Around Kent > Coastal Walk > Sandwich to Deal
This 9km section from Sandwich village to Deal is completely flat, with little but views between the two.
History of the area
Sandwich was first documented in 664AD as a Saxon stronghold, and has a varied history. The traditional medieval town was once a major port in the 11-13th centuries, and was included in the Confederation of Cinque Ports (more info here). The wealth of the town led to a series of invasions, from the Danes and Vikings to the French. In the 1380s, walls were constructed on the orders of Richard II to encircle the town to protect it from attack. This still didn't deter the French, who launched a major assault in 1457, leaving Sandwich in a very poor state.
What was regarded as the fourth town in importance and size in the Domesday book (behind London, Norwich and Ipswich) fell into decline. The Great Storm of 1287 began the process of silting the harbours and rivers around Thanet, and by 1500 the port was seriously deteriorating. In the 1560s, Protestants fleeing Europe settled, built dykes and brought trades, and Sandwich became a peaceful market town. In the early 17th century, people embarked at Sandwich to emigrate to Virginia, New England, and in 1847 the railway was built.
The town is now 2 miles from the sea and prospers as a result of tourism and the nearby industrial estates which include Pfizer. The town itself is home to around 4500 people, but is probably no longer outnumbered by the pharmaceutical giant. The town walls have since gone, but a lot of original architecture remains, including the Barbican gate (built 1536) and toll bridge (1892). In place of the port, 2 world-class golf courses now exist: Royal St Georges - which holds the Open Championship about every 10 years; and Princes - an Open Championship Final Qualifying course.
The walk
This section begins with a picturesque walk out of Sandwich along the path of the old city wall, and next to a stream. After following this and with some careful navigation, the Royal St Georges golf course is crossed and the sea reached. Easy walking along either the beach or road leads to the Sandwich Bay estate with its impressive mansions. The remaining 3km is on a stony path alongside the Royal Cinque Ports golf course, across the Lydden Valley. The remains of Sandown Castle mark the entrance to Deal, followed by a short walk along the seafront to the town's pier.
Maps are copyright of Multimap, Ordnance Survey and Google Maps
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Click map to zoom Click here for Multimap |
History of the area
Sandwich was first documented in 664AD as a Saxon stronghold, and has a varied history. The traditional medieval town was once a major port in the 11-13th centuries, and was included in the Confederation of Cinque Ports (more info here). The wealth of the town led to a series of invasions, from the Danes and Vikings to the French. In the 1380s, walls were constructed on the orders of Richard II to encircle the town to protect it from attack. This still didn't deter the French, who launched a major assault in 1457, leaving Sandwich in a very poor state.
What was regarded as the fourth town in importance and size in the Domesday book (behind London, Norwich and Ipswich) fell into decline. The Great Storm of 1287 began the process of silting the harbours and rivers around Thanet, and by 1500 the port was seriously deteriorating. In the 1560s, Protestants fleeing Europe settled, built dykes and brought trades, and Sandwich became a peaceful market town. In the early 17th century, people embarked at Sandwich to emigrate to Virginia, New England, and in 1847 the railway was built.
The town is now 2 miles from the sea and prospers as a result of tourism and the nearby industrial estates which include Pfizer. The town itself is home to around 4500 people, but is probably no longer outnumbered by the pharmaceutical giant. The town walls have since gone, but a lot of original architecture remains, including the Barbican gate (built 1536) and toll bridge (1892). In place of the port, 2 world-class golf courses now exist: Royal St Georges - which holds the Open Championship about every 10 years; and Princes - an Open Championship Final Qualifying course.
The walk
This section begins with a picturesque walk out of Sandwich along the path of the old city wall, and next to a stream. After following this and with some careful navigation, the Royal St Georges golf course is crossed and the sea reached. Easy walking along either the beach or road leads to the Sandwich Bay estate with its impressive mansions. The remaining 3km is on a stony path alongside the Royal Cinque Ports golf course, across the Lydden Valley. The remains of Sandown Castle mark the entrance to Deal, followed by a short walk along the seafront to the town's pier.
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| View across the marshes to Pfizer |  |
| The East side of site (pictured) contains manufacturing and development |  |
| Sandwich Bay |  |
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| The shallow beach gradient is popular with kitesurfers |  |
| Sandwich Bay estate |  |
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| Sandwich Bay S&WSC (sailing club) |  |
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| Royal Cinque Ports Golf Links |  |
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| Remains of Sandown Castle |  |
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| HM Coastguard, Deal |  |
| Deal Rowing Club |  |
| Deal Angling Club |  |
Maps are copyright of Multimap, Ordnance Survey and Google Maps