A “Bed” in Isle of Thanet in County Kent
I am blessed and grateful to have a “Bed” in Westgate on Sea at the lovely home of the “J’s” where the foot of said bed reaches out to meet the sea. A home base and a family I love to visit, gives me great opportunity to do short trips to wherever my heart desires.
But before I leap ahead to Bath & Beyond to Bruges, come with me while I wander around county Kent with a brief foray to Sussex.
The list of things to see and do goes on and if you have a car it’s easy to get about and if you don’t the trains are everywhere in this eastern part of Kent known as the Isle of Thanet (because it once was an island).
Westgate-on Sea, Canterbury (yes that Canterbury) Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Sandwich, Deal and Dover, all within a short drive and all worth the trip if only to see some of the places where folks flood to for beach holidays in the summer.
Holiday makers are given the full treatment along this stretch of coast from beach bathing to amusements and rides such as those at Dreamland in Margate. Fish & chips and pints round out the day with easy stumbling back to one of many hotels or trains.
Thanet is not just a beach destination however, there are also beautiful stately homes with amazing gardens, famous cathedrals, castles, Roman ruins, museums and art galleries.
The blue plaques on houses indicate that someone of note once stayed or lived therein. Charles Darwin wasn’t alone in Ramsgate, he was in good company with Vincent Van Gogh who spent some time working in a boys school there, documented by his brotherly letters to Theo. You can even plan your stroll around Ramsgate by following in his footsteps to his various haunts. Broadstairs is known to have hosted Charles Dickens for one, and museum there is dedicated to him.
County Sussex – Rye and Winchelsea for the Day
A little further afoot is the ancient town of Rye and a stones through further is Winchelsea.
Winchelsea, where Spike Milligan, Anglo-Irish comedian, author, etc., is buried with his famous Irish enscrtiption, “see I told you I was sick”.
Rye
A wander around the quaint little streets and lanes is the first thing you should do in Rye. As one of the best preserved medieval towns in England, the cobbled streets and the half-timbered buildings give it a story book look that is enchanting.
Bath – From Roman Ruins to the Regency & Georgian Periods
A return to Bath seemed a good idea as I loved my first time there when I did a Cotswold walk with a friend (dear friend). The purpose of my visit was mainly to see this World Heritage Site again in all its splendour. It’s no wonder the Romans, enjoyed the spa waters as evidenced by one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world. Not to be out down by the Romans I too took the waters in the modern Thermae Bath Spa, complete with roof top pool and series of steam rooms and saunas.
Of course to speak of Bath without the mention of Jane Austin would be next to sacrilege, especially as 2025 is the 250th anniversary of her birth. Although she lived in Bath for only five years, Bath has done a good job of claiming her as their own. Festivals, promenades and dress-ups pay homage to this wonderful, funny, witty author who brought attention to the female mind.
Not to be forgotten Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein in Bath revealing even more of the dexterity of the female mind and Bath boasts a museum dedicated to her famous monster.
Of course no slouch in architectural beauty, Bath is often the setting for films in need of Georgian or Regency scenery, including Bridgerton, Les Miserables, Vanity Fair and Persuasion to name a few.
Would I go back, you bet!
Beyond to Bruges
My nephew encouraged me to go to Bruges in Belgium and as you will see in the photos below it is an epic monument to medieval times. The energy that is created by modern day living amongst medieval architecture is always a delight to a western Canadian like me.
App of Note: In Bruge, Dubrovnik and Split, I used an app called GPSmycity and found it most helpful in planning my day. Not only does it help you with route planning it gives information about the places both in written and audio formats. Especially useful in places that are densely packed with things to see and do. Particularly good if you lack access or desire to join group tours. Let’s you wander and linger as you wish.
From the 9th to the 15th century Bruges was the northern seat of trade and commerce matching that of Venice in the south. The riches that resulted from being a centre of trade are abundantly evident through the city. At that time Bruges was connected to the sea by the river Reis which eventually silted up becoming impassable and Bruge faded into sleepy obscurity only to be rediscovered as a tourist Mecca in modern times.
The Markt and the Belfry (Belfort)
At the heart of Bruges, the bustling Markt square is lined with colourful gabled houses and cafes and at one end is a belfry that you can climb for a view of the city.
Burg Square & City Hall
A smaller, elegant square showcasing Bruges’s civic and religious power is home to a very ornate City Hall. The city chambers are open to the public and includes a history of the waterways and canals that made Bruge prosperous.
The Canals
The canals are the city’s lifeblood. A boat tour gives a magical view of Bruges from the water, especially around Rozenhoedkaai, the most photographed spot in town, where medieval buildings reflect perfectly in the water.
Gothic Churches and Towers
Of course a reminder of the influence of religion in medieval times is omnipresent in Bruges. Towering churches house treasures, art and other spoils and riches of the time. You can see Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child, one of his few sculptures outside Italy.
The Begijnhof
An idea ahead of its time? In the 13th C these whitewashed buildings formed a peaceful enclave for lay women who wanted to live a religious life free from marriage and children without becoming a nun. They were free to come and go as they pleased and many worked outside of the community. Today it’s a haven of silence for Benedictine nuns and a lovely contrast to the busy centre.
Windmills of Sint-Janshuismolen
If you fancy a walk to the edges of the city you will see historic windmills built on grassy mounds that could have been dykes or defensive ramparts. In one of them there is a museum but when I got there it was closed for lunch.
Modern Bruges
It’s easy to look to the past in Bruges and certainly that is the polished version that is resplendent for the purpose of tourism. But there are other things that continue to define Bruges and are very much alive and well. From lace making, beer, chocolate, confections and of course waffles, there is plenty to experience.
Wander With Stella - Solo & Together 