Birchington-on-Sea, said to mean in Saxon ‘a farmstead near a hill where birch trees grow’ and its town name spelling has changed over the centuries. The village was the location of the first bungalows to be built in England and to this day they are still occupied.

One of Birchington’s most famous residents was Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882), a founder of the pre-Raphaelite brotherhood, which moved to Birchington in 1882 hoping to recover from a serious illness but died soon after. His grave is marked by a Celtic cross by the south door of the village’s All Saints Church with one of the most memorable windows within it dedicated to the memory of Rossetti. The church is the oldest standing building in the village

Discover more of the village's history, with a trip to the Birchington Heritage Trust - did you know the first manufacturer of cycles specially designed for ladies was in Birchington.

A hidden gem, the Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens is home to a museum of African and Asian natural history, cultural objects, a stunning house and beautiful gardens. During WWI the museum was turned into a Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) hospital.

Where else can you play adventure golf, browse a farmers market, see crafters at work, walk an alpaca or children take tractor rides but the Quex Park Estate.

Minnis Bay beach, a long wide stretch of sand complete with paddling pool is perfect for hunting for crustaceans or undertaking water sports - windsurfing, kiteboarding or sailing. Whether it's strolling or cycling to Reculver Towers in the distance, the route along the seawall is extremely popular.

From micro pubs, beach front restaurants, farmers market, an ice cream parlour, delis and cosy cafes, you are spoilt for choice with food and drink establishments.

Acol, meaning 'oak wood' is just 1.5miles from Birchington, the smallest of the Thanet villages and said to be haunted by the ghost of smuggler Bill.

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