South Coast of England – Things to Do on a Day Stay at Camber Sands or Rye Bay – Part 2 East
Part Two – East of Camber and Rye – Three or Four Ideas
Following the first part of the things to do feature in “South Coast of England. Things to do on a day stay in Camber or Rye Bay – Part One”this article (part 2) gives you some ideas if you’re thinking of heading east along the coast to towns like Dungeness, Lydd, New Romney, Hythe, Folkestone and Dover.
As in the first part, here are some interesting suggestions that will help you and allow you to appreciate the area and this beautiful part of the country.
But once again… beware… if you are looking for theme parks with carnival rides and cotton candy… this is not the article for you.
All the suggestions of things to do will help pass the time and can make for a great day. All distances quoted are approximate from Camber to the location and we strongly recommend that (off season) if you are traveling any distance you check or phone to see if the facility is open.
East of Camber and Rye
dungeon
old lighthouse – 9.7 miles
Climb to the top of the tower of the old Dungeness Lighthouse. In season it is open daily from 10.30am to last admission at 4.30pm. Costs are in the region of four pounds. You get panoramic views over the English Channel and the surrounding countryside. Dungeness normally makes the headlines for its power station, more importantly for holiday makers and day trippers, people flock to Dungeness because it has been designated as a National Nature Reserve (NNR), Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Special Area of Conservation ( BAG).
It is home to over 600 species of plants, which represents over 30% of all plants found in the UK.
The National Nature Reserve stretches across Dungeness to encompass the vast RSPB reserve and is intended to help protect the landscape and its wildlife.
If you’re looking for something to eat, there are two fantastic (and highly rated) pubs serving hand-battered Fish and Chips as a real speciality. Many people travel miles and return year after year to try the fayre…definitely worth a visit. One is very close to the lighthouse and the other is on the main road from Lydd to St Marys Bay, through Dungeness.
Lydd
Lydd Airport – 7.4 miles – TN29 9QL
Also in the area is Lydd Airport…which in the summer is worth a visit on Saturday and Sunday mornings as you get pretty close to the runway from the restaurant area (it’s open during the week but there are less trafic). ). The restaurant has many tables and serves teas, coffees and snacks. For the more adventurous with a passport… day trips to France are popular in the summer.
Port Lympne – 30 km – CT21 4PD
the animal park
This is a must see for the whole family.. Port Lympne Wild Animal Park offers one of the best full days in Kent. Spanning over 600 acres and home to over 650 rare and endangered animals, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park offers something for everyone. My favourite… the gorillas… I can sit for hours mesmerized by their behavior… very therapeutic!
There is a safari vehicle to transport you between the four areas on foot. In these areas, you’ll discover conservation firsthand with key exhibits and exciting interactive educational exhibits. There are three play areas and two restaurants with large outdoor terraces with stunning views. Buggies must be left at the buggie park. It’s open from 9:30am to 6:30pm and charges around £20 per adult and £18 for children under 16.
Hythe. New Romney, Dungeness… and everything in between
The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway (RH&DR – Rail, Dungeness Station) – 10.5 miles TN29 9NB
miniature steam railway – The RH&DR is another fantastic attraction to visit and certain tickets purchased will allow you FREE entry to the Model Railway exhibit in New Romney. Adults fifteen pounds, children just over seven pounds and seniors are priced in the region of thirteen pounds. Trains leave Dungeness at 10:17, 11:02, 11:47, 12:32, 1:17, 2:02, 2:47, 3:32, 4:17, 5:02, 6:04 and it takes just over an hour to reach Hythe, stopping at Romney Sands, New Romney, St Mary’s Bay and Dymchurch.