I stayed in one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Britain with half-timbered houses, historic sites and even a pub that dates back to the 15th century
Strolling through the lanes of Sandwich in Kent, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped onto the set of a historical drama. The town is a snapshot of times gone by and stands as one of the UK’s best-preserved medieval settlements.
The streets are adorned with half-timbered homes and a treasure trove of historical landmarks lurk around every bend. Over the festive period, I had the pleasure of residing in a charming cottage in Sandwich with my loved ones. It was simply enchanting.
The dwelling boasted original beams and sloping floors, nestled in the town’s heart beside the River Stour. The only thing absent was a sprinkle of snow on Christmas Day.
Although the town was largely dormant during the Christmas break, a leisurely dog walk around its quaint streets allowed me to soak up its rich past. A significant number of the town’s buildings hark back to the 16th century, including the Sandwich Guildhall Museum, erected in 1579, reports the Express.
The Sandwich Guildhall serves as an ideal starting point for those keen to delve into the town’s history. The museum narrates the tale of Sandwich from its modest inception right up to the present day.
Among the museum’s prized possessions is the 1300 AD Sandwich Magna Carta and Charter of the Forest. These documents dating back to 1300 were unearthed in 2015 in a forgotten archive scrapbook and are estimated to be worth a jaw-dropping £10million.
Even if some exhibits don’t tickle your fancy, the Grade II-listed building itself is a sight to behold. The courtroom boasts wooden panelling harking back to 1607 and a stained glass window, fitted in 1906, illustrating Queen Elizabeth I’s grand entrance at Sandown Gate in Sandwich in 1573.
Sandwich also plays host to Fisher Gate, a three-tiered 14th-century town gate that stands as the only remaining original medieval gate in the town. This gate, a Grade I-listed structure, has been designated an ancient monument. The gate’s lower section was erected around 1384, while the upper floors were added in 1578.
Another intriguing edifice in this quaint town is The Barbican, nestled on the high street. The 16th-century bastion’s patterned brickwork is truly one-of-a-kind, setting it apart from the surrounding structures.
Originally, the bastion served as part of the town’s defences, standing guard over the bridge. It’s a delightful nod to the town’s past status as one of the Cinque Ports.
One of my go-to watering holes in Sandwich is The George and Dragon. This charmingly old-fashioned pub dishes up fantastic pub grub, with top-notch seafood and steak being the stars of the show.
The pub also comes steeped in its own rich history, allowing you to savour a pint of ale while picturing yourself whisked back to the Tudor era. The inn first opened its doors in 1446 and adopted the name ‘George and Dragon’ in 1615.
If you’re in the mood for a hearty sit-down meal, The Toll Bridge Restaurant and Bar is a top-notch choice. This riverside eatery serves up contemporary smoked and grilled dishes alongside traditional British favourites.
On my last visit, I indulged in their ‘Smokey Bento Box’, priced at £25. This delightful dish comes in a box and features mouth-watering Korean chicken wings, a pulled pork bao bun, crispy soft shell crab, smoked pork rib and a sticky soy glaze.
I paired this with a side of grilled broccoli, topped with curry spiced crunch and chilli oil. To date, it’s the tastiest broccoli I’ve ever had.
For golf enthusiasts, Sandwich boasts one of the finest golf courses around, The Royal St. Georges Golf Club, which has been the venue for the Open Championship 15 times since 1894.
The club holds the record for hosting the Open more than any other English course. Notably, author Ian Fleming, famed for his James Bond novels, featured the Royal St George’s course under the pseudonym ‘Royal St. Marks’ in his 1959 novel Goldfinger.
Reaching Sandwich from London is a breeze. The quaint town is situated 65 miles from the capital and can be reached in approximately an hour and a half by train.
Trains depart from St Pancras International with roughly 64 services operating daily.