Things to see and do

Dungeness National Nature Reserve

Channel View and the wider Dungeness estate sit within the Dungeness National Nature Reserve. A walk around the expansive shingle beach will reveal remnants of bygone fishing methods, fragments of military installations dating from WWII and the Napoleonic wars, historic and modern lighthouses and acres of unusual birds, insects and plantlife.

The Dungeness estate backs onto the Dungeness RSPB, the oldest RSPB nature reserve. In spring and autumn, countless migrating birds pass through the reserve, while in winter hundreds of waterbirds can be spotted from the visitors' centre or the numerous hides.

A walk around the old, flooded gravel pits in summer provides a particularly unusual view of this special conservation area, surrounded by wildflowers, dragonflies, birds and butterflies.

Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway

For 90 years, the RH&DR's world famous miniature locomotives have run the 15-inch gauge railway line between the Cinque Port town Hythe and Dungeness. The fleet of steam and combustion engine trains call at Hythe, Dymchurch, St Mary's Bay, New Romney, Romney Sands and Dungeness.

Cafes are available at Hythe, New Romney and Dungeness. A licensed bar service is provided on some train services.

Old Dungeness Lighthouse

The Old Lighthouse is a Grade II historic building. It took three years to build and was opened by His Royal Majesty the Prince of Wales in 1904, before being decommissioned in 1960. For 56 years, before the new lighthouse begun operating on 20 November 1961, it provided a welcome landlight to vessels negotiating the English Channel. The Old Lighthouse opens to visitors in the summer months and provides a fantastic view of the surrounding reserve.

Romney Marsh Churches

Dungeness is the southern-most tip of the marshes and is the perfect outpost from which to explore the many medieval churches of the marshes. The impressive 15th century 'Cathedral of the Marsh' in Lydd and the 12th century Norman church of St Nicholas in New Romney are particularly noteworthy stops, though you could spend several days exploring the many splendid churches and ruins dotted throughout the marshes. Look out for the 'Art in Romney Marsh' pop-up contemporary arts events which take place in some of these remarkable these sites during the year.

Port Lympne Wild Animal Park (The Aspinall Foundation)

Over 700 rare and endangered animals roam the park including tigers, lions, leopards, bears and gorillas. Going on a safari in Kent may seem surreal, but it's certainly interesting and a great place to visit with kids. Port Lympne is also home to the UK's largest dinosaur collection.

Great Dixter Gardens

Great Dixter was the family home of gardener and gardening writer Christopher Lloyd. Now under the stewardship of the Great Dixter Charitable Trust, Great Dixter is an historic house and garden.

White Cliffs of Dover

The cliff face, which reaches up to 110 metres in height and stretches along the coastline for eight miles, owes its striking appearance to its composition of chalk. There are numerous cliff walks and it's a great place for a long walk with the dog and a picnic.

Rye

Perched on a hill, the cobbled lanes of Rye are lined with medieval, half-timbered houses. The redbrick Lamb House was once owned by writer Henry James. Nearby, the tower of the Norman Saint Mary's Church overlooks the town. The 14th-century Ypres Tower, which formed part of Rye's defences, is now Rye Castle Museum, with paintings and displays on local history.

Hastings

Hastings is known for the 1066 battle, fought on a nearby field where Battle Abbey now stands. The Norman ruins of Hastings Castle, once home to William the Conqueror, overlook the old town. East along the shingle seafront of Stade beach, Hastings Fishermen's Museum and Shipwreck Museum document its maritime history. The old town is overflowing with secondhand shops, while the Jerwood Gallery exhibits contemporary art.