The great outdoors really is great in our corner of Kent.
Not only do we have Kent’s Heritage Coast to enjoy, but the district is flanked by the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. So whether you want to enjoy the sea air or take a clifftop adventure, you can guarantee a beautiful, breathtaking day in the great outdoors in Folkestone, Hythe and New Romney.
Here are some suggestions for enjoying a day ‘out’ exploring the countryside and coast...
Pick Up A National Trail
With 26 miles of coastline, a seaside walk is a must and there are plenty of routes to explore along designated National Trails.
You can tackle the local section of the England Coast Path, either trekking from Folkestone all the way into Dover or heading out from Folkestone along the coast through Hythe and Romney to the wide expanse of Dungeness. The National Trail routes take in both seaside walks and treks up onto the cliffs to give you the very best views, and are well signposted.
Folkestone sits within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, meaning you can also pick up sections of the famous North Downs Way across the huge cliffs. The Folkestone to Dover section of this national trail includes The Warren country park with woodland walks and wide sea views from atop the chalk cliffs.
Royal Military Canal
Walk or cycle along the Napoleonic-era Royal Military Canal. Stretching for 28 miles from Hythe all the way to East Sussex, the canal was built between 1804 and 1809 as a defence against invasion by Napoleon – although its guard posts also proved useful in stopping the then-flourishing trade in smuggled goods!
The canal path is an excellent waymarked trail with helpful interpretive panels along the way, suitable for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users and horse riding. In the summer, don’t miss the chance to hire boats to explore the water.
Inspiration on the Marsh
The artist in you won’t want to miss a trip to the Romney Marsh for inspiring scenery for your camera, your canvas or your writing pad.
The Churches Of Romney Marsh are truly a spectacular sight, and are a magnet for photographers and history lovers nestled in some of the most beautiful coastal countryside in the region.
See if you can find the giant sound mirrors on Dungeness Estate. Positioned on the Lade Pits island in Dungeness, you’ll find the three spectacular relics of a pre-World War 2 acoustic aerial defence system, built to sound the alarm against enemy planes crossing the channel. This is the only location in the world where you can see all three designs in one place.
The nearby RSPB Nature Reserve at Dungeness is a great place for walking and bird spotting, with rare species of wildlife in the starkly beautiful landscape of Britain’s only desert. A great place for a gentle day out!
Call into the Romney Marsh Visitor Centre at the nature reserve to learn about the history of the area, get some refreshments and look at their upcoming events.
A Walk on the Wild Side
For an adventure with a twist, why not take a trek with some alpacas?
Alpaca Annies is in the heart of the Romney Marsh offers unique trekking experiences with the gentle animals through the serene countryside. The alpacas love to walk and you’ll learn all about the pack and the surrounding area in this truly special day out.
Two-Wheeled Adventures
Those who want to head out on two wheels have plenty of choice when it comes to bicycle hire. Choose from Renhams Cycles, Click2Cycle, Channel Cycle Hire or Romney Cycle Hire and traverse some of the many designated cycle routes. You can pedal along the Royal Military Canal, The North Downs Way Riders’ Route, and the coastal path.
Rural Safari
Explore our coast and countryside by four wheels. The Jeep Safari tours allow you to visit the real Romney Marsh off the beaten track with an expert tour guide. You’ll head to beautiful places hidden from the main routes, and a luscious afternoon tea is included on full-day tours. What’s more, the team will pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation at the end of your day.
Take your time in our district with an short or long break. Book a place to stay and explore the places to eat & drink in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh.
