12 Oct Romney Marsh
Romney Marsh the Timeless Beauty from Saltcote Place
Overlooking significant parts of the vast and tranquil expanse of Romney Marsh, Saltcote Place in Rye offers the perfect base for exploring one of England’s most atmospheric landscapes. Just moments away, the Marsh stretches across 100 square miles of open skies, winding waterways, ancient churches, and unspoilt nature — a haven for walkers, photographers, and those seeking peace and space.
Often called “The Fifth Continent”, Romney Marsh has a rich and colourful past. Once a notorious haunt for smugglers, today it’s a patchwork of sheep pastures, historic villages, and protected wetlands. Visit the medieval church at Fairfield, standing alone amid fields and grazing sheep, or wander the lanes of old ports such as New Romney, Dymchurch, and Lydd — once busy Cinque Ports, now charmingly inland for example Tenterden is now 12 miles inland.
Military History
The Royal Military Canal traces the old defensive line along the Marsh and offers beautiful waterside walks shaded by willows. For a glimpse of England’s coastal defences, explore the Martello Towers at Dymchurch or the eerie acoustic “sound mirrors” at Greatstone, built before radar to detect enemy aircraft.
Bird watching
Wildlife enthusiasts will love Dungeness visible from Saltcote Place, a starkly beautiful shingle headland and nature reserve teeming with rare birds and plants, crowned by its lighthouse and quirky cottages. Nearby, the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway — a miniature steam line The Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway — offers a nostalgic journey through the landscape.
Electric Cycles
Are available to hire locally and as it’s a mainly flat surface you can enjoy Romney Marshes without getting too tired.
Clear Skies
As Rye is not overly built up the sky is generally nice and clear if stargazing is of interest.
After a day of discovery, return to Saltcote Place, where you can relax with sweeping views across the Marsh and the sea beyond — a reminder of how close, yet wonderfully distant, this unique landscape feels from the bustle of everyday life.
We are happy to help you arrange your evening meals as Rye is only 700 yards from Saltcote Place where we also offer secure free parking.