Sandgate, Kent

Sandgate is a village in the Folkestone and Hythe Urban Area in the Shepway district of Kent, England. In 2004, the village re-acquired civil parish status.

The civil parish shares the boundaries of Folkestone Sandgate ward, at 2.17 km2. It had a population of 4,225 at the 2001 census. It is the site of Sandgate Castle, a Device Fort. H.G. Wells lived at Spade House, and it was also the birthplace of comedian Hattie Jacques.

The Morcheeba song "The Sea" is written about the beachside bar 'Bar Vasa'. Sandgate Hotel appeared on the Channel 4 programme Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares on February 27, 2006. Other pubs include The Ship Inn, The Providence Inne, The Clarendon Inn and The Royal Norfolk Hotel.

Sandgate was an urban district from 1894 to 1934 (having previously been part of Cheriton parish). It was added to Folkestone in 1934.

Sandgate has become known for Dave the Dolphin, seen out in the bay between Folkestone and Hythe.

Sandgate is the location of the Shorncliffe Redoubt, a Napoleonic era earthwork fort associated with Sir John Moore and the 95th Regiment of Foot, known as the 95th Rifles.

St Paul's Church lies next to the Saga building, which is built on the site of Enbrook House.

The primary school is Sandgate Primary School and is on Coolinge Lane. The old Sandgate School building still exists close to Spade House.

Folkestone Rowing Club is in Sandgate.

Sandgate is also home to a bicycle and coffee shop which can be found at The Hub.

The town was the inspiration for Sandgate, Queensland in Brisbane. There is also a Brisbane suburb called Shorncliffe, Queensland.

Twinned With

 * 🇫🇷 Sangatte, France.