A Dickensian Adventure In Broadstairs!
On Thursday 8th June, members of Beckenham Lunch Club journeyed across Kent to the beautiful beach town of Broadstairs, favourite haunt of famous author Charles Dickens!
We stopped off at the quaint Chiappini's cafe for some tea and ice cream, before heading along the promenade, visiting the bandstand and enjoying a stroll along the gorgeous Viking Bay, taking in the sea, sand and ocean breeze (and taking off our shoes for a dip!)
“We then stopped off at the grand Charles Dickens pub for a hearty hot lunch (many portions of classic fish and chips were ordered!)”
Afterwards, we headed next door, into the Dickens House Museum - a cosy little cottage-turned-museum where Charles Dickens, prolific British author, used to visit every year in the Summer with his friends and family. We were treated to a historical introduction of the museum and its keepsakes - we learned that a perfect replica of Charles Dickens' London house was donated just two weeks ago - it even had little working oil lamps inside! Everyone had the opportunity to explore all the rooms in the museum, reading Charles Dickens' old letters, viewing his old belongings, and learning a little about the inspiration for his novels along the way.
We then picked up some information about a Charles Dickens walking tour in the town - we stopped along the houses and old shops as a group, with blue plaques to guide us, while learning about the places he used to live and work.
Later, the group enjoyed a short exploration of Broadstairs Harbour - learning that today was, in fact, World Oceans Day! An information group had set up a conservation stand with model sea creatures, pictures and information about the wildlife that inhabits the bay around Broadstairs. Several members were intrigued, and stayed to learn about the varieties of sharks, sponges and sting-rays that live there.
We finished off the day back of Chaippini's again, where a round of afternoon tea gave us the energy for our journey home. Thank you for a wonderful, historical and refreshing day, Broadstairs!
“Thank you for a wonderful, historical and refreshing day, Broadstairs! ”
