Stride straight into the pages of historic Sandwich’s compelling past as you explore the quaint and quirky streets of England’s best-preserved medieval town, thanks to this month’s delightful circular route…
Setting the scene
England’s best-preserved medieval town, the ancestral home to everybody’s favourite lunch, and quite literally brimming with amazing architecture that will have you craning your neck at every turn - yes, the town of Sandwich is pretty special! And, what better way to learn more about this scenic spot’s peppered past, than with a historic town trail?
Encompassing a mix of its most familiar features, as well as providing an introduction to some of its more intriguing, hidden spots, this short circular route is likely to leave an impression with ramblers as they journey through the history books of spectacular Sandwich.
READ MORE: Why you should move to Sandwich in Kent
Key waypoints to look out for
Make sure to follow the Sandwich town trail map (available online from the White Cliffs Country visitor website), which will guide you to a number of key spots of historical interest around today’s loop:
1. Sandwich Town: Sandwich has many famous associations - including John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, who invented the ‘sandwich' right here. In 1762, whilst at the gambling table, he asked for meat to be served between slices of bread to avoid interrupting the game. And, thank goodness he did! From here the most popular lunchtime treat was born…
2. Sandwich Guildhall: Sandwich Guildhall Museum, situated in the heart of the town, tells the rich and varied story of Sandwich through the ages, from its early beginnings to the present day. Located in the 16th Century Guildhall the museum houses treasures including the 1300 A.D Sandwich Magna Carta and Charter of the Forest as well as artefacts dating back to the Mesolithic period.
3. St Thomas’ Hospital, Moat Sole: This grand stone building is St Thomas’ Hospital. It’s not a hospital in the modern medical sense though, it was actually founded to accommodate medieval pilgrims. There has been a St Thomas’ Hospital in Sandwich since the 14th Century, though the buildings we can see today were completed in 1878.
4. The Butts: Used in mediaeval times as an archery practice field, this is believed to be the site where Henry V’s archers practised before sailing for their famous victory at Agincourt 1415.
5. Gallows Field: Here, you’ll find the spot that was once the town’s place of execution. Felon’s were hanged and witches were drowned here. The last hangings took place in the 1790s.
6. Strand Street: Strand Street is thought to be the longest unbroken stretch of timber-framed houses in the country. Make sure to capture a photo of the crooked buildings as you walk through!
7. St Mary’s Church: St Mary’s is Sandwich’s oldest church. It’s thought to date from the 11th Century, but was rebuilt several times after damage by French raids. You may spot that St Mary’s doesn’t have a tower. This is because in 1580, “A great and terrible earthquake struck Sandwich which did shake and cleave St Mary’s Church”. This earthquake weakened the building’s structure, and in 1667 the tower collapsed altogether!
8. Kings Lodging: Dating from 1400 this is probably the finest period house in the town. Henry VIII lodged here, as Elizabeth I probably did during her visit of 1572.
9. Sandwich Weavers: A beautiful building formerly used as a home and workshop by 16th Century Dutch refugees.
10. St Peter’s Church: The medieval practice of ringing the Curfew bell at 8pm is still carried on from here, today.
11. St Peters Street: Formerly called Jail Street the medieval gaol buildings can still be seen today.
12. The Barbican & The Toll Bridge: Near here, in 1660 King Charles II was presented with a glass sack when passing through the town.
13. The Quay: From here in medieval times, kings with their armies embarked for the wars in France.
14. The Bulwark: Sandwich has a remarkable history of violent raids and invasions. The town was entirely walled in 1385 by order of Richard II.
15. St Clement’s Church: Saxon in origin, Town Mayors were elected here by Common Consent until 1683. Any mayor refusing the honour had his house demolished!
16. King Street: Dutch and Flemish Protestants fleeing Catholic oppression by the Spanish settled here and built and renovated many houses in their distinctive style.
17. Ropewalk: Once used for ship’s rope-making which required a long, straight stretch for ‘walking out’.
Steps, stats & stiles: The entirety of this month’s route takes place in and around the main town of Sandwich, offering walkers the chance to soak up everything this historically rich town has to offer… without so much as a muddy stile in sight! This circuit is widely considered to be an easy access trail, taking place fully on tarmac/pavement. Walkers should be aware that the route does include some narrow streets, along with minor ascents and descents, but is suitable for families, wheelchairs, pushchairs, and dogs.
Parking: For this walk, we recommend parking at The Quay car park which is £1.30 an hour, and has space for 115 cars. The Quay car park can be found using the sat nav postcode CT13 9EN.
Refreshments: All that history hunting is hungry work! You’ll no doubt be looking for a place to rest those tired feet once you’ve finished exploring the streets of Sandwich, and The Toll Bridge restaurant offers the perfect pit stop to refuel…
Built in the 1980's at fisherman’s wharf, this riverside restaurant has been extensively refurbished inside and out with a modern and contemporary style. Tuck into a mouthwatering menu that specialises in smoked flavours - from tender meaty ribs and juicy chicken wings, to perfectly grilled salmon. Plenty of tasty vegetarian and vegan dishes, alongside an irresistible drinks menu, ensure there’s something to suit all tastes at The Toll Bridge!
thetollbridge.co.uk.
Make a day of it: Situated just ten minutes outside of town, we can think of few better ways to spend an early summer afternoon post-walk than along Kent’s glorious coastline. At Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve, explore stunning salt marshes, wonderful wildflowers, marvellous mudflats and spectacular sea cliffs, with plenty of walking trails if you’re still looking to up that step count, or peaceful places to pause and spot rare wildlife. As Kent Wildlife Trust's largest site, dozens of species migrate through this coastal spot, including cuckoos and hard-to-spot nightingales. Make sure to pack your binoculars for a chance to catch these brilliant birds!
Route followed: For this month’s walk we followed the Sandwich Town Trail on the White Cliffs Country visitor website: whitecliffscountry.org.uk/pdfs/Sandwich-town-trail.pdf
