Gazen House is located in the Historic town of Sandwich in Kent. Sandwich is quite enchanting with winding period streets and beautifully preserved historic houses from medieval, Tudor and Georgian times. Sandwich is one of the Cinque Ports and was once surrounded by sea on three sides. Over many years the river silted up and the large ships were replaced by the smaller boats found on the river today. Gazen House is situated in Strand Street, the oldest street in Sandwich and the location of the original river quay.

There is much history besides in the area, not only with several castles dotted along the coastline from the keep of Deal Castle to the stunning fortifications at Dover Castle on the top of The White Cliffs, but also inland with the Cathedral City of Canterbury just 12 miles inland.

Sandwich is a delightful place to explore with a uniquely unhurried atmosphere and easily explored by foot. For those wishing to eat out Sandwich is filled with a variety of pubs, inns and restaurants and many of these are in historic buildings. What could be more perfect than enjoying afternoon tea in front of a roaring log fire in one of the many charming locations?

There is much to do in the surrounding area, for sporting activities there are some excellent Golf Clubs, including the championship course at Royal St Georges on the edge of the town, Princes Golf Course a championship links course right on the sea and Royal Cinque Ports at nearby Deal and many more within a short driving distance. Tennis and fishing are also all with an easy walking distance. Of course the beaches of Sandwich Bay and Pegwell Bay will keep children busy for hours and during the winter these are lovely places to walk and enjoy the fresh sea air.

Other attractions which are well worth a visit include Broadstairs once home to Charles Dickens, Whitstable renowned for its oysters, The White Cliffs and Deal where you can buy fresh fish direct from the beach.

For the garden enthusiast Kent has many wonderful gardens to visit. In Sandwich visit the stunning 3.5 acre Lutyens and Jekyll designed gardens of The Salutation, almost entirely encircled by the old walls of Sandwich. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the pavilion terrace or homemade tea and cakes in their tea rooms. Other gardens of note include Goodnestone Park Gardens, English Heritage Walmer Castle and Gardens and Quex Park.

Also worth a visit is the medieval City of Canterbury, the City is best explored by foot and visitors who take the time to walk the maze of intriguing side streets will find a wonderful variety of shops, pubs and cafes. Of course the City is dominated by the wonderful cathedral which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must for any visit to Canterbury.

For those wishing to make a day trip to France, this part of Kent offers both the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone and the ferry service form Dover which will transport you to France in less than an hour - just don't forget to pack your passport! SeaFrance, DFDS Seaways and P&O Ferries will be running a normal service throughout 2012 during the Olympic Games.

For more ideas please visit our 'things to do' section on the website.