Sandwich, Kent: Medieval Cinque Port, History & Things to Do

Sandwich is a small town on the River Stour in east Kent, near Pegwell Bay. Within the line of its old town walls is a maze of medieval streets, with timber-framed houses, three great churches and the Barbican gate guarding the bridge over the river.

Why Sandwich Is Special

Sandwich is one of the most complete medieval towns in England. Its streets, quays and gates take you straight back to its days as a great port.

Yet it is quiet and unhurried, with riverside walks, old inns and the wide beach of Sandwich Bay close by.

The History of Sandwich

Sandwich was one of the original Cinque Ports, the confederation of Channel harbours that supplied ships for the Crown. It was once a major port, but it is now two miles from the sea, because the Wantsum Channel, which once separated the Isle of Thanet from the mainland, silted up.

The town still has many original medieval buildings, including listed pubs, gates in the old town walls, churches, almshouses and the White Mill. The Barbican, the gate by the river bridge, once collected tolls from everyone crossing the Stour.

Sandwich also gave its name to the food, by way of John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, whose title came from the town. Today Sandwich Bay is home to nature reserves and two championship golf courses, Royal St George's and Prince's.

Things to Do in Sandwich

Walk from the Barbican along the Quay and into the old streets, such as Strand Street, with its timber-framed houses. Visit St Clement's church with its Norman tower, and walk the line of the old town ramparts.

Visit the Secret Gardens of Sandwich at The Salutation, and walk or cycle out to Sandwich Bay for the beach and its birds.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Sandwich

For wildlife, Howletts and Port Lympne is near Canterbury, and Canterbury itself is a short drive west. The North Downs Way ends at Dover, to the south; see our guide to the White Cliffs of Dover.

For interiors, try HomeSense Westwood Cross on Thanet and Moda in Folkestone.

Sandwich Through the Seasons

Spring brings migrating birds to Sandwich Bay and Pegwell Bay. Summer is the time for river trips and the beach. Autumn and winter are quiet and atmospheric in the old streets.

Getting to Sandwich

Sandwich has a railway station on the line between Ramsgate and Dover, with high-speed services to London. The town is easily explored on foot.

Sandwich: Questions & Answers

Why is Sandwich no longer by the sea?

The Wantsum Channel, which once separated the Isle of Thanet from the mainland, silted up, leaving the town two miles inland.

Is the sandwich named after the town?

Indirectly: it was named after John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, whose title came from the town.

Our Advice

Our advice: Walk the old streets in the morning, see the Barbican and St Clement's, and spend the afternoon at the gardens or on the beach at Sandwich Bay.