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Shell Grotto, United Kingdom

From series “15 Historical Monuments, with Riddles not yet Solved”
The wonderful Shell Grotto has placed in Margate, Great Britain. There is no accurate date of the building and the original purpose of the Grotto. It was found accidentally by local, James Newlove, in 1835. He wanted to make an artificial pond at this place. During the irrigation projects, he found an unusual tunnel decorated with artificial mosaic from sea shells. It was subsequently learned that the tunnels were leading up to the huge underground 20-meter corridor.

Shell Grotto, United Kingdom The walls and the ceiling are decorated with the mosaic form various shells of the unbelievable beauty. The researchers are sure that this Grotto was man-made. Although, who and for what built this underground asylum with the outstanding decoration, we can’t even suppose. The specialists counted that about 4 million shells were used for the decoration of the walls and the ceiling.

At first, the researchers suppose that this Grotto was built in the ancient times and devoted to the ancient gods. Later, there was a theory about the Medieval times. They thought that this place was an asylum for secret cult meetings. The mosaics on the walls can mean a lot and even can uncover some mysterious of this Grotto. Since the time when Shell Grotto was discovered, it was privately owned by Newlove’s family. At a moderate charge everyone can visit this place. With an excursion you can see not only all Grotto’s nooks but also listen to some interesting stories about its discover and researching works. To the beginning - Baalbek

Shell Grotto - interactive map

Useful staff nearby

ATM bankomat: 'ATM' located in 0.37 km ( check the route on the map).
Car rental office: 'Lobster Van Hire' is located in 0.7 km ( on the map).
Fuel station: 'Shell' in 0.89 km
Supermarket: 'Justin Fruit Markets' in 0.19 km
Parking: 'Trinity Square Car Park' in 0.42 km
Apotheek: 'Central Pharmacy' in 0.31 km
Police station: 'Margate Police Station' in 0.54 km
Cafe/restaurant: 'Mar Mar' in 0.22 km
Railway station: 'Margate' in 1.22 km

Nearest airports:
 »  Southend Airport SEN - in 51 km
 »  Lydd International Airport LYX - in 57 km
 »  Calais - Dunkerque Airport CQF - in 61 km
 »  London City Airport LCY - in 93 km
 »  London Biggin Hill Airport BQH - in 94 km
 Cities nearby

Best hotels near Shell Grotto

The Warwick Guesthouse

Located in 0 km from Shell Grotto
Route on the map:
Rooms: 5
Each of the 5 rooms are light and spacious and feature a flat-screen TV, iPod docking stations and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms are en suite and come … More: photo, rates and booking
Westbrook Lodge Guest House

Located in 1 km from Shell Grotto
Route on the map:
Rooms: 12
Each cosy room at Westbrook Lodge Guest House has facilities for making tea and coffee, as well as a TV and a hairdryer. Mini-fridges are available … More: photo, rates and booking
Hussar Inn

Located in 2 km from Shell Grotto
Route on the map:
Rooms: 6
Each bedroom at the Hussar Inn is spacious and has its own bathroom with a bath, a shower and free toiletries. Guests can also enjoy tea/coffee … More: photo, rates and booking
The Fayreness Hotel

Located in 3 km from Shell Grotto
Route on the map:
Rooms: 30
The Fayreness boasts a range of facilities to ensure a pleasant and relaxing break by the sea, whether you are visiting on business or leisure. Take … More: photo, rates and booking

Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit

Euro Tunnel
41 km - Euro Tunnel
Eurotunnel lies under the English Channel. It started operating train services in 1994 and currently remains one of the greatest attractions in Europe. The railway tunnel links two states - the United Kingdom and France and lies between the towns of Folkestone and …
Leeds Castle
55 km - Leeds Castle
Among the castles of England is the Leeds Castle, which is located in the county of Kent, especially worth seeing. According to the historical data, the first fortification was built at this point in the middle of the 9th century. The first mention of the castle, which …
Maunsell Sea Forts
56 km - Maunsell Sea Forts
The sea forts of Maunsell are one of the most unusual military installations, that are by fate in ruins. They were built during the Second World War at the mouth of the Mercy and Thames rivers. Already in the late 50-ies of the last century the structures were out of …
Bodiam Castle
72 km - Bodiam Castle
The tourists, who want to see the classic English castle, can go to the eastern part of Sussex. Here, next to the village of Robertsbridge is the beautiful Bodiam Castle. The castle, built in the second half of the 14th century, has only partially survived until today. …
Ivy House
77 km - Ivy House
From the series 'Unique Living Houses'

This unique green house can be seen on one of the quiet streets of the British city of Chelmsford. There is a historical residence, better known to locals and tourists as the Ivy House. The peculiarity of this old building is that for decades it was completely …
Royal Greenwich Observatory
96 km - Royal Greenwich Observatory
A visit to the Royal Greenwich Observatory in London promises to be memorable. The sight is located on the territory of one of the most amazing and unusual viewing areas of the British capital. The Observatory is located high on a hill, so its observation deck offers a …

Top destination around Shell Grotto - Canterbury

Canterbury doesn’t fall asleep after sunset. That being said, tourists need to keep in mind that the majority of entertainment establishments are located in the northern and western parts of the city. There are three nightclubs where visitors can listen to pop and rhythm and blues music. There is a university in another part of the city. Visitors can attend interesting concerts here. Besides that, there is a theater that regularly hosts various events, and local actors prepare interesting performances and plays.

The easiest way to reach Canterbury is from London. You can get to the capital of the United Kingdom from virtually any county in the world. Most capitals have direct flights to London. Having arrived in London, head to Victoria or Charing Cross stations as there are high-speed trains that depart from them. In just one hour, you will reach the beautiful capital of Kent County.
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