Tucked away in the charming town of Sandwich, Kent, lies a hidden gem that history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike will find utterly fascinating — the Sandwich Medieval Centre!
Often overshadowed by the more famous Canterbury Cathedral or the White Cliffs of Dover, this center offers an immersive experience that transports visitors back to the medieval period, allowing them to engage with history in a uniquely hands-on way.
Sandwich, known for its quaint streets and picturesque views, is a town steeped in historical relevance. Its role as a Cinque Port during the medieval period made it a bustling hub of activity and trade. A personal favorite destination for my husband and I, you can find more information about this town in a prior post: Simple Travel Pleasures: Having a Sandwich in Sandwich.
Table of Contents
Hours, Amenities, & Parking
About the Centre
Attractions
My Experience
Other Things To Do In Kent
Recommendations
Hours, Amenities, & Parking
During spring/summer months, the Sandwich Medieval Centre is open Thursday to Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Opening times are limited to weekends only during the winter.
Depending on your interest in Medieval history, I would recommend spending at least 30-60 minutes visiting the centre.
There are several places to park in Sandwich, but the closest option is the Quay Car Park. You can either pay and display your ticket or use Ringo (3802). Charges apply from 8:00am to 6:00pm daily, at a rate of £1.60 per hour plus convenience fees.
Notably, disabled parking is also available at this car park and there is a sidewalk leading directly to the Sandwich Medieval Centre.
Best of all, entry to the Sandwich Medieval Centre itself is free!
About the Sandwich Medieval Centre
The Sandwich Medieval Centre is not just a static museum but a vibrant, living history site offering insights into the daily lives, crafts, and skills of the medieval people who once thrived in the area. As you step through its doors, you are greeted by the sounds and sights of the past. Costumed interpreters, skilled in various medieval crafts, demonstrate traditional techniques and engage with visitors, making history come alive.
The building itself is a marvel, carefully designed to reflect many aspects of the historical period it represents. Period-appropriate furnishings help to create an authentic atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. The attention to detail is evident in every corner, making it easy to forget the modern world outside and fully immerse oneself in the medieval past.
One of the highlights of the Sandwich Medieval Centre is its commitment to education and interaction. In addition to the regular exhibits and demonstrations, the Sandwich Medieval Centre hosts various events and workshops throughout the year. Visitors, young and old, are encouraged to participate in hands-on learning. This makes visiting even more engaging and also helps to deepen the understanding of the era's complexities and nuances.
Make sure you view the calendar for details regarding upcoming events and workshops! You can also follow them on Facebook for updates!
What truly sets the Sandwich Medieval Centre apart, however, are the people who manage it. The knowledgeable volunteers who made the site a reality are not only passionate about their work but also incredibly eager to share their expertise with visitors. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and it's not uncommon to leave the center with a newfound appreciation for medieval history and a desire to learn more.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a family looking for an educational outing, or a traveler seeking to explore the lesser-known attractions of Kent, the Sandwich Medieval Centre offers a unique and enriching experience. It’s a place where the past is not only remembered but actively brought to life, allowing you to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of the medieval world. Its commitment to authenticity, interactive exhibits, and passionate staff make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history or simply looking for a unique and memorable time.
Attractions
As mentioned above, the Sandwich Medieval Centre offers a wide array of demonstrations and workshops. Check the calendar for specifics, but you may be able to watch and/or participate in various activities relevant to the period. Independent workshops can also be booked at the rate of £50 for full days and £30 for half days.
Blacksmithing
Learn the traditional methods of Blacksmithing with an authentic on-site forge! Demonstrations are common, with pre-made items available for purchase. Blacksmithing experience vouchers are also for sale in the centre's official website store.
Medieval Calligraphy
Learn to use a quill and ink to write the gothic style script from medieval manuscripts.
Wheat Weaving
Learn how to make a harvest favour using natural materials.
Mead Making
Learn how to make mead from simple ingredients after tasting samples to help inform your creation.
Printmaking
Learn about the medieval printing process and make a sample print to take home.
Egg Tempera Painting
Learn the medieval method of painting ground colours and egg yolk.
Medieval Illumination
Learn the process of illumination, beginning with an initial tracing, laying gold size, applying gold leaf and finally colour painting and outlines.
