
Sandwich Kent
Step back in time in Sandwich, Kent, a remarkably preserved medieval town with a rich maritime history and vibrant craft scene.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Workshops and events are often scheduled

Sandwich Kent
Best Time
Workshops and events are often scheduled

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time in Sandwich, Kent, a remarkably preserved medieval town with a rich maritime history and vibrant craft scene.
"An absolute hidden gem! Really loved our time here chatting to everyone and saw how cheap the workshops are."

Book Workshops Early
Popular medieval craft workshops fill up fast! Book your blacksmithing or mead-making experience in advance. :ticket:
Explore the Quayside
Don't miss the historic quayside for ship restoration and craft demonstrations. It's a living history hub! :ship:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Quayside
Sandwich Historic Quayside
Explore the heart of medieval Sandwich, where ancient ships are restored and traditional crafts come alive. A truly immersive historical experience.

Medieval Craft Workshops
Various locations around Sandwich
Get hands-on with blacksmithing, mead making, or corn dollie creation. Learn ancient techniques from passionate local artisans.

Charming Medieval Streets
Town Centre
Wander through streets that have changed little since 1086, admiring the highest concentration of listed buildings in England.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Medieval Charm
Book Workshops in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Workshops Early
Popular medieval craft workshops fill up fast! Book your blacksmithing or mead-making experience in advance. :ticket:
Explore the Quayside
Don't miss the historic quayside for ship restoration and craft demonstrations. It's a living history hub! :ship:
Wander the Medieval Streets
Get lost in the charming, unchanged medieval streets. It's like stepping back in time! :walking:
Chat with Volunteers
The passionate volunteers are a wealth of knowledge. Strike up a conversation! :speech_balloon:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Workshops Early
Popular medieval craft workshops fill up fast! Book your blacksmithing or mead-making experience in advance. :ticket:
Explore the Quayside
Don't miss the historic quayside for ship restoration and craft demonstrations. It's a living history hub! :ship:
Wander the Medieval Streets
Get lost in the charming, unchanged medieval streets. It's like stepping back in time! :walking:
Chat with Volunteers
The passionate volunteers are a wealth of knowledge. Strike up a conversation! :speech_balloon:
Check Event Schedule
Look out for special events like the Hoodening or tile workshops for unique experiences. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sandwich for its authentic medieval charm and the passion of its volunteers. The opportunity to witness ship restoration and participate in craft workshops is a major highlight, offering a unique and immersive historical experience. While the town is small, its historical significance and the warmth of its community make it a highly recommended visit.
"Great fun and free to enter to learn about traditional medieval way of making things! You can also book a paid masterclass to have a go making things yourself. Really great fun and lovely people running the show. Hope we don't lose gems like this. Great to see ppl passionate about their hobbies and interests"
Jason Mayes
"Visited recently and really enjoyed the small but very interesting place. It is great that the old techniques are kept alive. The staff are very knowledgable and fun to talk to. Definitely recommend having a look if yiu are visiting Sandwich."
Feizal Mowlabocus
"A wonderful place and resource on Sandwich’s historic quayside.
My partner and I visited the first time for the Hoodening in January and got talking to Steve the wonderful blacksmith. We went back for his full day medieval blacksmithing workshop. He is an incredibly knowledgeable and kind man and a very patient teacher. All the volunteers there are lovely and I recommend anyone who is interested to check out their events and workshops! A really valuable community run resource for history lovers."
Greg Lewis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sandwich is easily accessible by car, located just a short drive from Dover. For public transport, you can take a train to Sandwich station, which is well-connected to major towns in Kent. Some visitors arrive via ferry to Dover and then travel onwards.
Yes, Sandwich is a very walkable town. Its compact medieval layout makes it ideal for exploring on foot. Public transport options within the town are limited, so walking is the best way to see the sights.
The most convenient way to travel from London to Sandwich is by train. Direct services are available from London St Pancras International or London Charing Cross to Sandwich station. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
There are several car parks available in Sandwich, including the Guildhall Car Park and New Street Car Park. Parking is generally affordable, but it's advisable to check signage for specific charges and time limits.
Absolutely! Sandwich is a fantastic day trip from Dover. It's a short drive or train ride away, offering a completely different historical experience from the port town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The town of Sandwich itself is free to enter and explore. There are no admission fees for walking through the streets or visiting the quayside area.
Workshop prices vary depending on the craft and duration. A full-day blacksmithing workshop, for example, is very reasonably priced, making it an excellent value for a unique experience. It's best to check their website for current pricing and booking.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book any medieval craft workshops in advance. These are often run by volunteers and have limited spaces, so booking ensures your spot.
