Rye or Hythe & the Romney Marsh

Dungeness is the UK's only desert. Fish & chip lunches at The Pilot Inn are consistently excellent.

The Romney Marshes are a mysterious and enchanting region of Kent, rich in history, story and legend. Just our cup of tea. This is a fine day out, tried and tested over the past twenty years, undemanding on the feet but satisfying on the senses. We begin with a coach tour through one of the most contrasting areas of English countryside and stop for a fish & chip lunch (included in the tour fee) at the famous Pilot Inn at Dungeness built from the timbers of a Spanish ship wrecked by smugglers. In the afternoon choose between a visit to beautiful 'Ancient town' Rye or the historic Cinque Port of Hythe.

We start in the Wealden town of Tenterden at 10-30am for morning refreshments at individual cost before driving out onto the Romney Marsh. Romney Marsh men drank beer a full century before the rest of the country and in the last war they evacuated their sheep before their women! Survival on the marsh required a particular type of character and with its remote atmosphere the locals established a reputation for self-sufficiency, wild, felonious deeds and lawlessness. Its bleak and timeless character made it popular with artists and writers. Noel Coward kept a home on the Marsh and Ian Fleming would drive out here alone for inspiration naming his characters after local place names like Moneypenny Farm. We’ll stop and visit one of the mediaeval churches that pepper the marsh.

There are nearly 100 homes of different shapes and sizes dotted across the peculiar landscape of Dungeness – the UK’s only desert! Some are old railway carriages dragged across the shingle nearly one hundred years ago. Today they can change hands for an awful lot of money. 

The Pilot Inn sits here within one of the most unique settings in the country, a stone's throw from the sea. Fresh fish & chips with a cup of tea and a slice is served and included in the tour fee. 

After lunch we’ll take a pleasant drive via Camber Sands to Rye where, from the elevated cobbled streets, we can look back over the Romney Marsh. Alternatively you can opt for a drive along the coast through St Mary’s Bay and Dr. Syn’s Dymchurch to historic Hythe with its rather charming and old fashioned High Street. Whichever afternoon you choose the Guide will pick out the highlights for you and there will be time to browse and pick a spot for tea before heading home at 4-45pm.  

Easy walking on a day available weekdays only all year.

Adults & Seniors: £19.95
Price valid 1st April 2012 to 31st March 2013

Coach Mileage: 35 

Print this page