Timeless charms, coastal delights and the magic of the marsh
The peaceful little town of New Romney, known affectionately as the ‘capital’ of the Marsh, is both a rural and a coastal town. It’s full of historic charm and a unique intrigue that only this corner of Kent could retain. The formation of the ‘Romneys’ have history to thank for the way that they are today. In 1287 a great storm diverted the course of the River Rother and choked it with shingle, causing it to flow into the sea at Rye, leaving the Port of Romney without a harbour. To see just how high the flood waters rose, you have only to visit the splendid Norman Church of St Nicholas, where the ancient floodmarks can still be seen high up on the pillars inside. This disaster was a severe blow to the town’s former days of glory as one of the most important of the Cinque Ports.
What to do in New Romney
Today New Romney is a great place for exploration and rural discovery. An unmissable attraction and a great way to see the beautiful landscapes of this area is by taking a ride on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. As well as traversing the countryside and coast, the railway also provides the opportunity to embrace plenty of nostalgia. The station – roughly midway between the town and the seafront – contains workshops and the various engines on display, as well as smaller-scale models, which can be found in the toy museum. Here vintage models, toys and photographs are on display, as well as working model railways to enjoy.
For our golf lovers, you’ll be spoilt for choice as Kent is home to nearly one hundred golf courses. Littlestone Golf Club, founded in 1888, is a classic remote links course located on the fringe of the Romney Marshes. Or within a short distance, you also have the choice of Lydd Golf Club as well as Hythe Golf Club in the other direction.
Where to eat in New Romney
Whether visiting during warm summer months and needing a pub garden to relax in or travelling during winter and you’re craving cosiness, New Romney and the surrounding areas have plenty of traditional country pubs where you can soak up the sun outside or warm up by open fires.
One such example is The Plough, serving classic British Sunday roasts as a menu of superb pub classics, no matter your tastes, you’re sure to indulge in a feast here.
Another favourite of ours is the Woolpack Inn at Warehorne which is part of The Pickled Egg Pubs, these reliable eateries are scattered across the South East of Kent offering a great selection of locally sourced food and drink. Call in here for morning coffee, quick bites at lunch or dine at dinner with friends. They proudly work with local fishermen and farms, brewers, bakers and craft cider-makers. And of course Chapel Down and Gusbourne winemakers which are on the doorstep.
Where to stay in New Romney
If you’re looking for large group accommodation in New Romney, check out Craythornes which sleeps up to 20 guests plus two dogs. This glorious home holds so much character and happy memories from many family gatherings and get-togethers. It offers an open plan kitchen, extensive gardens, an outdoor heated swimming pool, as well as a cinema room for those wanting to retreat and watch a classic movie on the large projector screen.
Or for somewhere smaller, maybe a getaway for just the two of you, take a look at our Shepherd’s Huts on the Romney Marsh. These luxury huts are set deep in the Kent countryside, perfect for a rural retreat yet still holding onto luxury with fully functioning en-suite bathrooms and hotel-style linen. The Lookerer and Rumwold sleep two but The Romney which sleeps 4, has its own outdoor bath!
What to do in Greatstone
East of the town of New Romney and split between the civil parishes of New Romney and Lydd, you’ll find the village of Greatstone. The most stunning attribute to Greatstone is of course the beach.
For generations, holidaymakers have cherished the expansive two-mile stretch of sandy shoreline adorned with scattered large rocks at Greatstone Beach. Its allure lies in the vast expanse of flat, soft sand and the tranquil waters ideal for safe swimming, drawing visitors year after year.
The surge in popularity of watersports only enhances its appeal, with enthusiasts revelling in the prime conditions for activities such as land yachting, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and kiteboarding. For those who love watersports already or who want to try their hand at a new sport, Infinity Sport Kitesurfing offers everything from lessons to hiring and specialist kitesurfing products and advice.
At low tide, the shoreline extends nearly half a mile, unveiling even more pristine sand for beachgoers to relish. In summer there’s a section of Greatstone Beach which is open to dogs all year round. It can be tricky knowing where dogs can and can’t go on beaches so do check out our blog post on the best dog-friendly days out in Kent.
Nestled along the beach’s edge is the Greatstone Dunes which stands as a testament to natural wonder, designated as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest. These dunes, which stretch nearly the entire length of the beach, serve as a sanctuary for a diverse array of rare plant species and support a thriving population of small animals and insects. It’s a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
Where to stay in Greatstone
If you’re looking for a beach holiday with incredible views and away from the crowds, check into Waters Edge where the dunes start at the end of the garden. Watch the tide drift in and out from all three floors – the best view is the master bedroom on the top floor! This really is the perfect place for that get-away-from-it-all feeling. It’s dog friendly and sleeps 15 guests across 6 bedrooms so bring the whole family and your four-legged friends along too.
Where to eat in Greatstone
In Greatstone, you’ll find a small selection of shops and local cafes or you can drive the coastal road down to Dungeness and pick up some local seafood for lunch from the Fish Shack or The Pilot Inn. If you’re planning to explore Dungeness then be sure to check out our blog post Days Out In Dungeness which covers all the hot spots in the area.
