Sandgate brings together several chapters of coastal defence with a coastal park, beach and cycling opportunities. The history is particularly vivid in buildings dating from different periods and serving different purposes.
Coastal Defence and Historic Buildings
Sandgate Castle was built as an artillery castle under Henry VIII, in 1539–40 to designs by Stefan von Haschenperg. It is considered a unique example of a Henrician fortification intended to protect the beach and coastal road in this part of Kent—not a harbour or anchorage. Above-ground and buried remains survive on the seafront south of Castle Road.
The Martello towers also recall the defence of the coast. Martello Tower No. 7 is one of six fortified cliff-top towers with ditches, built between Hythe and Folkestone in 1805–06. From a steep, south-facing slope, the tower overlooks Sandgate and the sea. Martello Tower No. 8 was built in 1806 as part of the coastal defences and is one of four Martello towers surviving on the cliff edge at Sandgate.
Another architectural highlight is the Church of St Paul, a Grade II listed church in the Gothic Revival style. S. S. Teulon designed it in the late 1840s. Charles Powell created its roof decoration between 1927 and 1936; several windows contain 20th-century stained glass. The church thus brings together architectural history and artistic details added later. Sandgate’s War Memorial was unveiled on 11 May 1921.
Coastal Park, Beach and Paths
The Lower Leas Coastal Park stretches as a linear park between Folkestone and Sandgate. It was developed for recreation and to help people experience the coast. Its lower cliff area has a unique microclimate that attracts wildlife rarely found in the United Kingdom. Nature and coastal scenery are therefore part of the same park.
The park also has an inclusive, wheelchair-accessible play area. Facilities may change, so check the latest information before visiting. The play area is a specific destination within the park, while the lower cliff and its microclimate offer a different perspective on the natural surroundings.
Sandgate Beach has received a Seaside Award every year since 2013. For exercise along the coast, you can also enjoy an easy, pleasant cycle ride on the coastal promenade between Folkestone and Hythe. The beach and bike ride offer a different focus from the buildings: instead of concentrating on the history of defence, you can experience Sandgate and its coastal surroundings outdoors.
The High Street is also part of the village’s character: its shops sell antiques, collectibles and gifts. The range at individual shops may change. When choosing a holiday apartment, the different aspects of a stay may be helpful to consider: the dated buildings tell the story of Sandgate’s history, while the park, beach and coastal promenade offer space to enjoy nature and the coast.
Discover more destinations: Newington, Folkestone, Alkham, Hawkinge, Sevenoaks Weald, Shepherdswell, Lower Halstow, Bredgar
For the main travel overview: Kent.
