It had been years since I’d last visited the seaside town of Ramsgate in Kent. You’d think that as I’m a Kent dweller, I’d be visiting a bit more frequently. But so often is the way that we head further afield and miss those special treats on our doorstep.

Ramsgate Royal Harbour

With Ramsgate’s location being just a baguettes throw from France, it has some fascinating history, particularly around its nautical past. From the Napoleonic Wars to the Dunkirk evacuations during Operation Dynamo. Then mix that with a hearty helping of ice-cream and fish and chips, and you have a winning combination.

East Cliff Lift in Ramsgate was built in 1910

Our recent visit to Ramsgate was on a bright December day, it didn’t quite include the ice-cream; however, fish and chips were certainly ‘catch of the day’.

A little fact that makes Ramsgate unique is that it is the only Royal Harbour in the UK. It was granted this honour by King George IV in 1821.

Royal Temple Yacht Club

Prior to this in 1483 Ramsgate became part of the Cinque Ports confederation and was a limb of Sandwich. The Cinque Ports charter was established pre-Royal Navy in 13th-century, to recruit mariners. Ramsgate townsfolk would have been enlisted to fulfil Sandwich’s quota for the Crown.

Cinque Ports emblem

I love it that Ramsgate is still a working harbour and the smaller modern-day yachts that are moored in the marina respect this fact. It’s a bustling harbour with locals coming and going, scrubbing decks and giving their boats an overhaul.

Ramsgate Harbour and SSMV Starbuck

One of the eye-catching aspects of Ramsgate is the sweeping red brick harbour wall and arches that lead up to the clifftop walk. The arches now form part of the community and are lovingly maintained. They provide a charming location to stop and enjoy the surroundings and perhaps even grab a cheeky beer.

Arches around Ramsgate Royal Harbour

We took a stroll around the harbour as there are so many noteworthy buildings and historical references. It reminds you just how much of a significant role Ramsgate has played in history.

The Sailors’ Church and Harbour Mission in Ramsgate

The Sailors’ Church and Harbour Mission that was built into the front of the cliff, was constructed in 1878. This place of worship was to provide rest to the men and boys who worked tirelessly in harsh conditions in the English Channel. So often risking their lives.

Kent is not short of picturesque historic towns, particularly along the Kentish coastline. Take a peek at some we’ve visited, Hythe, Deal, Folkestone, Broadstairs, Margate and Sandwich.

During Operation Dynamo in 1940, flotillas of small boats headed over to France for the Dunkirk evacuations. Ramsgate was one of the main harbour towns that thousands of soldiers would have been so grateful to see.

‘Sundowner’ used in the Dunkirk Evacuations in 1940

In Ramsgate harbour today you can see the ‘Sundowner’ one of the ‘little ships’ that crossed the Channel. This boat, in particular, was sailed by Charles Lightoller, the senior surviving officer of the Titanic. He managed to repatriate 130 British Servicemen on a boat licensed to carry 21.

Strolling along Ramsgate’s award-winning golden sandy beach, you’ll come across Ramsgate Tunnels.

In 1863 a mile-long railway tunnel was built allowing the trains to reach the harbour.

Then as WWII approached this tunnel was extended to a two-and-a-half-mile network of Deep Shelter tunnels. Entrances were dotted around the town, and the air raid shelters provide protection for around 60,000 people.

There are stories of these tunnels becoming a permanent residence for some folk, to find out a little, come and pay a visit.

Ramsgate Tunnels

In 2014 part of the 150-year-old Ramsgate Tunnel network was opened to visitors, so you can go and take a peek for yourself.

Now, I have to be honest here, although Ramsgate is going through a process of rejuvenation, it hasn’t quite made it to the heart of the town centre. However, it is incredible that you only have to wander one or two streets back and you are surrounded by beautiful Regency, Victorian and Georgian buildings.

Guildford Lawn

Spencer Square

All along the cliff walk and promenade are attractive homes with wide bay windows and wrought-iron balconies. All with far-reaching views across the English Channel.

Paragon Promenade

Visiting Ramsgate, you really understand why these English seaside towns were such an attraction during the 19th-century. Sweeping, majestic crescents where once ladies and gents would have promenaded.

Pickfords Removals

The Falstaff along Addington Street

I just love strolling around the residential streets discovering the tiny lanes and finding those little reminders of eras gone by.

Heading north around Ramsgate bay and the elegance continues, with more attractive homes and striking architecture. All around Albion Place, Wellington Crescent and Victoria Parade, there are some stunning buildings.

Wellington Crescent and bandstand

Ramsgate can also boast architectural designs by A W Pugin and his sons. St. Augustine’s Church and Granville House are wonderful examples of their work. A W Pugin designed many buildings around the UK, none more famous than the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben.

Granville House

Ramsgate certainly has its fair share of Blue Plaques, two of which relate to Vincent Van Gogh. He moved to Ramsgate in April 1876 and was a supply teacher in a small boarding school in Royal Road.

Vincent Van Gogh’s residence

Vincent Van Gogh’s taught here

I do love how tenuous some of the plaques can be. Charles Darwin stayed in Ramsgate in 1850, also Wilkie Collins, the novelist in the 1870s and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the English poet in 1830s.
 
Although possibly the most famous of them all is HRH Princess Victoria who resided in Albion Place between September 1835 to January 1836.

HRH Princess Victoria resided in Ramsgate

Head to the Visit Ramsgate website and start planning your seaside adventure. More on what to do, where to stay and further local history. Another site I found very useful is Ramsgate Town full of local knowledge and up to date activities in Ramsgate.

Gary and I had a lovely day strolling around Ramsgate and as we headed back along the seafront who couldn’t help ourselves and popped into Peter’s Fish Factory.

Peter’s Fish Factory

If you’re nearby Ramsgate at Christmas time head to the Royal Harbour, as lots of the little boats are decorated for the festive season.

Ramsgate Royal Harbour at Christmas

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