Sandgate: Coast and Architectural History

Sandgate combines coastal scenery with buildings from different periods of history. When looking for a hotel in Sandgate, its local highlights can help you choose a destination that suits your interests. These include coastal defences, a listed church and a park developed for recreation and enjoying the coast.

Coastal defences from different periods

Sandgate Castle was built as an artillery fort under Henry VIII; construction to designs by Stefan von Haschenperg dates to 1539–40. The castle is a unique example of a Henrician coastal fortification. Its purpose was to protect the beach and coastal road in this part of Kent, not a harbour or anchorage. Above-ground and buried remains of the castle survive by the seashore south of Castle Road in Sandgate. Its purpose and location make clear that this building was designed to defend the coast and road.

The Martello towers also reflect the defence of the coast, but date from a later period. Tower No. 7 is one of six fortified cliff-top towers with ditches, built in 1805–06 to defend the coast between Hythe and Folkestone. From a steep, south-facing slope, it overlooks Sandgate and the sea. Tower No. 8 is a different structure: built in 1806 as part of the coastal defences, it is one of four Martello towers surviving on the Sandgate cliff edge and is now a private home. The numbers refer to different groups: six towers built for the stretch of coast between Hythe and Folkestone, and four surviving towers on the Sandgate cliff edge.

Church and memorial

The Church of St Paul offers a different perspective on Sandgate’s architectural history. This Grade II listed church was built in the Gothic Revival style in the late 1840s, to a design by S. S. Teulon. Later details add to this building phase: Charles Powell created the roof decoration between 1927 and 1936, and several windows feature 20th-century stained glass. The original architecture and later artistic additions can thus be distinguished in the same building.

Sandgate’s War Memorial was unveiled on 11 May 1921. As a place of remembrance, it adds a 20th-century commemorative perspective to the older defensive structures. For a historical overview of the town, the castle, Martello towers, church and memorial therefore offer different points of reference in terms of period and theme.

Coastal park, beach and active pursuits

Lower Leas Coastal Park is a linear park between Folkestone and Sandgate, developed for recreation and enjoying the coast. Its lower cliff area has a unique microclimate that attracts wildlife rarely found in the UK. The park also has an inclusive, wheelchair-accessible play area. If you plan to visit this area, check its current status beforehand.

Sandgate Beach is also part of the town’s coastal landscape: it has received a Seaside Award every year since 2013. For a coastal outing, the promenade offers a pleasant, easy cycle ride between Folkestone and Hythe. The beach, park and cycle ride are further aspects to consider when choosing a destination, alongside the historic buildings.

A glimpse of everyday life

The High Street adds everyday local amenities to these coastal and historical attractions. Its shops sell antiques, collectibles and gifts; individual shops’ offerings may change. Together with the seafront amenities, they give a picture of Sandgate shaped both by its coastal location and by the different aspects of its history.

Discover more destinations: Gravesend, Five Oak Green, Bapchild, Ash, Shoreham, Wateringbury, Whitstable, Edenbridge.

For the broader travel overview: Kent.