Romney Marsh can be explored through two very distinct aspects: its open landscape reclaimed from the sea and its cultural heritage, centred on 14 medieval churches. There is also a nature reserve, walking trails and railway history. When planning your trip, first consider whether you want to focus mainly on exploring the landscape or give more attention to the churches and historical connections. These different themes offer different ways to shape your stay.

Marshland and coastal landscapes

Romney Marshes is an open landscape of low-lying marshland reclaimed from the sea. It includes extensive sandy and shingle beaches, as well as flat marshland between Hythe in Kent and Pett in Sussex. Together, the coastal landscapes and wide marshlands shape the scenery. If you choose the area for a stay, you can decide whether to focus on the beaches, the open marshland or both.

Nature at Romney Warren Country Park

Romney Warren Country Park is an 11-hectare Local Nature Reserve. Its habitats include dune grassland, willow scrub and pond-rich areas with diverse wildlife. As a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the park is nationally important for great crested newts. You can explore the park on three walking trails. Its varied habitats and particular importance for great crested newts give the park a distinctive nature theme.

Walking through the reclaimed landscape

The “From Fishing to Farming” walking route follows field-edge paths, sea walls and drainage ditches through a landscape reclaimed from the sea. This brings its visible features to the fore: paths beside fields, sea walls and ditches. In bad or hot weather, the route is exposed and can be muddy. Sturdy walking shoes or wellington boots are recommended. Check current conditions and access information before setting out. A section of the England Coast Path through Romney Marsh opened in July 2016. Check current access information for this section too before including it in your plans.

Medieval churches and Marsh Mosaics

There are 14 medieval churches on Romney Marsh. The Marsh Mosaics Trail, recorded as completed in 2022, passed through all 14. The Marsh Mosaics are still on display in the churches. The churches and mosaics offer two related perspectives on the area’s cultural heritage: the trail included all 14 churches, while the works on display can be found inside them.

Railway history and New Romney

The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway has been part of the Romney Marsh landscape since 1927. The RH&DR Heritage Centre is located in the former “Paint Shop” building at New Romney station. This adds a distinct railway connection to the history of the churches. New Romney also lies in the Romney Marsh area, and its history has been shaped by various events: severe storms devastated the town in the 13th century, and the harbour was lost. In 1278, a charter granted by Edward I admitted New Romney to the Cinque Ports and Confederate Towns.

Choose a focus for your trip

Nature lovers will find specific points of interest in the open marshland, at Romney Warren Country Park and along the walking routes described. Those with a stronger interest in history can explore the churches and Marsh Mosaics, the railway history and the historical connections to New Romney.

Discover more destinations: Cliffs End, Wittersham, Swanley, Egerton, Rolvenden, Sutton Valence, Marden, Womenswold.

For the main travel overview: Kent.