The Nicholas Project
Using a solid wooden hull built with traditional methods, the Sandwich Medieval Centre has created a replica of what a cog with mast would have looked like in Medieval times.
My Experience in Sandwich
My husband and I have visited Sandwich several times but only recently discovered the Sandwich Medieval Museum. And I'm so glad we did!
After parking in the Quay Car Park, I noticed the building and was instantly intrigued. They were just opening for the day, but I was immediately drawn to the volunteers in full costume. As mentioned above, entrance is free so we quickly made our way in.
The interior was well furnished and decorated using replica items similar to those that may have been utilized during the Medieval period. With numerous things on display, we easily spent 30 minutes or so exploring and reading signs.
The signage posted throughout was exceptional. Everywhere I turned, I found more opportunities to learn about life in Medieval times. There is also a small booklet available for purchase (recommended donation of £2) with a plethora of information included.
My personal favorite aspect was the fully functioning forge! Not only was it fascinating to watch the blacksmith (Steve), but I also loved seeing the items made using it. In fact, many of these were available for purchase! Steve was extremely informative, providing detailed explanations of what each item was used for during Medieval times and sharing various insights about the period in general. His wife, Sarah, was also a delight to speak with!
The couple was kind enough to speak with my husband and I for some time, discussing the forge, past events, and the history of the Sandwich Medieval Centre overall. One of the other volunteers, Alex, was also kind enough to provide information about Medieval book binding and the Nicholas project. Unfortunately, the replica cog boat completed by the centre volunteers was in dry dock during our visit, but it is usually available to see as well.
In the end, we purchased several of the forge-made items to bring home with us, as well as one of the history booklets. My husband and I loved the experience and highly recommend it for anyone even remotely interested in Medieval history!
Other Things To Do In Kent
Kent, England, is an amazing area that we've visited numerous times now. As with the Sandwich Medieval Centre, there's always something new to discover and explore. If you're in the area, consider taking advantage of one of these great activities!
The above-mentioned options offer much to choose from, but here are a few more ideas. In addition to the Medieval Centre and having a sandwich in Sandwich, these are some of the activities my husband and I have enjoyed the most.
Explore the Streets of Canterbury
Stroll through Canterbury's charming streets lined with historic buildings, quaint shops, and bustling cafes, soaking in the city's rich history and vibrant atmosphere.
Visit the Canterbury Cathedral
Marvel at the grandeur of Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning architecture and rich religious history.
Walk Along the White Cliffs of Dover
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover, with panoramic views of the English Channel and the French coastline.
Tour Dover Castle
Explore the majestic Dover Castle, steeped in history and offering breathtaking views of the English Channel and the iconic White Cliffs.
Visit the Shell Grotto in Margate
Discover the mysterious Shell Grotto in Margate, adorned with intricate seashell mosaics, its origins shrouded in mystery and intrigue.
Wander Through Walmer Castle & Gardens
Experience the historic charm of Walmer Castle in Kent, once home to the Duke of Wellington, with its beautiful gardens and coastal views.
General Recommendations
Stop by The Sandwich Shop for a hot or cold sandwich in Sandwich! We've done this twice now and highly recommend it, if or no other reason than bragging rights!
I'm not sure if it's us or just typical English weather, but it's rained every single time we've visited Sandwich. Mind you, we've enjoyed sunny days in every other part of Kent - it's just Sandwich! As a result, I do highly recommend bringing along weather-appropriate gear. I think it's just bad luck on our part, but I've needed my rain jacket every time!
Along this same vein, I recommend bringing wellies (rain boots) as well. We recently purchased these unisex Dunlop boots for my nephew; they're very inexpensive and, according to him, quite comfortable.
Check out other activities in Kent! This is a charming region of England, full of exciting prospects.
Be prepared to take a LOT of pictures. This area is truly stunning, especially on sunny days. As I've mentioned before, I use the Nikon D7000 digital SLR with either a 18-55mm lens or 55-200mm lens. If you're looking for something comparable but less expensive, check out this Nikon D5100 digital SLR camera with 18-55mm VR lens. It's renewed, but mine is too and I've never had an issue.
Buyers in the United States may want to consider this Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR camera, which comes with two lenses and a carry bag.
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