The historic quayside is generally accessible during daylight hours, with specific workshop demonstrations and events often taking place on weekends. It's advisable to check the Sandwich Medieval Trust's schedule for precise timings.
Exploring the medieval streets, admiring the architecture, and visiting the historic quayside to watch demonstrations are all free activities. Many of the volunteers are happy to chat and share their knowledge without charge.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Sandwich offers a deep dive into medieval history with its remarkably preserved streets, historic quayside featuring ship restoration, and engaging craft workshops like blacksmithing. You can also enjoy picnics by the river.
The entire town is a historical site! Key areas include the historic quayside with its ongoing ship restoration projects and the town center with its numerous listed medieval buildings.
Yes, the historic quayside is home to ongoing medieval ship restoration projects. You can often see the work in progress and learn about the techniques used.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended for a deeper understanding of Sandwich's rich history. Local guides can bring the town's past to life with engaging stories.
Sandwich offers a variety of medieval craft workshops, including blacksmithing, mead making, and corn dollie creation. These are hands-on experiences led by passionate volunteers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Sandwich offers a range of dining options, from traditional pubs serving hearty meals to charming cafes. You can also enjoy a picnic by the river, a popular activity for visitors.
Yes, Sandwich has several historic pubs that offer a traditional pub experience with local ales and classic British fare. They are great places to relax after exploring the town.
Absolutely! Picnicking by the river is a favorite pastime for many visitors. It's a lovely way to enjoy the scenery and a more budget-friendly dining option.
Several cafes in Sandwich offer light meals, sandwiches, and cakes, perfect for a quick refuel during your exploration of the town.
While Sandwich is known for its historical significance, you can find restaurants and pubs that serve traditional British dishes, often using local produce.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire town is a photographer's dream! Focus on the medieval streets, the historic quayside with its ships, and the charming architecture. The riverbanks also offer scenic views.
Sandwich is exceptional for historical photography due to its incredibly well-preserved medieval streetscape and buildings, which have changed little over centuries.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing the golden hues of the historic buildings. Weekends can be busier, so weekdays might offer quieter shots.
Yes, you can photograph the medieval ship restoration projects at the historic quayside. It's a unique opportunity to capture ongoing historical preservation work.
Look out for the Guildhall, the historic churches, and the picturesque riverside areas. The narrow, winding streets themselves are also iconic photo subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a medieval craft workshop suitable for older children, such as a taster session in blacksmithing or a simpler craft. These hands-on activities provide a memorable and engaging way for kids to learn about traditional skills. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the river for a relaxed and budget-friendly family meal.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opt for a picnic by the river instead of dining out for most meals. Many volunteers at the quayside are happy to share their knowledge for free, making it a rich experience without high costs. Look out for free events or demonstrations that are often held on weekends.
🏛️ History Buffs
Take advantage of guided tours to gain in-depth historical context. Visiting the historic quayside to see ongoing ship restoration and participating in a medieval craft workshop like blacksmithing will provide a hands-on connection to the past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rich History of Sandwich
This historical significance is palpable as you wander through its streets, lined with the highest number of listed buildings per head of population in England. The town was also the first in Britain to have an entire area placed under a preservation order, ensuring its unique heritage is protected for future generations.
Today, this history is kept alive through ongoing projects like the medieval ship restoration at the historic quayside and the various craft workshops. These initiatives offer visitors a tangible connection to the past, allowing them to witness and even participate in traditional methods.
Experiencing Medieval Crafts
Popular workshops include blacksmithing, where you can learn to forge metal under the guidance of skilled artisans like Steve, who is frequently praised for his patience and knowledge. Other hands-on experiences might include mead making or creating corn dollies. These workshops are not just educational but also incredibly fun and rewarding.
It's highly recommended to book these workshops in advance, as they are popular and spaces are limited. Participating in a workshop provides a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship of the medieval era and makes for an unforgettable visit.
Sandwich: A Preservation Success Story
The town's street layout has seen minimal changes since the Domesday survey in 1086, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into a bygone era. This commitment to heritage is further underscored by Sandwich being the first town in Britain to receive a preservation order covering its entire area, safeguarding its unique character.
This dedication to preservation means that exploring Sandwich feels like a genuine journey through time. The well-maintained buildings and unchanged streetscapes create an immersive atmosphere that is rare and highly valued by visitors seeking historical authenticity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit