Discover Romney Marsh: Marshland, Beaches and History

Romney Marsh reveals an open, unusual side of England: the landscape consists of reclaimed, low-lying marshland and combines flat expanses with extensive sandy and shingle beaches. The marshland stretches between Hythe in Kent and Pett in Sussex. For your travel planning, this means an exciting choice between nature, coast, churches and regional history.

Paths through the Reclaimed Landscape

A particularly vivid way to experience the landscape is the From Fishing to Farming walking route. It follows field-edge paths, dykes and drainage ditches through an area reclaimed from the sea. The route therefore conveys not only impressions of the landscape, but also makes the special relationship between marshland and agriculture visible. In bad or hot weather, the route is exposed and can be muddy. Good walking shoes or wellington boots are therefore an essential part of practical planning.

Nature at Romney Warren Country Park

Romney Warren Country Park has a different focus. The 11-hectare Local Nature Reserve includes dune grassland, willow scrub and pond-rich habitats with diverse wildlife. Three walking routes provide access to the park and offer different ways to explore the landscape at your leisure. At the same time, the area is nationally important for great crested newts as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Churches, Mosaics and Railway History

Cultural heritage is also an unmistakable part of Romney Marsh. There are 14 medieval churches in the area. The Marsh Mosaics Trail leads through all 14 churches, while the Marsh Mosaics continue to be exhibited in the churches. This allows an interest in ecclesiastical architecture to be combined with contemporary art, without having to limit yourself to just one attraction.

Another distinctive trace of regional history is the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, which has been a permanent part of the Romney Marsh landscape since 1927. The RH&DR Heritage Centre is housed in the former “Paint Shop” building at New Romney station. The site therefore combines a historic railway with a tangible insight into its former surroundings.

New Romney and Historical Traces

New Romney lies in the surrounding area of Romney Marsh, and its history is closely linked to changes in the coastal landscape. In 1278, New Romney was admitted to the Cinque Ports and Confederate Towns by a charter granted by Edward I. Severe storms devastated New Romney in the 13th century, causing the harbour to be lost. These events give the present-day landscape an additional historical dimension and show that marshland, coast and settlement cannot be viewed independently of one another here.

The section of the England Coast Path running through Romney Marsh opened in July 2016. If you are interested in coastal walks, you can include this walking theme in your travel planning just as easily as the shorter routes in the country park or the cultural and historical route to the churches.

Choose the Right Accommodation Based on Your Interests

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Romney Marsh, it helps to have a clear personal focus. Nature enthusiasts can plan their days around the marshland, dune grassland and the country park’s three routes. For cultural travellers, the 14 medieval churches, the Marsh Mosaics Trail and New Romney are the main highlights. Anyone wishing to experience the landscape in its varied aspects can combine the coastal area, history and nature trails.

Compare Other Places

If you would like to compare Romney Marsh with other places, you can also discover Southborough, Goudhurst, Halstead, Linton, Sissinghurst, Throwley Forstal, Longfield and Waldershare.

To the higher-level travel overview: Kent.