insideKENT Magazine Issue 70 - January 2018 | Page 48

DAYSOUT
EXPLORE A COASTAL MASTERPIECE cont.
The historic village of St Peters is also famed for its award-winning
costumed stories which help to bring the past back to life.
You are now arriving in Broadstairs, a wonderful Victorian seaside
resort once much loved by Dickens. Close to Broadstairs railway
station is the imposing Crampton Tower built by engineer Thomas
Crampton who was born in Broadstairs in 1816.
Shortly, a grand building known as Pierremont will come into
view. Built in 1785, Queen Victoria stayed here as a child in 1827.
She had her own white donkey, Dicky, for rides on the beach.
You will complete your walk at the Dickens House Museum, a
small Tudor building once owned by Miss Mary Pearson Strong
during the time when Dickens used to visit Broadstairs. Dickens
based the character Betsey Trotwood on her. The museum is
open at weekends during November and contains many items
of Dickens memorabilia.
From here you can either retrace your steps back to Margate or
let the train take the strain. There is a regular train service that
runs from Broadstairs to Margate which will allow you to view
the wonderful landscape from a different perspective. This is a
walk that combines the seaside with heritage – it is sure to put
you back in touch with your arty side!
LOCATION: MARGATE (CT9 1JD)
DISTANCE:
4 MILES (6.44 KM) ONE WAY
TIME: ALLOW APPROXIMATELY
2.5 HOURS
EXPLORER MAP: 150
TERRAIN: ALL FOOTWAYS ARE AT
LEAST A METRE WIDE AND THE
ENTIRE ROUTE HAS BEEN LAID IN
HARD SURFACING.
PARKING: PARKING AVAILABLE AT
MARGATE HARBOUR ARM
APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES
FROM THE START.
REFRESHMENTS AND FACILITIES:
GOOD SELECTION OF
RESTAURANTS, TEAROOMS AND
PUBS IN MARGATE AND
BROADSTAIRS.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT LOCAL
BUS AND TRAIN SERVICES IN
KENT, FROM YOUR HOME
ADDRESS, TAKE A LOOK AT
WWW.KENTCONNECTED.ORG.
WHAT NEXT?
For more information on our walks, cycle rides and canoe trails including
Kent’s best winter walks and outdoor events across Kent please visit Explore
Kent and discover the great Kentish countryside or follow Explore Kent on
social media @explorekent on Twitter & Facebook.
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