Where is broadstairs located

You can still see the wishing well on Harbour Street that was used by 18th-century smugglers to hide their illegal goods from customs officers. The town has strong connections with author Charles Dickens, who was a regular visitor, and there is an annual Dickens festival. Despite the name, the author did not reside here during his time in Broadstairs; it was the residence of Miss Mary Pearson Strong, used by Dickens as the model for Miss Betsey Trotwood in his novel David Copperfield.

The museum traces the life and career of the writer and his strong links to Broadstairs. Rising above the harbour is the bulk of Bleak House, renamed because its owner believed it to be the one used by Dickens in his tale of the same name.

Whether or not it truly is the house that inspired Dickens is a matter for debate, but the owner believed it was so, so he renamed the house! It now operates as a guest house, with the added attraction of a smuggling museum and 'Dickens' Study'.

Located in a flint tower beside Broadstairs rail station, this small museum looks at the life and career of Thomas Crampton, a designer of railroads, locomotives, water works, and underground telegraph cables. It was Crampton who designed the first underwater telegraph cable across the English Channel. The tower itself served as part of the town's first water supply. One of the prize displays is an original s Broadstairs stage coach. We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.

Heritage Rated from 1- 5 low-exceptional on historic interest. Ramsgate, St Laurence in Thanet Church - 2. St Augustine's Cross - 4 miles Historic Building. Minster Abbey - 5. Richborough Roman Fort - 6. Sandwich, St Mary's Church - 7. Broadstairs is 10 miles north of Deal. Broadstairs is 13 miles east of Herne Bay. Broadstairs is 17 miles north of Dover. Broadstairs is 18 miles east of Whitstable. Broadstairs is 22 miles north-east of Folkestone.

Broadstairs is 24 miles east of Faversham. Broadstairs is 25 miles north-east of Hythe. Broadstairs is 16 miles east of Canterbury. Broadstairs is 49 miles south-east of Chelmsford. Broadstairs is 67 miles east of City of London. Broadstairs is 68 miles east of City of Westminster. Broadstairs is 68 miles east of London.

Broadstairs is 78 miles north-east of Brighton and Hove. Broadstairs is 81 miles east of St Albans. Broadstairs is 81 miles south-east of Cambridge. And Charles Dickens spent many summer holidays in Broadstairs in the mids.

But more about him later. Viking Bay is right in the centre of Broadstairs. It is not only convenient, but also gloriously sandy! To the north of Broadstairs there is Joss Bay , a surfers paradise. Once a smugglers haven Botany Bay is now better known for fossil hunting and relaxation. All the bays offer refreshments and other facilities. However, out of season it is worth checking opening times before going. Two Italian ice-cream parlours offer authentic Italian ice-cream while enjoying views to match!

With everything from a juke box to pink leatherette booths and of course freshly made ice-cream! Tea and coffee, soft drinks and panini and even Prosecco are also on the menu. Also with stunning views over Broadstairs Harbour and Viking Bay. They specialise in Italian ice-cream but also offer coffee, meals and snacks.

As already mentioned Charles Dickens was a frequent visitor to Broadstairs. He loved the bracing sea air and took much inspiration for his novels from Broadstairs and its inhabitants. Betsy Trotwood herself, is based on Mary Pearson Strong who lived in the house. She was also well known to Charles Dickens. Items that once belonged to Charles Dickens are on display here among other Victorian memorabilia. With its rooftop crenellations it will be no surprise that Bleak House Broadstairs was originally called Fort House.

Indeed Fort House was home to the captain of two coastal forts guarding Broadstairs. Fort House became known as Bleak House in the early 20th Century. This has been much disputed and never proven.

Despite this the name Bleak House has stuck. With the exception of the Second World War years this has become an annual event. It is held during the third week of June. Born in Broadstairs in , Thomas Crampton was first a plumber and architect. He later qualified as an engineer and is chiefly associated with the railways. But he was also a pioneer in Victorian technology. He undertook revolutionary projects in gas, water works and telegraph cables.

In Crampton laid the first working telegraph cable under the English Channel. Not only did he pump water up from the sea, but he also heated it. The Crampton Tower Museum is a vibrant celebration of the life and times of this extraordinary Victorian engineer. There are several art galleries tucked away in the heart of Broadstairs. Each has its own distinctive appeal:. Original artwork and limited edition prints, art prints and greetings cards. Also offers a bespoke framing service.

Open: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm closed for lunch 1pm-2pm Sunday 11am-4pm.