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Sandwich is located just down the road from Dover and Ramsgate but is nothing like its neighbours.<\/p>\n
Filled with charming old pubs and beautiful architecture and rich with medieval history, it’s like walking into a fairytale – or a Harry Potter movie.<\/p>\n
The town’s unusual name dates back to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, where it appears as Sondwic in 851. The town’s name also appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 and has nothing to do with the popular lunch snack.<\/p>\n
In fact, the name is Anglo Saxon with the direct meaning being a “market town on sandy soil”.<\/p>\n
The popular lunch food was named after John Montagu who was the fourth Earl of Sandwich. However, he didn’t spend much time in the town itself.<\/p>\n
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The town is most famous for being one of the Cinque Ports – a group of five harbours which were grouped together for defence purposes by Edward the Confessor – and for being home to several original medieval buildings.<\/p>\n
I’ve visited the town a few times now and love its village-like feel, vast range of pubs and restaurants and its quirky shops.<\/p>\n
One of my favourite places to go in Sandwich is the No Name Shop. A deli and bistro with French produce and freshly-baked pastries, bread and patisserie daily.<\/p>\n
The shop is located inside a historic listed building, bang in the middle of Sandwich’s bustling Market Square where the atmosphere on a weekend is bustling.<\/p>\n
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If you’re looking for a fresh baguette, this is the place to go but I also implore you to try some of their pastries, especially a warm sausage roll or a flaky pain au chocolat.<\/p>\n
If you’re looking for a good coffee then try The Waiting Room. Located on Cattle Market in the heart of the town, they serve a unique coffee blend that tastes delicious when surrounded by their beautiful decor.<\/p>\n
They also serve croissants, brownies, beer and a selection of cocktails in the evenings. During the summer, The Waiting Room’s outside space out the front is a sun trap so be sure to grab a table.<\/p>\n
If you’re looking to experience history while trying something a bit different then I’d recommend The Crispin Inn. Built in 1491, the pub is rich with history with Queen Elizabeth I’s coat of arms on the side of the building.<\/p>\n
The atmosphere inside this pub is welcoming and warm. The staff are beyond helpful and will go out of their way to accommodate you.<\/p>\n
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The Bell Hotel & Pub is a brilliant spot for fish and chips and a cold beverage on a summer day and George & Dragon the place to go for Sunday lunch.<\/p>\n
The dog-friendly George & Dragon is another historic pub that was built in 1446.<\/p>\n
The Toll Bridge Restaurant & Bar is another spot that’s not to be missed. The menu is a delectable mix of smoked meats and grills and seasonal fish with a twist. The surf and turf bento box and the ox cheek is a must-have.<\/p>\n
If you get the opportunity, St Clement’s Church in the centre of the town is worth a visit. The church is steeped in history and dates back to the 12th century.<\/p>\n
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The church has an impressive Norman tower and large pillars. The octagonal font dates back to the 15th century.<\/p>\n
If you’re not one for tourist attractions or pub lunches then just walking around this quaint town and admiring its historic buildings is well worth the effort.<\/p>\n
One of the most impressive structures by far is the 16th-century bastion known as The Barbican which has chequered brickwork. The bridge originally guarded the bridge over the River Stour.<\/p>\n
The bastion is opposite the Sandwich Toll Bridge – a Grade-II listed road and bridge which originally opened in 1755.<\/p>\n
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St. Bartholomew’s Hospital Chapel and St. Thomas’s Hospital are two beautiful structures that should not be missed – even if just to stare in awe at the ornate architecture.<\/p>\n
The historic hospital is believed to date back possibly, to 1190 and is one of the oldest established hostels for travellers and pilgrims.<\/p>\n
St. Thomas’s Hospital was built in the 14th century and was named after Thomas Becket who was the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until he died in 1170.<\/p>\n