Sandwich, Kent

Circular on-day in medieval Sandwich

Highlights:

I signified this daily tip as History because Sandwich is one of the most preserved medieval towns in the UK. But, this daily tip includes a lot of walking in the nature and river scenery. The Stour river flows through the old town and its picturesque banks add a lot of charm and pleasure to the sleepy town of Sandwich. The main attraction (and the first one) are the Secret Gardens of Sandwich, or, better known as, the Saluation Gardens. Make also a circular tour around the old town, meandering in its narrow alleys, gazing at its half-timbered houses and diverting to a few nature reserves and cricket fields and / or golf courses.

From: Sandwich Railway Station head northwest on Delfside toward St. George's Rd. Turn right onto St. George's Rd. Turn left onto Sandown Rd . Turn right onto Knightrider St. The Gardens will be on your left hidden beyond red-bricked walls.

The Secret Gardens: Open daily 10.00 - 17.00, 6.50 GBP (seniors - 5 GBP). Steve Edney, the Head Gardener makes, here, a wonderful work. It is one of the best gardens I've seen, for years, in the UK. The garden is full with innovation, brilliant combinations of plants and passionate love to the art of horticulture. Allow for 1-2 hours in these delightful gardens. Completely magical. Inadequate toilet facilities - just a small room with limited privacy ! 

Exit  the walled garden and continue along the Knightrider st until you pass trough the Quay and face the Stour river. On your left the Fisher Gate (1384) - one of the ancient gates of Sandwich Old Town:

Walk along the Quay with its splendid views crossing the Barbican & Toll Bridge:

Turn left and immediately right to the Strand - the main road of Old Sandwich. On your left Sandwich Weavers Pub and the Chanter's House:

Sandwich - King's Lodging from 1400. King Henry VIII lodged here and Queen Elizabeth I did visit here in 1572:

Bowling Street (fourth lane to the left - after starting the Strand):

Next alley to the left is St. Mary with St. Mary Church:

The Strand beds, a little, to the left and on your right rest Gazets Nature Reserve and Gallows Cricket Field:

The Strand street change its name to the Ash Road. You continue along this road, crossing the Railway track until you arrive to the White Mill (from the 18th Century) (open: Tue., Fri., and Sun. 10.00 - 12.00):

Here we suggest turning back along the Ash Rd. Turn right to the Cricket Club and walk along The Butts. Lovely sights in the afternoon:

Crossing a small field yo arrive to a small commercial center. Turn right to the Guildhall Square (Market Place) and the adjacent St. Peter Church:

Between the Strand (to the North) and the New Street (To the South) lies the ancient King Street. Its shops are from year 1895 and onward and its present look lasts from 1920 (!). The "Roses" shop is a stunning place that keeps its original decor from its heydays in the 19th Century:

From King St. turn right to the Chain Road and immediately left to the New St. which leads you back to Sandwich Station.