Before we drove to Sandwich, we first stopped to visit a replica of a Viking ship, known locally as The Hugin.
Here’s some more information to set the scene:
The Hugin is a reconstructed longship standing at Pegwell Bay in Kent, England, gifted by the Danish government to mark the 1500th anniversary of the arrival of Hengist and Horsa, leaders associated with the Anglo-Saxon settlement at nearby Ebbsfleet. The design copies the much later ca. 890 Gokstad ship. Built in Denmark, the boat was sailed across the North Sea by 53 Danish crew members to England in 1949, landing at Viking Bay in Broadstairs, Kent.
Presented to the people of Thanet by the King of Denmark, with its costs covered by the Daily Mail, the vessel was placed in its present location for public viewing. In 2005 the ship underwent significant restoration work coordinated by marine restoration specialist Fred Walker, funded by Thanet District Council with assistance from EU grants.
After we admired the Hugin, we drove on and stopped at The Old Dairy Café in Goodnestone Park for a pot of tea and some freshly baked scones. The scones arrived still warm and wonderfully fluffy, practically melting in your mouth with every bite, and we lingered over the tea while watching the park. We also browsed the little shop and discovered a few lovely gifts to bring home for friends and family.
