The Seaside
The South-east corner of England offers some remarkable coastline and history.
Dover
Besides being one of the country’s busiest ports Dover offers spectacular coastal walks such as the breath-taking hike from the White Cliffs of Dover to St Margaret’s at Cliffe, Samphire Hoe at the foot of Shakespeare Cliff between Dover and Folkestone, and the Saxon Shore Way. Dover Castle is an iconic fortress guarding one of the most important gateways to the country.
Hythe and Dymchurch
Visiting the quaint beach towns on St Mary’s Bay feels like stepping back in time. Fish and chips, promenades, buckets and spades, sand castles and ice creams all make for a traditional day by the sea. The surrounding Romney Marsh – known as the Fifth Continent – offers about 100 square miles of flat wetland with narrow winding roads and ancient churches. This stretch of coast also has numerous Martello Towers which, along with the Royal Military Canal, were built during the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th Century.
Dungeness
The pebble beach at Dungeness is one of the largest expanses of shingle in Europe and makes it one of Britain’s most important National Nature Reserves. It’s home to thousands of migratory birds as well as rare coastal plants. The fishermen’s huts along the spit are now mostly gentrified, but the looming Dungeness Nuclear Power Plant and the lighthouse at the end give the whole landscape a strange otherworldly feel. Also check out Derek Jarman’s garden at Prospect Cottage and if you’re hungry don’t miss the opportunity to eat today’s catch on the benches at the Fish Hut or at the Pilot Inn.
Camber Sands
The shingle and pebbles of Dungeness give way to glorious sand dunes and 3 miles of flat sandy beach at Camber. It’s a big beach is big with strong winds which makes it a favourite spot for kitesurfing.
Rye
Rye is full of charm with its cobbled streets and medieval, half-timbered houses. It has lots of cafés and restaurants, art galleries, antique shops ranging from bric-a-brac to high-end interior design, and a host of quirky independents. Rye’s famous Mermaid Inn is over 600 years old.
Hastings Old Town
The Old Town is at the eastern side of the modern town of Hastings which grew out from it in the 19th Century. It’s a lovely seaside town with bohemian shabbiness and lots of artsy quirks. The old houses, shops and pubs are all tucked in between the cliff and the shingle beach. There’s lots to see along the Stade from the fishermen’s huts to Hastings Contemporary as well as exploring the narrow lanes around the High Street and George Street, both of which are full of independent shops.