Exploring Ramsgate's Architectural Heritage and Historical Attractions: A Comprehensive Guide
- Richard
- May 8
- 3 min read
Visitors to Ramsgate, which nestles on the Kent coast, are being invited to explore more with a new online guide to some of the town's incredible architectural heritage and historical attractions.
The town is steeped in history and reinvention. Known for being home to the only Royal Harbour in the UK, granted by King George IV in 1821 in appreciation of the town's hospitality when he embarked with the Royal Squadron from Ramsgate for Hanover.
Ramsgate showcases hundreds of listed buildings, including elegant Regency terraces, Victorian gardens, wartime tunnels, and unique curiosities like an artificial gorge and a 1950s fountain. The Grade II*-listed harbour, recently designated a National Heritage Harbour, underscores Ramsgate's storied past as a fishing hub, military port, and modern marina.
The guide is broken down into three key areas, East of the Harbour, Harbour and Town Attractions, and West of the Harbour. Below is a taster, the full guide can be found at www.visitthanet.co.uk/ramsgatearchitecture
East of the Harbour - situated in King George VI Memorial Park, discover an early 19th century, Grade II* listed Italianate Glasshouse. The Glasshouse is constructed of curved ribs of cast iron and delicate fish-scale glass panes. It was originally built for Bretton Hall in Yorkshire, but was sold at auction in 1832 to Jewish philanthropist Sir Moses Montefiore, who had it moved to Ramsgate and rebuilt in the grounds of his Eastcliff Estate.
Stroll along the East Cliff, past Grade II Pulhamite Rock Gardens, built between 1894 and 1936. Pulhamite was a system of artificial rock-building developed in the 1840s by James Pulham. Dine in style or enjoy an overnight stay at Albion House (1791, Grade II listed), a historic Regency residence where Queen Victoria once stayed. The hotel is situated overlooking Ramsgate Main Sands and the Royal Harbour.
Harbour and Town Attractions - explore Ramsgate Tunnels, built in 1939, a network of WWII deep-tunnel shelters, constructed to protect the town's inhabitants from the threat of enemy bombing. By 1940, over 300 families were living permanently in the evolving underground 'tunnel town'. Tunnel Explorer Tours bring to life this most important part of Ramsgate's history. Hard hats and torches are provided.
Pop into the town's Visitor Information Centre, located at The Custom House (1893-4, Grade II listed). This is a striking red-brick and terracotta building with a copper dome, columned lantern, weather vane, and intricate carved pillars, balustrade, ornate columns and quoins. It was built in place of an early 19th century pier house, part of a Victorian harbourside regeneration, and it was designed as an office for Customs & Excise.
St. George's Church (dated 1827, Grade I listed) was built in the English Gothic style to seat a congregation of up to 1300 people. The church features battlements, parapets, ribbed roof vaulting, a Grade II listed Hill organ, a crypt, a Vulliam clock and, above all, an octagonal stone lantern tower designed as a navigational aid to shipping (it was funded by Trinity House). There is a Dunkirk Memorial window, installed in 1961 to commemorate Ramsgate's role in the famous evacuation. There are regular Tower Tours (book in advance) for those who can manage the 141 steps.
West of the Harbour - enjoy a waterside stroll and admire the harbour arches along Military Road and those on the ascending roadway above (dated 1893-1895, Grade II* listed). The harbour arches, once maritime warehouses, are now home to independent businesses including cafes, restaurants, studios and a bike hire outlet. It's a great place to stop for refreshments and admire the yachts in the marina.
A short clifftop stroll will bring you to The Grange (dated 1843, Grade I listed) created by Gothic Revivalist, Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, best known for the interiors of the Houses of Parliament. Pugin built The Grange for himself and his family. It has been faithfully restored, and is run by, the Landmark Trust. It is open to the public on Wednesday afternoons for pre-booked, guided tours of the ground floor rooms, it is also available as a grand holiday let.
Pugin also built and paid for St. Augustine's Church (dated 1850, Grade I) and collaborated on the design. The church, situated next to The Grange, is now designated as the Shrine of St. Augustine and also doubles as the National Pugin Centre. It is open from 12:30pm to 3:30pm daily, except Tuesday and Sunday.
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