Latest news with #RomneyMarsh
The Sun
8 hours ago
- The Sun
Our pick of Kent's best beaches from hidden bays to pubs on the sand ahead of the 26C weather
THE UK is set to welcome weather up to 26C this week - so there has never been a better time to visit the beach. One of the easiest beach spots to get to is the Kent coastline, with some being less than an hour from London. Along with some more popular beaches, The Sun Travel team have rounded up some of their lesser-known favourites, where you are more likely to bump into a local than a tourist. Here are 10 of the best to choose from to make the most of the sun this weekend. Dungeness Beach, Romney Marsh Not your average parasol and sun lounger beach, Dungeness on the south Kent coast used to be known as Britain's only desert, thanks to its barren landscape. It's part nature reserve, part nuclear power station and part cod-fishing mecca, and also possibly the bleakest-looking stretch of coast in the whole of the UK. This is also its draw for many like me, who love how desolate it looks. The late artist and filmmaker Derek Jarman felt the same way, and visitors still visit to see his quaint old seaside cottage and quirky garden. Stone Bay, Broadstairs While Broadstairs has seven sandy coves to explore, all linked by clifftop paths that offer spectacular views across the English Channel. But Stone Bay is a good alternative if you're looking to escape the crowds, with the traditional a British seaside resort alongside imposing Victorian buildings sitting alongside fisherman's cottages. With lots of family-friendly fun including arcades and rides, it's becoming a bit of a foodie mecca too. Trendy English seaside town has rooftop bar that 'feels like the Med' Twenty Seven Harbour Street has stunning views and tasty treats cooked over fire. And must-visit is Morelli's - it's been serving up traditional gelato since 1932 with the fabulous Art Deco interior only beaten only just by the stunning sundaes. Head of Travel (Print) - Lisa Minot 9 9 Mermaid Beach, Folkestone Folkestone has it's all - a hidden sandy beach that comes with the tide and the main pebble beach lined with bars and restaurants. But the pretty Mermaid Beach- named from the rock shape formation looking like a tail - is where to go to avoid the crowds. You are more likely to be joined by local families with a BBQ than hoards of tourists, and it is right under the Leas Cliff Hall which has a new bar open this summer and live music. Mermaid Cafe has some great food and drink nearby too for when you need a snack, as well as the Lower Leas Coastal Park which is free to visit and undergoing renovation. Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey 9 Whitstable Beach, Whitstable Whitstable has long been the most fashionable of Kent's seaside towns, despite the surge in popularity of places like Margate and Folkestone with 'down from Londoners'. I love the town's beach, not for its soft yellow sand (it's instead full of grey pebbles) but for the awesome attractions, pubs and restaurants that line it. Sea Scrub sauna is a lovely experience, the Whitstable Oyster Company is a perfect place for lunch, The Forge oyster shack serves excellent no-frills seafood and The Old Neptune Pub is a great spot for a pint. Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire 9 9 Palm Bay, Margate One of Margate's big draws is the sandy Main Sands which you can see as soon as you leave the train station - but the nearby Palm Bay is my favourite. Having lived in Margate for a number of years, Palm Bay is where you will spot the locals. Tucked under the cliffs, it is much quieter than the main area and is round the corner from Walpole Bay lido - the largest of it's kind in Europe. Make sure to find the pop up sauna as well, and visit on the last Sunday of every month for Cliftonville Farmers' Market, with fresh food and drinks. Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey 9 Kingsgate Bay Beach, Broadstairs The walk from Margate to Broadstairs has some amazing hidden coves, one of which being Kingsgate Bay. With white cliffs on one side and Kingsgate Castle on another, you can even walk through the natural archway depending on the tide (reminiscent of Durdle Door). The sandy beach is often overlooked, as it is only accessed by a steep set of steps and there is very limited parking so it is mainly for walkers to visit. Make sure to grab a pint from the authentic Captain Digby pub above too. Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey 9 Deal Beach, Deal While the broad sweep of pebbles on Deal's seafront may not be great for kiddie sandcastles, this is a very grown-up place for adult fun. With its upmarket bistros and historic buildings, it is picture postcard pretty and its high street behind has won awards for its range of independent shops. The Royal Hotel is the perfect place to admire the beach and sea views, you'll be in good company as Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton were once frequent visitors. For somewhere great to stay, The Clarendon Hotel is an elegant 18th century building right on the seafront with great views across to Deal Pier where you can stroll by day to the restaurant at the end or watch anglers try their luck along its length. Trying to choose somewhere to eat? The Frog & Scot is a great small plates restaurant, while The Pelican is one for fish-lovers. Head of Travel (Print) - Lisa Minot 9 Camber Sands Beach, Camber East Sussex lays claim to Camber Sands, but according to Wikipedia a small fraction of this seven-mile-long beach reaches over the Kent border. Which helpfully means we can use it as part of this round-up, as it is easily the best beach in the area. Backed by large sand dunes, Camber is so large that you can always find a spot - even on the hottest of summer days - if you are willing to walk. After an afternoon lazing in the sun, drive 10 minutes down the road to the medieval town of Rye for a pub dinner. Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire 9
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
New solar panel farm planned for farmland
An energy company is proposing to build a solar farm in the Kent countryside. SSE Renewables has opened a non-statutory consultation on the Shepway Energy Park project, which will span six sites in Romney Marsh, near Newchurch. Local residents said they were concerned about the loss of farmland and feared the scheme would destroy the landscape. According to SSE's project brochure, the scheme will "make a significant contribution towards the UK meeting its net zero targets". The company were contacted by the BBC. SSE also said in its brochure that solar farms improved food security by addressing climate change and created new income streams for farmers. The company says the scheme is considered a nationally significant infrastructure project and it will apply to the government, rather than the local council, for development consent in due course. The current consultation runs until 13 June. In addition to 200 megawatts (MW) of solar panels, the proposal also involves building a 400MW battery storage facility. Amanda Farrant, who leads the campaign group Hands Off Our Marsh, told BBC Radio Kent she was concerned about disruption from construction vehicles. Energy security and food security "can't come at the expense of each other", she added. Ms Farrant, whose home borders the site, said the plans would "industrialise our village". "I don't mind solar but just not so much of it in one place. It's huge. This is 1,000 acres of farmland," she added. A spokesperson for SSE said: "We are in the early stages of defining the project and we are carrying out a full assessment of any impacts to the local area. Through this project we will proactively aim to implement positive improvements such as Biodiversity. "Our proposals for Shepway Energy Park will not only help generate more renewable power in the UK and make a significant contribution towards meeting net zero targets but also deliver against local priorities around tackling climate change and generating more electricity from renewable sources. "We look forward to this opportunity to engage with the local community on our plans during this consultation." The Shepway Energy Park consultation comes after energy firm Low Carbon announced a proposal for an even bigger solar farm near Old Romney in November. A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said solar projects had "a rigorous planning process" where community views and environmental impacts are considered. Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Proposed solar farm could power 140,000 homes Plans for huge Kent solar farm rejected Battery farms are 'emerging risk', says fire chief Why more mega solar farms are coming to the countryside Shepway Energy Park SSE Renewables Hands Off Our Marsh The Planning Inspectorate
BBC News
7 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Plans for solar farm on Romney Marsh farmland
An energy company is proposing to build a solar farm in the Kent Renewables has opened a non-statutory consultation on the Shepway Energy Park project, which will span six sites in Romney Marsh, near residents said they were concerned about the loss of farmland and feared the scheme would destroy the to SSE's project brochure, the scheme will "make a significant contribution towards the UK meeting its net zero targets". The company were contacted by the BBC. SSE also said in its brochure that solar farms improved food security by addressing climate change and created new income streams for company says the scheme is considered a nationally significant infrastructure project and it will apply to the government, rather than the local council, for development consent in due current consultation runs until 13 addition to 200 megawatts (MW) of solar panels, the proposal also involves building a 400MW battery storage facility. Amanda Farrant, who leads the campaign group Hands Off Our Marsh, told BBC Radio Kent she was concerned about disruption from construction security and food security "can't come at the expense of each other", she added. 