Romney Marsh has a long and rich history associated with smuggling, and as dusk falls it is easy to conjure up images of contraband being carried through the misty marshes of those bygone days. The flatlands, once covered by the sea, have slowly been reclaimed over the centuries to create a most beautiful landscape. Indeed the countryside around the Marsh and down to the beaches is rich agricultural land which is unsuitable for commercial use. This characteristic is possibly why these mysterious flatlands have always had such a strong appeal. Defence has played an important role in the area over the centuries.

During the Middle Ages, long before an established Naval force, New Romney, considered as the capital of the Marsh, was a Cinque Port (pronounced 'sink'). Fourteen towns and villages stretching from Margate to Rye were commissioned by the Crown to supply ships and men to defend its coastline from invading forces. As a reward for their services Cinque Ports gained a variety of privileges, which included exemption from tax. As you travel along the coast roads of the Marsh you cannot miss the distinctive pudding-shaped Martello towers that formed part of the coastal defences built in the early eighteen hundreds, when the threat of invasion by Napoleon was at its strongest. Although never used for their original purpose the towers remained a strong deterrent for would-be invaders for many years.

Today, the Marsh area carries more of an air of tranquillity, the isolation has been of great benefit to the beaches and some of the cleanest in the UK are to be found here. So whether you prefer sand or shingle, all you need to do is relax and soak up the panoramic views in an atmosphere of calm.

If sand is what you are looking for then the five-mile stretch at Dymchurch is sure to please. Dymchurch, interestingly, was once the headquarters of law and order for the area. The governors of the Marsh resided here and were known as 'The Lords of the Levels' and administered swift justice to anyone who endangered the well-being of the Marsh.

It was also from here, at the Ship Hotel, that the author Russell Thorndike penned many of his infamous stories about 'Dr. Syn', a marauding smuggler by night and vicar by day. Much of Thorndike's inspiration was borne from the local smuggling and law breaking that took place on the Marsh. The whole region is full of interesting towns and villages to occupy your curiosity.

New Romney offers a good assortment of coffee shops, cafes and pubs. Here you will also find the main station for the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, which also contains a fascinating toy museum. Lydd boasts one of the tallest churches in Kent, the 13th century All Saints which has links to Cardinal Wolsley who, prior to his meteoric rise to fame, was rector of Lydd. Medieval churches, numbering thirteen in all, are yet another aspect of this unique area. Romney Marsh certainly offers a distinctive blend of picturesque countryside combined with a host of interesting places and attractions to suit everyone. Note also, that if you wish to explore further afield the topography of the Marsh area is ideally suited for both walking and cycling. In other words - no hills!