk" and tour the underground hospital as you follow the story of a wounded wartime pilot. Also take time to explore the atmospheric medieval underground tunnels, see one of Europe's best-preserved Roman lighthouses and walk the extensive battlements.

Ash Coombe Vineyard

A family run vineyard specialising in single variety, single vintage white and red wine. Offers personal tours and free tasting.

Opening hours and admission: April-December Sat 1100-1800; Sun 1200-1700, open daily in August and Bank Holidays

Tel: 01304 813396

Around Canterbury

England's most famous Cathedral City sits on the River Stour just 25 minutes from Sandwich.

The Norman Cathedral still dominates the skyline as you approach the city, giving 21st century visitors the same sense of awe as their medieval counterparts. Making a pilgrimage was an important part of medieval life and pilgrim's flocked to the city to visit the shrine of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket who was murdered in his cathedral.

Tel: 01227 762862

The small and compact city centre is closed to traffic during the daytime to enable the narrow streets and the many attractions to be more easily and safely accessed by visitors. From April to October guided walking tours leave from the Canterbury Information Centre where you can buy your tickets.

Tel: 01227 378100

Howletts Wild Animal Park

John Aspinall's Foundation is committed to saving rare and endangered animals and returning them to protected areas in the wild. Every effort is made to reproduce the conditions in which animals would live in in the wild thus bars are kept to a minimum and paddocks are large enough to encourage normal herd behaviour. Howletts is open every day of the year except Christmas Day from 10 a.m. Bekesbourne Road, Bekesbourne, Canterbury, Kent. CT4 5EL

Tel: 0870 750 4647

Brogdale Farm

Brogdale Farm offers visitors a fun day out in Kent to experience the beauty of the countryside, sample the healthy lifestyle options of local Kent produce, and visit the unique Kent tourist attraction of the National Fruit Collection. Come and taste a wide variety of Kent seasonal fruits, enjoy our Market Place of shops and crafts, and experience our range of food and drink on offer in our tearoom and at our day out Festivals and Events held throughout the year.

For a great food day out in Kent with healthy eating explore the Brogdale Farm orchards with fruit trees ranging from apples and pears to plums and cherries to cobnuts, strawberries and quinces while they are in season and experience demonstrations, tastings and displays during our special festivals. Our tour guides will entertain you with the historical background of the fruit varieties in season and offer tastings while you explore.

After your walk, why not visit The Orchard Tearoom full of delicious homemade cakes and farm produce or stroll around our Plant Centre and Market Place shops which promote a healthy lifestyle along with local Kent crafts.

The National Fruit Collection:

The National Fruit Collection is a unique Kent tourist attraction and an opportunity to taste the apple varieties Henry VIII would have eaten, the nuts Columbus would have carried to America, and the varieties of plum. the Victorians loved so much. With nearly 4 thousand varieties of fruit why settle for the bland supermarket varieties!

Brogdale Farm,
Brogdale Road,
Faversham,
Kent
ME13 8XZ

Tel: 01795 536250

Local Shops
Kim Wood Jewellers

Sandwich Bookshop