'Magical' unspoilt medieval town with direct trains to London
Share:
Strolling through the lanes of Sandwich in Kent, you'd be forgiven for thinking you've stepped onto the set of a historical drama. The town is a snapshot of times gone by and stands as one of the UK's best-preserved medieval settlements. The streets are adorned with half-timbered homes and a treasure trove of historical landmarks lurk around every bend. Over the festive period, I had the pleasure of residing in a charming cottage in Sandwich with my loved ones. It was simply enchanting.
The dwelling boasted original beams and sloping floors, nestled in the town's heart beside the River Stour. The only thing absent was a sprinkle of snow on Christmas Day. Although the town was largely dormant during the Christmas break, a leisurely dog walk around its quaint streets allowed me to soak up its rich past. A significant number of the town's buildings hark back to the 16th century, including the Sandwich Guildhall Museum, erected in 1579, reports the Express.
The Sandwich Guildhall serves as an ideal starting point for those keen to delve into the town's history. The museum narrates the tale of Sandwich from its modest inception right up to the present day. Among the museum's prized possessions is the 1300 AD Sandwich Magna Carta and Charter of the Forest. These documents dating back to 1300 were unearthed in 2015 in a forgotten archive scrapbook and are estimated to be worth a jaw-dropping £10million.
Even if some exhibits don't tickle your fancy, the Grade II-listed building itself is a sight to behold. The courtroom boasts wooden panelling harking back to 1607 and a stained glass window, fitted in 1906, illustrating Queen Elizabeth I's grand entrance at Sandown Gate in Sandwich in 1573.
