Between Deal And Margate Is England's 'Most Complete Medieval Town' With A Quirky Name, Shops, And River Views

Sandwich: the great unifier and the great divider. Who doesn't love a sandwich? But agreeing on which is the best is when the blood feuds begin. Everyone has their preference, from Philly cheesesteaks to BLTs, and we have a British town to thank for that. Located about halfway between Deal and Margate, the medieval town of Sandwich has fortified walls, which are like slices of bread holding a filling of historic buildings and charming shops, all seasoned with a Stour river dressing.

According to the travel writer Pierre Jean Grosley's "A Tour Of London," during a 24-hour gambling stint, the fourth Earl of Sandwich refused to leave his table and instead just ate pieces of beef between two slices of bread. Thus, a classic got a name and a town was put on the map, although Sandwich offers more than cold cuts. The Stour river is a lovely place to walk, take a boat tour, or relax at an eatery with river views, while history buffs can immerse themselves in this impressive time capsule.

Pass through Fisher Gate – which was built in 1384 and is one of the town's five medieval gates – and explore labyrinthine streets lined with timber-framed buildings. Next, visit one of the town's three medieval churches, such as St. Peter's. Built in the 13th and 14th centuries, St. Peter's has a 17th-century tower that offers panoramic views of cottages with terracotta tiles and, in the distance, farmland and meadows. Its "curfew bell" is rung by hand nightly at 8 p.m., continuing a centuries-old tradition of calling people to cover their fires to prevent sparks from setting their houses ablaze. St. Clement's Parish Church, meanwhile, dates back to the 11th century and features an impressive Norman tower. It's one of many reasons Sandwich is a must-see for those who love history, architecture, and unusual places.

While Sandwich is a well-preserved destination, there's one major difference between now and medieval times: This inland town used to be coastal. During the medieval era, Sandwich was England's fourth largest port and was one of the Cinque Ports – five towns that provided ships and soldiers to the king. But a build up of sediment and the draining of marshes extended the coast, pushing Sandwich away from the sea. While the town has been designated a Heritage Harbour, these days, its main body of water is the Stour river.

There are several ways to enjoy Sandwich's river views. The King Charles III England Coast Path, the world's longest maintained coastal trail, follows the Stour river and leads to the beachside castle and antique shops of Deal, which you can reach in about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, the River Runner offers a cruise that travels to the edge of Pegwell Nature Reserve, home to a gray seal colony. Pubs and restaurants line the Stour river. The Old Dining Room in The Bell Hotel, for example, which is directly on the water, is the perfect place to enjoy river views. Located just off the waterway, the 16th-century King's Arms offers a classic historic pub atmosphere with a relaxing garden to boot.

When it comes to shopping in Sandwich, there's a common trait: lovely owners and snug locations. Known for its sweet owner, The Changing Room boutique sells women's clothing and buys pre-loved items, too. The Little Curiosity Box is a jewelry, vintage, and gift shop run by a welcoming family. You can also stop by Spellbound In Sandwich, an indie bookstore straight out of a rom com that has cozy vibes, a thoughtful selection of books, and events ranging from storytelling sessions and knitting workshops to live harpist performances.

The southeast coast of England is peppered with medieval treasures such as "the City of Stories" Norwich, and Sandwich stands out as one of this shoreline's historic gems. One of the best ways to experience the town's past is to check out the Sandwich Medieval Center, where history comes to life with demonstrations of medieval activities such as blacksmithing and calligraphy. It also has a replica of a cog warship, the only one in England to date. This site is free and open Thursdays through Sundays. Built in 1579, The Guildhall houses a visitor center and Sandwich Guildhall Museum. The museum is free to visit and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The Sandwich History Society, meanwhile, offers events such as lectures and guided tours of the town.

London's airports are the closest major hubs to Sandwich, but you still have to drive to the town (about 2 hours; keep an eye out for the "Ham Sandwich" sign that shows you're close) or take a direct 1.5-hour train from London St. Pancras. This southeastern medieval town is also convenient from some of Kent's well-known destinations. The aforementioned town of Deal is a 15-minute drive away, while the sandy beaches, galleries, and mysterious grotto of Margate are just 30 minutes away by car. 

If you're heading to Margate, consider stopping at Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheater, which is a 10-minute drive north of Sandwich. Now peaceful, these ruins mark one of England's most important archaeological sites, as Emperor Claudius initiated the Roman invasion of England in A.D. 43 here — transforming the land irrevocably and giving it its name, Britannia.