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Places of Interest in and around Thanet
(Note: Not all these places are open to public. Opening times, where stated, correct when going to press, but advisable to check with Council Information Centres.)
Albion House, Ramsgate. Until 1974 the seat of the old Borough Council and now one of Thanet District Council's Offices, Albion House was a residence; of the Duchess of Kent and her daughter, later to be Queen Victoria. They also
lived for a time at Townley House in Chatham Street. (See also Pierremont Hall, Broadstairs.)
Dreamland Theme Park, Margate. Open during the summer months only, this huge amusement park boasts some of the most exciting rides in the country. The Park is a firm favourite with holidaymakers.
Bleak House, Broadstairs. Formerly called Fort House, it saw Dickens write
a great deal of David Copperfield as well as other novels. On the outer wall is his bust surrounded by a laurel wreath, plus granite tablet. Privately owned, the house today, apart from being a museum of Dickensiana, also offers a coastal maritime museum, complete with sea anchor collection. Open daily Easter to November.
Crampton Tower Museum, Broadstairs.
Near the main Post Office, this museum was opened in 1978 to celebrate the work of Thomas Russell Crampton, Victorian locomotive designer and builder, who was born in Broadstairs in 1816. The tower itself is an old waterworks, also built by Crampton, and the museum houses railway and engineering items. Open May to September.
Dent-de-Lion, Garlinge. One of Thanet's most unexpected sights is the l4th century gateway of the old home of the Dandelyon Family. Built of flint and
brick with loopholes and battlements it is worth the short trip from Garlinge
High Street. In 1888 a fire destroyed the surrounding farm buildings. The estate, now a modern development, was once owned by Charles James Fox.
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