Local Area

A village has existed since, at least Roman times and the High Street sits on the old Roman road from Dover to Richborough. It lies approximately 2 miles from the medieval town of Sandwich and was, at one time, the Saxon capital of Kent and home to their kings. The Parish Church, begun in Norman times is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and remains, to this day, at the heart of the community.

Today, as well as its proximity to Sandwich, the village is also close to the coastal towns of Deal and Dover ( with its links to the continent), the cathedral City of Canterbury and the resort towns of Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate. Sandwich is also served by the high-speed rain link to London St. Pancras. The village is well served with amenities and has a number of local interest groups (Eastry Theatre Company, Eastry-Longpre Twinning Association, Local Interest Group, Women’s Institute, football team, cricket team, Scouts and Guides groups etc).

The local area is well served with historic, cultural and sporting attractions. As well as the town of Sandwich (one of the most complete medieval towns in Britain), within 15 miles of the village are Dover, Deal and Walmer Castles and Canterbury Cathedral. Canterbury is home to the recently rebuilt Marlowe Theatre, which has many pre- and post -West End shows, and Margate is home to the Turner Contemporary Art gallery. Sandwich has the Royal St George’s (venue for the 2020 British Open Championship), Royal Cinque Ports, Princes and several other golf clubs.  Other nearby sporting venues include the St. Lawrence Ground (home to Kent County Cricket Club) and the Lydden Hill motor racing circuit (Brands hatch is within 50 miles away). Other attractions include Howlett’s Wild Animal Park and Wingham Wildlife Park, both being within 10 miles of the village. As a rural village within 5 miles of the coast, opportunities for walking, sailing, sea fishing etc. abound.