local attractions
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.
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.
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.
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
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
