Open Sandwich
Sandwich in Kent
English Heritage Open Days
OPEN DAYS for 2020 will be on 12th and 13th September
Organised by the Sandwich Society
Once a year chance to explore historic buildings - properties in Sandwich that are usually not open to the public will be open during English Heritage Open Days weekend.
All properties are open at the kindness and discretion of their owners and guardians.
Opening times are restricted to the hours shown and may be subject to possible alterations
2020 the reduced number of venues is a provisional listing - Please look again for updates.
1. St John's Cottages - Cattle Market
Six former almshouses, built in 1805, replacing an older building dating from before 1287.
Entrance opposite the side of the Guildhall
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 to 17:00
access code - A PDA
Internal viewing subject to letting availability.
Public parking at rear of Guildhall
2. Noah's Ark - 5 King Street
1603 Grade II* Listed. Early 16th century Flemish style courtyard house.
Small town centre property.
Artist’s studio with an exhibition of work.
Within Town centre
Saturday and Sunday 13:00 to 15:00
access code - A W B ABC - Limited Numbers. Private House.
Uneven floor surfaces and steps.
Not suitable for disabled access or unaccompanied children.
3. St. Peter's Church - Market Street
Town Centre Medieval church, part rebuilt following an earthquake in 17th century. Interesting monuments vestiges of wall paintings.
The tower may be climbed where there are spectacular views over the town - £2.50 per person.
Saturday 10:00 to 17:00 - Sunday 10:00 to 16:00
access code - E PDA The Church Conservation Trust
4. Sandwich Medieval Centre - The Quay
The sandwich medieval centre is dedicated to bringing the crafts and trades of medieval Sandwich back to life in our purpose built medieval style building with a working forge, bake oven and scriptorium.
Watch skilled crafts people demonstrate a range of medieval trades including coppersmithing, blacksmithing, enamelling, wood working, baking and calligraphy plus many more.
Discover the rich heritage of medieval merchants, traders and the warships that once made up one of the most important sea ports of the medieval period.
At the Quay Saturday and Sunday 10;00 to 16:00
5. USN P22 Gunboat - Sandwich Quay
Originally operated by the US Navy as part of the Rhine Patrol in Germany in the Cold War period following WWII.
The boat is kept in original condition and is now moored at Sandwich Quay.
It recently starred in the 2017 film 'Dunkirk'.
Tours conducted by members of her current crew.
Waterside location, steep steps and restricted headroom.
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 to 17.00
access code - ABC
6. St Mary's Arts Centre - Strand Street
Visit this dramatic town centre church with its spectacular roof, fascinating monuments and stained glass.
Informal guided tours
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 to 16:00 - Stewards on site
access code - PDA DP - Disabled and ample public parking adjacent.
The Churches Conservation Trust
Please click for pdf Map
Key to access codes
- A - not normally open to the public.
- ABC - Not suitable for disabled access or unaccompanied children
- AHF - buildings and projects which have received funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund.
- B - Limited capacity.
- C - no children under 10.
- D - full disabled access.
- PDA - partial disabled access.
- E - a financial charge may be made to an additional part of the site not taking part in the event.
- EH - properties owned or managed by English Heritage or those having received funding from English Heritage.
- HLF - buildings and projects which have received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
- DP - disabled parking is available on or near the site but may be limited.
- P - parking available.
- W - entry charged waived for Heritage Open Days.
- T - toilet.
- DT - disabled toilet.
Photos on this page copyright Open Sandwich and Wikimedia unless otherwise stated.
Other Useful Websites
- Guildhall paintings collection online:
ART UK project website - Aerial Photos of Sandwich 1920s - 1940s
- The Aerofilms Collection - Britain From Above
Other Local Media
- Sandwich has its own Radio Station
- https://www.facebook.com/Coastal-Radio-1532560976995327/
Social Media
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