Sandwich is one of England’s most perfectly preserved medieval towns — a largely intact Cinque Port of narrow lanes, medieval gates and merchant houses, set beside the Stour estuary where the river meets the sea in a wide bay. The coastal walking east to Sandwich Bay and north to Pegwell Bay is flat, atmospheric and rich in birdlife.

A uniquely well-preserved small town with good restaurants and an excellent deli, Sandwich makes an unusual and rewarding walking base for the east Kent coast — a landscape of dunes, estuary and medieval earthworks that few visitors discover.