Last month, Sam, Emily and I went to Sandwich for the day and it was wonderful. We’ve talked about going for months but it was never feasible before being pregnant, so now that Emily can sit up or lie in a pram, it’s easier to do the things in Kent we want to do. Sandwich is a historic town and civil parish on the River Stour in the non-metropolitan district of Dover, within the ceremonial county of Kent, south-east England. It’s just beautiful and I can’t wait to go back.
We visited Sandwich on the 10th and 11th June, also the weekend of Le Weekend 2017, which brought not only us but hundreds of visitors to the French two-day weekend. The two-day French-themed festival was jam-packed with things to do, see, eat. The French market and stalls run by Normandy traders who cross the channel to set up their trade in the Guildhall Forecourt and Market Street. Offering food, clothing, music and French art-deco, the market square was bustling with tourists tucking into their favourite French cuisine. That Sunday was not only alive with French festivities but thanks to the success last year, an Anglo-French Medieval encampment pitched up their tents to showcase their skills and way of life. Great fun for kids.
Whilst Sandwich was bustling with tourists visiting Le Weekend or the Anglo-French Medieval encampment, we walked around Sandwich in awe. This beautiful town is rich in history. Sandwich was one of the Cinque Ports and still has many original medieval buildings, including several listed public houses and gates in the old town walls, churches, almshouses and the White Mill. While once a major port, it is now two miles from the sea due to the disappearance of the Wantsum Channel. Its historic centre has been preserved.
If you’re planning on visiting Sandwich, definitely wear walking shoes and not Birkenstocks, like I thought would be a great idea. You’ll walk on cobbled streets and the pavements are incredibly narrow which is a total pain in the arse with a buggy. But definitely go, you’ll love it.