A weekend in Sandwich

A medieval Cinque Port with timber-framed lanes and a private toll bridge

Independent UK guide
Free to use
Affiliate links clearly labelled
Updated October 2026

Sandwich is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in England, a former Cinque Port that once stood on the sea but is now a couple of miles inland. Narrow lanes lined with timber-framed houses lead down to the quay and the River Stour, where a historic toll bridge still charges a fee.

It is quiet and unspoilt, with good walking on the town walls and along the river, and the Kent coast, Deal and Canterbury are all close by.

Best forHistory lovers, Walkers, Food lovers, Dog owners

Best time to goSpring to autumn. The Open golf championship can fill rooms in some summers, so check dates.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£320–£560, excluding travel

Getting thereLondon: About 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours by train, with a change at Ashford or Canterbury.

Check prices for a weekend in Sandwich

Plan your weekend in Sandwich

Top attractions in Sandwich

The Quay and the Toll Bridge

A pretty riverside with a privately owned toll bridge, one of the few left in England.

The medieval streets

Lanes of timber-framed houses, such as Strand Street, and the Barbican gate.

The Salutation Gardens

A Lutyens-designed house with beautifully planted gardens, open to visitors.

Royal St George's

A world-famous golf links on the edge of town, which hosts the Open championship.

Richborough Roman Fort

Remains of a major Roman landing site a short drive away, managed by English Heritage.

Best things to do in Sandwich

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Canterbury Cathedral visit

Canterbury Cathedral is the mother church of the Anglican Communion and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

Oysters in Whitstable

Whitstable has been known for its oysters for centuries, and the town's harbour and seafront are full of seafood restaurants and stalls. Allow 1 to 2 hours.

Seven Sisters cliff walk

The Seven Sisters are a row of white chalk cliffs on the Sussex coast, between Seaford and Eastbourne. Allow 3 to 5 hours.

Best areas to stay in Sandwich

The town centre

Walkable to pubs, shops and the quay.

Near the quay

Peaceful, with river views.

Deal or Pegwell Bay

Nearby coast with beaches and walks.

Best hotels in Sandwich

Prices for a double room in Sandwich typically fall around £90–£150 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in Sandwich

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Sandwich

Spring to autumn. The Open golf championship can fill rooms in some summers, so check dates.

Seasons that suit Sandwich well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Sandwich

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£90–£150
Food and drink, per day for two	£55–£85
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£320–£560

Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Sandwich

From London: About 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours by train, with a change at Ashford or Canterbury.
From Canterbury: About 25 minutes by car.
From Brighton: About 2 hours 30 minutes by car.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Sandwich

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in The town centre.
Saturday: Start with The Quay and the Toll Bridge, then The medieval streets. In the afternoon, head to The Salutation Gardens.
Sunday: Visit Royal St George's or Richborough Roman Fort, then head home.

Packing list for Sandwich

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Dog travel gear

Good to know

The Open golf can make rooms very expensive, so check the dates.
Parking in the centre is limited.
Check river and marsh footpaths after heavy rain, as they can be wet.

Sandwich weekend FAQs

Is Sandwich worth visiting?

Yes. It is a charming and little-visited medieval town, and works well with Deal and Canterbury.

Is the toll bridge really private?

Yes. It is privately owned and charges a small fee for vehicles and pedestrians.

More weekend ideas

DealKent

A pebble-beach town with a Tudor castle and a fine pier

CanterburyKent

A medieval cathedral city with a UNESCO World Heritage cathedral

BroadstairsKent

A Dickens-loved seaside town of sandy bays and sea views

RyeEast Sussex

A hilltop cinque port town of cobbles and smugglers' pubs

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from London · Best dog-friendly weekend breaks in the UK · Best romantic weekend breaks in the UK · Best UK weekend breaks by train

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.