Enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape, marshland, green hills, woodlands and spectacular coastline at your own pace. Strolling while waves whisper on the shore. Racing, breathless across breezy downs. The thrilling sight of dazzling white cliffs, the smell of spicy orchard blossom, there is no doubt that the best way to see and experience this natural beauty is to explore on foot
Follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror on his march to the epic showdown with King Harold on the 1066 Country Walk. Explore the High Weald with it’s spectacular views or take in a coastal walk, the choices are endless…
The Saxon Shore Way offers incredible landscapes ranging from Dover’s famous White Cliffs, overlooking the Channel and the coast of France, and the golden sands of such famous resorts as Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate, to the wildlife sanctuaries of the Medway Estuary and Cliffe Marshes and the haunting scenery of Romney Marsh round the coast to Hastings.
Stretching for 28 miles from Seabrook in Kent to Cliff End in East Sussex, the Royal Military Canal passes through Rye offering visitors lots of opportunities for boating and fishing. Built as a defensive structure against the very real threat of Napoleonic invasion. Napoleon saw England as the key to conquering Europe, amassed an army of some 130,000 troops and 2,000 boats on the French coast near Boulogne. Now, much of the drama on the canal comes from the wildlife that has made it their home.
Feel your senses come alive, spotting rare orchids and butterflies in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or ambling ripe lanes past oast houses and hop fields. Enjoy uplifting views over wide, open landscapes and play hide-and-seek with the kids in ancient bluebell woods – magical!
Walk along the only section of coastline contained in the High Weald AONB and enjoy good views out to sea and along the coast. Take time to walk along the beach looking for signs of life from times gone by or enjoy a drink or two in the local pubs. With an easy access trail and visitor centre at Fairlight Country Park this walk will have something for everyone.
Fairlight Country Park extends over 640 acres, most of which is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) comprising two ancient woodlands, heathland, grassland and rocky coastline. There are stunning views across the Channel and Rye Bay. Bottlenose dolphin and harbour porpoise can be seen offshore from the top of the cliffs.
Discover a castle landlocked away from the coastline it once proudly defended. Its stout sandstone walls now house wildlife rather than soldiers looking out to sea for enemy invaders. Enjoy this open flat landscape as you follow an easy access trail suitable for prams and all- terrain mobility vehicles around the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and learn about the many different birds which visit the area.
As you can see, the surrounding landscapes are so varied that you are never far from a wide range of outdoor activities, wildlife and inspiring natural beauty. I hope we have provided you with some inspirational places for enjoying our spectacular coast and countryside.