Your Guide To New Romney: Where to Stay, Eat, Drink & Explore
The insideGUIDE to New Romney, Lydd & Dymchurch
Set in a low-lying landscape, the vast region of Romney Marsh boasts a rich local heritage and thriving diversity of wildlife, which brings together these three distinct communities.
Stretching along the English Channel, the historic towns of New Romney, Lydd and Dymchurch form three connected communities that lie in the heart of Romney Marsh, an area known for its unique marshland ecology and rich historical background dating back centuries.
Once covered by the sea, Romney Marsh has reclaimed its land; with large expanses of shingle, the landscape is home to a rich variety of wildlife where you can see an assortment of rare birds and unique plant life.
Each town is distinctly recognised, with New Romney regarded as the capital of the Marsh, while Lydd is known for its famous church heritage and Dymchurch offers a traditional seaside town experience, attracting a wealth of tourists across the summer months.
In August, this area of coastline truly comes alive, offering a wealth of exploration from family-friendly activities and rich history to spotting the world-famous Romney Marsh sheep. WORDS BY EMILY STURGEON
“Romney Marsh is one of Kent’s hidden gems; a magical landscape of vast open skies, grazing sheep, rich history and an incredible coastline. From the unique wilderness of Dungeness to charming villages, nature reserves and historic churches, there is something special around every corner. Combined with its wonderful independent businesses and local attractions, the marsh offers a sense of space, beauty and tranquillity that captures the hearts of all who visit.”
Kristina Boulden, Company Director, Romney Marsh Shepherd Huts
TOP SHEPPEY PICKS
Top Ice Cream
A standout ice cream parlour nestled on Dymchurch High Street, Sundaes offers a wide range of deliciously smooth ice cream. From cherry Bakewell and candy floss to the classic flavours of mint chocolate chip and vanilla.
Top Heritage
Recognised as one of the most iconic churches in Romney Marsh, this small church dates back to the late 12th century and sits isolated in a field, surrounded by nothing but sheep.
Top Beach
Lydd Beach
Hosting uninterrupted views across the English Channel, Lydd Beach offers a vast shingle beach, which surrounds a unique landscape with excellent birdwatching spots for avid twitchers.
SUMPTUOUS STAYS
Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts
The perfect opportunity to get close to nature, The Lookerer shepherds hut has far-reaching views across the marsh; sitting in a sheep meadow, you can unplug and immerse yourself in Kent’s rural landscape.
Set on St Mary’s Bay in New Romney, CABÜ offers luxury self-catering cabins. From cosy one-bedroom to spacious three-bedroom cabins, enjoy using the nature spa, sauna, hot tubs, treatments and swimming pool.
The hotel offers five individually designed B&B rooms that blend unique character with comfort. Set in a welcoming environment, only a few steps away is the pub and restaurant, which serves tasty pub food and decadent breakfasts.
TOP DRINKS IN TOWN
End of the Line Restaurant
Only a stone’s throw away from Dungeness National Nature Reserve, the famous Pilot Inn is a family-run pub and restaurant serving a variety of food and drink from traditional fish and chips to the local Romney Marsh Brewery’s beer.
Surrounded by the Romney Marshes, this pub has a spacious garden overlooking the historic church of St Mary the Virgin. Here, you can enjoy a well-kept selection of real ales in a traditional pub setting.
Reaching the end of the line at Dungeness on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, enjoy a unique dining experience on one of the largest shingle expanses in the world. Choose from a diverse drinks menu that includes Romney Marsh bottled beer.
TOP COFFEE BREAKS
Mulberry Coffee Co | ©Ben Hill Photography
Find this mobile coffee van parked on St Mary’s Bay – made by excellent baristas, enjoy locally roasted coffee, tea or hot chocolate. The van is open on weekdays from 8am – 12pm and on occasional weekends with notice via social media.
Serving fresh food and coffee in Lathe Barn, take in stretching views across Lympne with a brand-new brunch menu and a much-loved lunch menu offering dishes made with locally sourced ingredients from wood-fired pizzas to homemade bakes.
Where nature and delicious coffee go hand-in-hand, this new cafe in town offers a space that incorporates a cafe, shop and learning area in the Romney Marsh Visitor Centre.
DIVINE DINING
The Woolpack Inn
Dating back more than 600 years, The Woolpack Inn embraces a farm-to-table philosophy, with produce sourced nearby farmers and local ales and beers. Try dishes such as traditional pie of the day or goat cheese tart with buttery soft pastry.
A 16th-century medieval pub set in the quiet hamlet on the Romney marshes, this pub offers a wide selection of award-winning real ales and beers alongside a traditional, hearty menu to enjoy in the spacious pub garden.
Serving fresh traditional Turkish food made with high-quality ingredients, with some sourced from local producers, try a selection of hot and cold mezes, shish kebabs and wraps to satisfy any foodie cravings.
CULTURAL HOTSPOT
Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
Image by: Graham Gillson
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
Explore the coastline and surrounding towns of Romney Marsh on a 13.5-mile line that runs from Hythe to Dungeness. The railway has been running since 1927 and features the world’s most complete collection of one-third-full-sized steam locomotives.
A local heritage museum managed by the Friends of Lydd, a registered charity since 1979, this museum shares information about the historic town of Lydd and surrounding areas and is run by a small team of dedicated volunteers.
Experience panoramic views across Romney Marsh and beyond, with a rich maritime heritage dating back to 1904 – witness its unique charm as both a wonderful attraction and a crucial navigational aid during wartime Britain.
OUT-DOORSY SPOTS
Action Watersports
Dungeness National Nature Reserve
Managed by the RSPB, the reserve is set back from the sea, with mile-after-mile of open shingle, freshwater pits, stunning wildflowers and wet grassland. Making the reserve an ideal location for spotting lapwings, redshanks, garganeys and hobbies, it’s a perfect nature-led day out.
Get ready to experience the most diverse range of watersport activities in the UK at the South East’s premier watersports centre. This family-owned business is nestled on a picturesque lake in Lydd, with activities suitable for all ages.
MUST-VISIT SPOTS
Romney Marsh Wools | ©Bethany Park
The Old Tractor Shed Farm Shop
A local family-run farm shop in Romney Marsh, passed down through the generations, this farm shop sells locally produced food including homemade pies, cuts of meat from the farm and fresh produce every day.
Established in 2008, Romney Marsh Wools is based on a family farm, with Romney Marsh sheep having been in the family for at least six generations. Selling toiletries, clothing and soaps, there are a number of stockists across Romney Marsh and you can also purchase online.
The biggest and fastest kart circuit in the south, with kart hire available all year round. You can experience first-class facilities, with professional championships held regularly and karting sessions open to the public. Under 17s must be accompanied by an adult.
