Welcome to Sandwich

Widely associated with the world-famous snack, small but perfectly formed historic Sandwich is the most complete medieval town in England. With an abundance of independent shops and places to eat and drink, and photo opportunities on every corner, it is a destination to savour.

Sandwich is a fascinating small town on the banks of the River Stour, known for its picturesque beauty and rich heritage evident in the winding streets of well-preserved architecture dating back many centuries. The town centre is a designated conservation area to preserve its unique character - take a stroll along any street and it's easy to imagine Richard the Lionheart and his entourage around the corner on his return from the Third Crusade!

The coastline was once very different here - centuries ago Sandwich was on the coast and a vitally important port. The town is one of the original Cinque Ports (along with Dover, Hythe, Romney and Hastings) which were grouped together by Edward the Confessor in the 11th century for protection and trading purposes. Now two miles inland, thanks to coastal deposition, you can still see remnants of its port history. Book a guided tour with Sandwich History Society to explore hundreds of years of English history and visit the Guildhall Museum, home to Sandwich’s very own 1300 Magna Carta and Charter of the Forest.

Although no longer by the sea, you can relax by the River Stour on the Quay. Cruise from the quayside aboard the River Runner for a marine wildlife encounter, spotting seals in their natural habitat, or board a Cold War-era gunboat boasting Hollywood connections. A river tour to Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre - one of the most symbolically important Roman sites in Britain - is highly recommended. 

Another highlight of Sandwich is its impressive collection of ancient churches, the most prominent of which is St Peter's Church which dominates the skyline - visit the makers' market and cafe here, and climb the tower for spectacular views across the town's rooftops and surrounding countryside.

  • Two women (one with a baby in a carrier) at the top of St Peter's Tower looking out over the rooftops of Sandwich.
    Climb to the top of St Peter's Tower for spectacular views across the town and surrounding countryside.
  • People dancing in the street to a band playing a guitar, double bass and violin. Stalls with green gazebos in the background.
    Sandwich has a busy calendar of fabulous outdoor events.
  • Sandwich Quay-Sandwich-White Cliffs Country-Kent-3
    Stroll along the banks of the River Stour at Sandwich Quay where you can take a river cruise.

The town is also renowned for its connection to golf. Royal St George's, one of the world's oldest and most prestigious golf courses, has hosted numerous Open Championships, most recently in 2021, attracting golf enthusiasts from around the globe. Prince's is also a championship links course with accommodation overlooking Sandwich Bay. Even if you're not a golfer, a visit to either club offers stunning views of the coast and an opportunity to soak up the sporting heritage.

When it comes to culinary delights, Sandwich lives up to its name in more ways than one. Legend has it that John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, popularised the concept of putting meat between two slices of bread. Although the Earl had no real connection with the town, today you'll find a plethora of tearooms, cafes and pubs offering delicious sandwiches and other dining options. Food is an important part of this town’s fabric, with different culinary fairs and festivals taking place throughout the year including Sandwich Food Fayre in May and Le Weekend in June.

Sandwich is more than a bite-sized adventure… With so much to discover and explore, you won’t want to rush home. There are plenty of lovely places to stay the night, from campsites and boats to hotels and cottages.