This charming village in Kent has become a big draw for British families looking for wholesome adventure. A big sandy beach with a nearby amusement park and miniature railway promises a day’s worth of fun
If your idea of the perfect day out includes seaside views, a breezy high street and fresh fish and chips, then head to this seaside town.
Located in Kent, this village has a reputation for being the place to enjoy a quintessentially British day out. Dymchurch is a small village on the coast of Romney Marsh in the southeastern corner of Kent. It’s also only about five miles from Hythe. As reported by KentLive, while Dymchurch may be less manicured than its better-known neighbour, it has an award-winning beach and all the shops and pubs you need to ensure an entertaining stay.
The district of Folkestone and Hythe are home to some of the UK’s most picturesque beaches, including Sunny Sands, Sandgate and The Warren. Dungeness beach is another popular beach in the region, found on the very edge of Romney Marsh near Dynchurch beach.
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Dymchurch beach is three miles long and is a great place for sandcastle-enthusiasts to set up camp, especially when the tide is out. The sand and shingle beach also earned a Seaside Award in 2024 from Keep Britain Tidy.
However, the Environment Agency subsequently downgraded the water quality from sufficient to poor, due to increased levels of bacteria, such as E.Coli. Following this, beachgoers were advised not to swim in the sea.
That said, the beach is still a peaceful place to lay down a blanket and spend the afternoon away from the bustle of the city and overwhelming crowds of the EU beaches. It also has all the basic beach amenities covered, including toilets and accessible parking nearby. Keep in mind though that dogs are not allowed on Dymchurch beach during the summer months.
One of the other big draws of the beach is the nearby amusement park, making Dymchurch an increasingly popular destination for families. The park is located on the beach and has rides suitable for kids of all ages.
The amusement park adds to the charm of the village, filled with classic attractions including an arcade, twisting and swinging rides, dodgems and stalls selling delicious sweet treats including soft-serve ice cream and cotton candy.
Another big draw for beachgoers are the donkey rides that are occasionally in operation. Beginning right in front of the amusement park entrance, the rides take young ones on a peaceful promenade along Dymchurch beach.
The miniature railway modelled after the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway is another great way to see the area, covering 13.5 miles. First running in 1927, the ‘World’s Smallest Public Railway’ runs from the picturesque Port of Hythe, near the channel tunnel, to the National Nature Reserve in Dungeness.
There are four stations in between that are all within walking distance of a beach, making exploring the area particularly convenient. There are plenty of coastal and country walks, wildlife and flora and iconic lighthouses ready to be discovered along the journey.
If you’d prefer to stay put, Dymchurch is also growing in popularity as a caravan site. New Beach is one of the newer holiday parks sitting between Dymchurch and Hythe that promises a modern clubhouse and all-day entertainment options.