Dymchurch

Dymchurch sits on the edge of Romney Marsh where the land drops almost to sea level and the beach is separated from the flat marsh pasture by the old seawall. It is a village that has retained its traditional seaside character -- flat sandy beach, amusements, and a promenade -- while also holding one of the most significant pieces of Napoleonic military architecture in England. Martello Tower No.24 stands on the seafront and is the best-preserved of the 74 towers built along the Kent and Sussex coast between 1805 and 1812 as a defence against French invasion.

The tower is managed by English Heritage and opens on Saturdays, with access to the garrison accommodation on the first floor, the original storeroom below, and the gun platform on the roof where a 24-pounder cannon sits in its original position. The interior is reached by steep metal stairs throughout and is not suitable for visitors with mobility difficulties. Opening hours are currently 12pm to 4pm; check the English Heritage listing at english-heritage.org.uk before visiting as volunteer-run hours can vary.

The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway -- a 15-inch gauge miniature line running 13.5 miles from Hythe to Dungeness -- has its own Dymchurch station a short walk from the beach. A day rover ticket covers the full route including the atmospheric final stretch to Dungeness. Parking is at Dymchurch Central Car Park on Orgarswick Avenue (TN29 0NL), a short walk from both the tower and the RHDR platform.