The Local Area

Nestled along the stunning Romney Marsh coastline, Greatstone beach offers visitors a wonderfully unspoilt stretch of golden sand that feels refreshingly uncrowded even during peak season. This beautiful Blue Flag beach extends for miles, providing plenty of space for families to spread out, children to build sandcastles, and dogs to run free along designated areas. The gently shelving shoreline makes it perfect for paddling and swimming, whilst the expansive sands at low tide create an almost endless playground for beach games, kite flying, and those long contemplative walks where you can truly escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Originally developed in the 1920s as part of an ambitious seaside resort project, Greatstone retains much of its quiet, residential charm rather than the commercial buzz of larger coastal towns. The beach became increasingly popular throughout the mid-20th century as a peaceful alternative to busier Kent resorts, attracting those seeking a more tranquil seaside experience. Today, it continues this legacy as a haven for visitors who appreciate natural beauty and wide-open spaces, with the dramatic backdrop of Dungeness nuclear power station in the distance adding an unexpected and striking element to the landscape.

What truly sets Greatstone apart is its authentic, laid-back atmosphere and the sense of having discovered somewhere special. The beach is backed by low sand dunes and shingle banks that provide natural shelter, whilst the promenade offers easy access and lovely spots to sit and watch the world go by. Whether you're looking to spend lazy days sunbathing, enjoy exhilarating water sports, explore the fascinating nearby nature reserves, or simply breathe in that restorative sea air, Greatstone beach delivers a quintessentially English seaside experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and eager to return.

Nestled on the dramatic shingle foreland of the Kent coast, Dungeness National Nature Reserve offers visitors an otherworldly landscape unlike anywhere else in Britain. This vast expanse of shingle beach stretches as far as the eye can see, creating a hauntingly beautiful backdrop that has captivated artists, photographers, and nature lovers for generations. The reserve encompasses over 600 hectares of this unique habitat, where the endless sky meets a seemingly desolate landscape that's actually teeming with remarkable wildlife. With its distinctive black and yellow lighthouse standing sentinel over the shore and the quirky wooden fishermen's cottages dotting the landscape, Dungeness provides an unforgettable day out that feels like stepping into another world.

The area's fascinating history stretches back centuries, shaped by the powerful forces of sea and wind that continue to build and reshape the shingle ridges. Once a notorious haunt for smugglers taking advantage of the isolated coastline, Dungeness was designated as a National Nature Reserve in 1952 in recognition of its exceptional ecological importance. The shingle beach here is one of the largest expanses of vegetated shingle in Europe, and this rare habitat has been formed over thousands of years as longshore drift deposits material along the coast. Today, it stands as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and forms part of a complex of internationally important wildlife sites.

A visit to Dungeness offers something truly special for everyone. Birdwatchers flock here year-round to spot rare migrants and breeding species across the reserve's gravel pits, while plant enthusiasts marvel at the extraordinary flora that has adapted to thrive in this harsh, shingly environment. You can explore the network of footpaths that wind through the reserve, climb the Old Lighthouse for spectacular views, or simply breathe in the fresh sea air whilst enjoying the peace and tranquillity of this remarkable landscape. Whether you're seeking wildlife encounters, photography opportunities, or just a wonderfully different coastal experience, Dungeness promises a memorable adventure on your doorstep.

The Dungeness RSPB Discovery Trail offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to explore one of Britain's most unique and otherworldly landscapes. Set within the largest expanse of shingle in Europe, this remarkable nature reserve sits on a vast promontory jutting out into the English Channel, creating a hauntingly beautiful environment where sky, sea and stone meet. The trail winds through this designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, allowing you to immerse yourself in a landscape that feels almost lunar in its stark, dramatic beauty, whilst discovering an unexpectedly rich variety of wildlife that has made this shingle wilderness its home.

Established as an RSPB reserve in 1931, Dungeness has long been recognized as a haven for rare and fascinating wildlife. The reserve's gravel pits, created by commercial extraction, have transformed into thriving freshwater habitats that attract an impressive array of bird species throughout the year. From elegant avocets and nesting terns in summer to migrating waders and wildfowl in winter, the birdwatching opportunities are exceptional. The area is also home to some of Britain's rarest insects and plants, including the endangered medicinal leech and a third of all UK plant species, making it a truly special destination for nature enthusiasts of all levels.

The Discovery Trail itself provides an accessible and engaging way to experience this extraordinary reserve, with well-maintained paths suitable for most visitors and strategically placed hides offering perfect vantage points for wildlife watching. The visitor centre serves as an ideal starting point, where you can learn about the area's ecology before setting out to explore. Whether you're a dedicated birdwatcher with binoculars at the ready or simply seeking a peaceful walk through one of England's most distinctive landscapes, the Dungeness RSPB Discovery Trail promises an unforgettable experience that showcases nature's remarkable ability to thrive in the most unexpected places.

The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway is one of Kent's most charming attractions, offering visitors a delightful journey through some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in southeast England. This unique miniature railway runs for 13.5 miles along the edge of Romney Marsh, connecting the historic Cinque Port town of Hythe with the seaside resort of Dungeness, with several picturesque stops in between. Despite being a 15" gauge track, this is no toy train – it's a fully operational steam railway that carries tens of thousands of passengers each year, making it the world's smallest public railway and a wonderful day out for all ages.

Built in the 1920s by racing driver Captain J.E.P. Howey and Count Louis Zborowski, the railway was designed as a one-third scale model of a mainline railway, complete with beautifully crafted steam locomotives that are miniature versions of famous express engines. The line officially opened in 1927 and quickly became a beloved local landmark. During World War II, the railway even played its part in the war effort, running an armoured train to help defend the coast. Today, the locomotives still run on steam for much of the season, offering an authentic and nostalgic travel experience that transports you back to the golden age of railways.

A journey on the RH&DR is more than just a train ride – it's an adventure through diverse landscapes, from the medieval streets of Hythe to the vast shingle expanses of Dungeness with its iconic lighthouse. Stop off at New Romney to visit the railway's fascinating museum and engine sheds, or alight at Dymchurch for its sandy beach and traditional seaside amusements. Whether you're a railway enthusiast, a family looking for a memorable outing, or simply someone wanting to experience the romance of steam travel, the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway offers a truly special way to explore this captivating corner of Kent.