'Rigorous planning process' Ms Farrant, whose home borders the site, said the plans would "industrialise our village"."I don't mind solar but just not so much of it in one place. It's huge. This is 1,000 acres of farmland," she added.A spokesperson for SSE said: "We are in the early stages of defining the project and we are carrying out a full assessment of any impacts to the local area. Through this project we will proactively aim to implement positive improvements such as Biodiversity."Our proposals for Shepway Energy Park will not only help generate more renewable power in the UK and make a significant contribution towards meeting net zero targets but also deliver against local priorities around tackling climate change and generating more electricity from renewable sources."We look forward to this opportunity to engage with the local community on our plans during this consultation."The Shepway Energy Park consultation comes after energy firm Low Carbon announced a proposal for an even bigger solar farm near Old Romney in November.A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said solar projects had "a rigorous planning process" where community views and environmental impacts are considered.
BBC News
25-05-2025
- BBC News
Ashford to Dymchurch Stagecoach summer bus service relaunched
A special summer bus service linking a town in central Kent to the county's coast has been "beach bus" runs on new Route 500 from Ashford to Dymchurch, on the coast of Romney on Saturday, it will continue until 31 operator ran a similar service from Ashford to Camber Sands in Sussex last summer. For the upcoming half-term, buses will run every day until 1 June, then just at weekends.A daily service will resume from 23 July for the school summer holidays, with a day return costing £ will run four times a day between the two towns, with the last bus from Dymchurch High Street leaving at 18:50 BST, and the service also linking to Ashford railway station. Stagecoach operations manager, Kim Brooks said: "It's really all about making the seaside accessible this summer in a way that can enhance social connection on a trip with family or friends."Noel Ovenden, leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: "We're really excited to join this campaign for the second year running."There's no place like the beach in the summer and we hope that our residents make the most of this offer with Stagecoach."
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Families living near golf driving range scared to leave their homes over bombardment of 'balls coming out of the sky'
Families living near a golf course have said they are scared to leave their homes as there are 'balls coming out of the sky'. Locals near Romney Marsh, Kent, claim it is no longer possible to live a quiet life due to the 'damage' and 'risk of injury'. Despite bosses at the Lydd Golf Club and Driving Range insisting they have a good reputation in the area, there are allegations residents can't sit outside for fear of being hurt. One person said: 'We all just want a quiet life and be able to relax outside in our gardens.' He alleged: 'But that's not possible with golf balls coming out of the sky. 'As well as the damage to our homes, there's the real risk of injury to us or our pets.' Another claimed his mobile home has been hit at least six times, causing dents to the side and roof. The golf club has said it takes the allegations very seriously and is taking measures to stop balls going astray. Tom Wraight, club manager, said: 'Lydd Golf Club and Driving Range Limited has been a part of the Romney Marsh community for over 30 years. 'The golf club has gained a notable reputation as well as a significant number of memberships and is used by those who reside nearby in the area and beyond. 'The golf club would always take the concerns of any residents seriously and carry out an investigation, followed by findings. 'The golf club is aware of one ongoing complaint from a resident, who used to attend the golf club but was subsequently banned. 'A recent inspection carried out by a representative of the local authority confirmed that the golf club has extensive measures in place to mitigate the risk of errant golf balls coming onto neighbouring properties. 'And has taken the best practicable means to reduce the risk of this occurring. 'The golf club is not currently aware of any reports of damage to property of residents, nor any injuries. 'The golf club remains committed to upholding best practices and addressing any concerns proportionately and amicably that may be raised.'
