Ramsgate Overview

Ramsgate is an English seaside town on the Isle of Thanet in East Kent. It was one of the great English seaside towns in the 19th century and is a member of the ancient confederation of Cinque ports. The construction of Ramsgate Harbour was begun in 1749 but not finally completed until about 1850. The two most influential architects of the Ramsgate Harbour were John Shaw Senior and John Shaw Junior. They designed the clockhouse, the oblesix, the lighthouse and the Jacobs ladder steps. It has the unique distinction of being the only Royal Harbour in the United Kingdom, King George 4th having awarded the title following his successful visit with the Royal Yacht Squadron in 1821. Because of its proximity to mainland Europe, Ramsgate was a chief embarkation point both for the Dunkirk evacuation. 4,200 ships left Ramsgate Harbour to rescue men from the Dunkirk beaches during World War 2.

Ramsgate Guide - Fast Facts

   
Country: England
Location: Southeast
Country Code: +44
Population: 38,200
Language: English
Currency: GBP Sterling (£)
Time Zone: GMT
Train Station: Ramsgate
Tourism: Ramsgate Tourism

Transportation in Ramsgate

By Car Ramsgate is situated on the eastern tip of Kent, & is reached by following the M2 from London & the west onto the A299 & finally the A253. From the South follow the A256 from Dover.

By Train Ramsgate is connected to London Charing Cross, London Victoria and London Cannon Street by SouthEastern trains.

By Ferry Ramsgate ferry port is home to the recently launched Transeuropa Ferries service sailing to the Belgian ferry port of Ostend.

Must See

  • St Augustine’s Cross
  • Ramsgate Maritime Museum
  • Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve
  • Ramsgate Motor Museum
  • Viking Ship ''Hugin"

Ramsgate Attractions

Ramsgate presents an enticing mix of maritime history, cosmopolitan pizzazz and traditional seaside appeal. There’s lots to see and do in and around the town including two specialist museums. The Ramsgate Maritime Museum, depicts various aspects of East Kent’s maritime heritage and the Ramsgate Motor Museum has a private collection of cars and motorcycles dating from 1900. If you want to get out and about try the Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve and St Augustine’s Cross, which marks the landing place of St Augustine before he travelled on to Canterbury to re-establish Christianity.
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