Nestled in the charming county of Kent, this town is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the UK, steeped in rich history and unique character.
Located just about an hour and a half from London, this quaint town was once a bustling major port and played a key role in England’s maritime history as one of the original Cinque Ports. Today, it offers visitors a captivating blend of medieval streets, historic sites, and tranquil countryside, making it a perfect day-trip or longer getaway destination.
Sandwich – one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the UK
Sandwich’s origins trace back to Roman times, with the nearby Richborough Roman Fort marking the initial strategic development in the region. The Romans used the port as an important gateway during their invasion of Britain.
Later, the town flourished through the medieval period as a vital port along the Wantsum Channel, which separated the Isle of Thanet from Kent’s mainland. Due to this natural shipping route, Sandwich was once second only to London in importance as a port.
By the medieval era, Sandwich had become an established town with fortified walls and five gates, of which two, Fishergate and the Barbican, still stand today as remarkable preserved monuments from the 14th century.
The town’s wealth from wool export and wine import is evident in grand medieval buildings like St. Peter’s Church, timber-framed houses, and public houses that line its cobbled streets.
Though the Wantsum Channel gradually silted up from the late Middle Ages onward, diminishing Sandwich’s port status by the 17th century, this silting also contributed to preserving the town’s historic fabric almost frozen in time. Visitors today can wander its winding lanes, absorbing centuries of architecture and stories.
Secret tunnels, Roman ruins and the origin of the ‘sandwich’
Sandwich boasts intriguing historical features beyond its medieval streets. Underneath parts of the town are secret tunnels that hint at its defensive past. Roman ruins and remnants are also found nearby, linking back to the town’s ancient origins.
One famous connection to modern culture is that the sandwich food itself is named after John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who is said to have popularised eating meat between bread slices to avoid interrupting card games. This charming anecdote adds a quirky, novel link to the town’s storied name.
Visitors can also explore the annual Sandwich Festival held in late August, featuring markets, music, boat parades, vintage cars, and more a celebration of the town’s vibrant heritage and community spirit.
How to get to Sandwich from London
The fastest and most popular way to reach Sandwich from London is by train. Southeastern operates direct trains from London St Pancras International to Sandwich, with journeys taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
A more budget-friendly but slower option is to take a National Express coach from London Victoria Coach Station to Sandwich. The journey can take over 3 hours with transfers.
