The unique history spots in Thanet you didn’t know existed

Famous individuals such as Charles Dickens, Vincent Van Gogh and Queen Victoria have lived in the town and the Isle has been involved in historical events such as the Dunkirk evacuation and the Napoleonic wars. Ramsgate is also home to the UK’s only Royal Harbour.

The Isle has plenty of hidden spots to discover. Here’s where you should visit if you want to learn more about Thanet’s unique story.

Margate’s Hidden Cave Network

Although Margate is famous for its dreamland theme park and stunning coastal views, there is plenty to discover about the town underground. These caves were first excavated in the 18th century - and it was confirmed in 2018 that there had been life in the cave since as early as the Iron Age.

Walking through the tourist attraction, there are various wall paintings and multiple turns and alleyways, making for a truly unique experience.

The Ramsgate Tunnels

Once again underground, Ramsgate’s tunnels provide more insight into Thanet’s past. Originally built as a railway line to connect the harbour to the main train line, the 21/2 mile-long tunnels were used to construct a series of tunnels to be used as bomb shelters during bombing raids in WW2. By 1940, 300 families were permanently living in the underground tunnels; some parts are built as deep as 27 metres below the surface.

The tunnels are now used as a tourist attraction, where you are informed about one of the most fascinating parts of Thanet’s history through touchscreen technology, recorded sounds and a guided tour.

Bleakhouse Broadstairs

This prominent house on a cliff overlooking Viking Bay in Broadstairs used to be home to the internationally famous writer and social critic Charles Dickens, one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era. Dickens is said to have holidayed in the house between the 1850s and 1860s, and it’s believed it’s where he wrote one of his most famous novels, David Copperfield.

The current establishment also has a smuggler’s museum below deck, as Broadstairs had a reputation for being a smuggling hotspot in the 18th and 19th century.

To learn more about moving to Thanet and the luxury properties available in Ramsgate steps from the main sands, visit our website.

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