Part Two – East of Camber and Rye – Three or Four Ideas
Following the first part of the things to do feature on “South coast of England. Things to do in a day stay in Camber or Rye Bay – Part One”this article (part two) gives you some ideas if you’re thinking of heading east up 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…be warned…if you are looking for theme parks with rides and cotton candy…this is not the article for you.
All the suggestions for things to do will help pass the time and can be a great day. All distances mentioned are approximate from Camber to the location and we strongly recommend that (out of 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 every day from 10.30 to the last entry at 4.30. 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, representing 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 that serve up hand-battered Fish and Chips as a true speciality. Many people travel miles and return year after year to sample the fayre…definitely worth a visit. One is very close to the lighthouse and the other is on the main road from Lydd towards 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 very 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 summer.
Port Lympne – 30 km – CT21 4PD
the animal park
This is a must 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 a treat for everyone. My favorite… the gorillas… I can sit for hours fascinated 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 buggy park. It is open from 9:30am to 6:30pm and charges around £20 per adult and £18 for children under 16.
hythe. New Romney, Dungeness…and everywhere in between
The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway (RH&DR – Railroad, Dungeness Station) – 10.5 miles TN29 9NB
miniature steam railway – The RH&DR is another fantastic attraction to visit and certain tickets purchased will grant you FREE entry to the Model Railway exhibit in New Romney. Adults £13, children just over £7 and seniors are priced in the region of £13. 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.
