Happy Birthday Mr Dickens

February 7, 2012

Happy Birthday Mr Dickens

As if you didn’t know already... today is Charles Dickens’ 200th birthday - cue events and television programmes galore (plus more Simon Callow than any human can handle). The Kent Tourist Board have almost exploded with excitement in the lead-up to this bi-centennial year as the county is, of course, inextricably linked with the man himself - Dickens lived in Chatham for many years, but most famously lived in Gad’s Hill, just outside Rochester, where he died in 1870.

The loveliest Dickens-related spot though, must be the seaside town of Broadstairs, where the writer would holiday in his house on the cliffs - named Bleak House after his famous novel. It’s here that he finished David Copperfield and no doubt celebrated with some fish n’ chips and a pint at the Captain Digby (maybe).

Today Broadstairs is still very much a traditional British seaside town, but is becoming a great place for a weekend away with a quirky, old fashioned flavour. Stay at the brilliant Belvidere Place - a stylish boutique b&b in the heart of Broadstairs, then book a table for dinner at the elegant 54. Other lovely eateries are the cosy Italian Posillipo’s - perfect in the summer with its views over Viking Bay - and the tiny, but wonderfully retro Oscar’s Festival Café.

For the full-on Dickens extravaganza, visit Broadstairs in June for the town’s Dickens Festival.



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