Local Area Highlights

For those who like to venture out and visit different places whilst on holiday, Sea Glimpses is ideally placed to explore the East Kent region.  We've listed a few places situated nearby but with the county of Kent having such a rich history as well as being known as the Garden of England there are many more places that you can visit either by car or by train.

Margate 

The Turner Contemporary Gallery was opened up by Tracey Emin and that has started a revival in Margate’s “Old Town”. Dreamland has reopened - it has many vintage amusement rides as well as retro arcade games.  A walk along the Harbour Arm with its art galleries, pub and café is a pleasant place to sit and view Margate.  There are lots of vintage and tea/cake shops - nice to look around - and some very good restaurants. 

Ramsgate

The Royal Harbour and Marina is lovely with a Continental feel and the revamped boat sheds have opened as cafes, art and antique shops.  You can get a harbour boat trip from the jetty and the boatsman will give a history of the marina.  At Christmas and New Year many of the boats moored in the Marina are decorated with colourful lights that make a beautiful scene.  The Ramsgate Tunnels have a fascinating history and their informative guided tours of the tunnels are well recommended.  A visit to St Augustine’s Church built by August Pugin who designed the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) and much of the interior of Westminster Palace (The Houses of Parliament) will reveal Ramsgate’s link to the introduction of Christianity to the English. 

Canterbury

Easily accessible by car or train, Canterbury is a very beautiful historic city with a Roman wall and, of course, Canterbury Cathedral which is vast and a World Heritage Site.  The Canterbury Tales attraction and the river tours are great fun.  Canterbury Guided Tours run informative 90 minute tours of the medieval lanes, Cathedral Precincts and the King's School regaling tales of the historical events and Canterbury's famous historical residents and visitors.

Sandwich

This is one of the best preserved medieval towns in England with very quaint streets, houses, shops and pubs.  The Guildhall has a museum and ancient courtroom.  Just outside Sandwich is Richborough Roman Fort which is where the Romans first invaded England.  Sandwich is easily accessible by car or train. 

Deal

A very ancient quaint town with colourful buildings on the seafront.  Deal Castle (English Heritage) was built by Henry VIII and is known as one of the best artillery castles.  Walmer with its castle is also close by – this has 8 acres of beautiful gardens, woodlands and sea views (also English Heritage). 

Dover

The castle is one of the main tourist attractions in the area and is well worth a visit.  Apart from the castle (great tower) there are the medieval tunnels, underground hospital, Operation Dynamo, WW1 Fire Command Post drills and much more (dogs are permitted in the grounds area).   

Whitstable

Very popular seaside town with an active fishing port, renowned for oysters, quirky shops and trendy cafes.  There are pubs with seating along the waterfront (shingle beach) so nice to sit on a sunny day.  Parking can be difficult at busy times but there are direct trains taking under half an hour.