Westwood, Kent

Westwood is a village and retail estate located in the Thanet district of Kent, approximately 1.9 miles south of Margate. It developed along the historic road between Margate and Ramsgate, now known as the A254. Much of Westwood lies within the civil parish of Broadstairs and St Peter’s.

A notable historical feature is Haine Hospital, which opened in 1902 as an isolation hospital. In 2015, a car park collapse beneath the Westwood Cross Primark store uncovered a network of underground tunnels. These tunnels are believed to have been constructed during World War I for training exercises and later used as air raid shelters for servicemen at the hospital before being sealed.

Westwood has evolved into a significant retail hub in the area, becoming one of four designated Town Centres in Thanet. Its shopping centres include Westwood Cross, East Kent Retail Park, and Westwood Gateway Retail Park, developed by prominent property companies.

In the early 1900s, entertainers Kate and Harry Rickards owned a country home called Westwood Lodge in the village, adding a touch of cultural history to the area.