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. 48