KENTSTAYCATION
Castles, Caves and Curiosities cont...
THE FORGOTTEN MARGATE CHALK CAVES
For those drawn to hidden gems both above and below ground, Margate offers curiosities in abundance. East Kent’ s coastal town is drenched in timeless curiosity and archaeological interests, including the Margate Caves, an intriguing exploration of forgotten history.
Here, you will descend into an originally dug chalk mine that was forgotten for almost 100 years before reopening in the late 18th century as a tourist attraction. The caves interlace centuries of forgotten stories and previous settlements, including an Iron Age skeleton found in a bell-shaped chalk pit, and the site boasts an abundance of man-made treasures from across the centuries.
Ascending from the caves, head for a coffee break at Cliffs. An awardwinning cafe, with a record shop and hairdressers on the premises, indulge in a range of coffees, cakes and music before descending again into Margate’ s mysterious Shell Grotto. Discovered by chance in 1835, the grotto remains an architectural curiosity. Its subterranean tunnels are an accumulation of 4.6 million shells- everything from cockles and whelks to mussels- and the shells form intricate interlacing mosaics for you to marvel at for hours.
For discovery that continues beyond the caves, check in to The Walpole Bay Hotel and Museum where you will enter a bygone era. A time-locked family-run hotel with an integrated museum, expect quirky objects and past relics paired with classical four-poster beds, scenic coastal views and the hotel’ s famous cream teas.
Conclude the day by visiting a local foodie hotspot- Buoy and Oyster. Located on Margate Beach, this popular restaurant serves high-quality seafood, so hungry visitors can indulge in fresh oysters and handcrafted cocktails while taking in a classic Turner sunset.
SHELL GROTTO
© Thanet District Council
MAN-MADE MYSTERIES OF CHISLEHURST CAVES
Nestled in North Kent, just a stone’ s throw away from London, you will find the centuries-old Chislehurst Caves. Descend into a world of darkness, lit only by the lamp in your hand, and you will discover a subterranean labyrinth of lived experience. Intersecting manmade tunnels carved out over hundreds of years, step back into times gone by and unearth Victorian, Roman and Saxon stories.
When you ascend, make your way to Bank House in the heart of Chislehurst for a relaxed lunch from the à la carte menu, which has been designed to be enjoyed on the sun terrace with a selection of cocktails, draft beers and wines to indulge in.
Next, transition through lived experience at Bethlem Museum of the Mind; a leisurely 20-minute drive from the Chislehurst Caves and situated within the grounds of the prestigious Bethlem Royal Hospital, prepare to be immersed in exhibitions celebrating and educating visitors through archives, art and historic objects to support the history of mental health care and treatment.
After a day of mysterious caves and historic museums, make your way back to Chislehurst and check in to The Bull’ s Head where the warmest of welcomes await. A local’ s favourite, The Bull’ s Head offers stylish boutique bedrooms with comfy beds and an overflowing minibar. Just a staircase away is a jam-packed menu with proper Sunday roasts and delicious pies; get ready to unwind and enjoy a tipple in this little corner of Kentish heaven.
CHISLEHURST CAVES www. insidekent. co. uk • 67