Attractions and Places To See around Shepway - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Shepway are found in this district of Kent, England, situated along the English Channel coast. The area extends from north of Folkestone to the Dungeness promontory, encompassing diverse landscapes. Shepway is characterized by its unique natural features, historical landmarks, and cultural points of interest, including the Romney Marsh and the Royal Military Canal.
Best attractions and places to see around Shepway
- The most popular attractions is Folkestone Harbour, a revitalized harbor area that now features cafes and views. This historic port was once a busy ferry terminal and played a role in World War II evacuations.
- Another must-see spot is Battle of Britain Memorial, a national memorial dedicated to the men who fought in the Battle of Britain. The site offers a place of remembrance and provides views over the Channel.
- Visitors also love Gravel Path Along Royal Military Canal, a historical waterway approximately 22 miles long. This canal was constructed as a defensive line against invasion and now offers a route for cycling and walking.
- Shepway is known for its natural features like Dungeness and Romney Marsh, historical landmarks such as Martello Towers, and cultural sites including museums and outdoor art. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore.
- The attractions around Shepway are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 130 upvotes and over 100 photos shared.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
Folkestone Harbour
Highlight • Structure
The harbour was an important part of World War Two as it was here that 44000 people passed through during the evacuations of Dunkirk.
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Battle of Britain Memorial
Highlight • Monument
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Gravel Path Along Royal Military Canal
Highlight • River
nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Military_Canal
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Lower Leas Coastal Park
Highlight (Segment) • Beach
It also boasts an amphitheatre which hosts theatre and musical performances during the warmer months, and is right next to the beach.
The park is split into three zones, with the formal zone comprising pine avenues, gardens and flowers blooming all year. The fun zone has several different play areas, while the wild zone is a haven for quiet recreation, where sensitive habitat management allows wildlife to thrive.
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St Mary in the Marsh Church
Highlight • Historical Site
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The Warren, Folkestone
Highlight • Trail
You can explore the park, and its three Martello defensive towers, via a network of footpaths. There are wildflower meadows, lots of green spaces, and plenty of wildlife to enjoy.
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St Nicholas Church, New Romney
Highlight • Historical Site
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Dymchurch Sea Wall
Highlight • Cycleway
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The Boardwalk at Folkestone Seafront
Highlight • Cycleway
The Boardwalk is part of a larger regeneration project aimed at revitalizing the harbour area, making it a vibrant space with new restaurants, bars, cafes, and pathways. The use of old railway sleepers ties the new development to the harbour’s historical roots, while the landscaping and design ensure durability against the marine environment.
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Dungeness Fish Hut
Highlight • Restaurant
In fact, this area is the most diverse example of stable vegetated shingle in all of Europe!
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Popular around Shepway
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Tips from the Community
Most people who pass by such a war memorial commemorating the victims will not have experienced the horrors of war firsthand. A dialogue invented by the writer Paul Harding might help. It is from a medieval detective novel, and the following exchange takes place: "Tell me, brother, when you went to war in France with your little brother, were you happy?" Athelstan felt his heart leap. "Of course." He smiled thinly. "I was young then. My blood was boiling, and I longed for great adventures." "And when you found your brother dead and cold as ice on the battlefield and returned to England... what was there?" Athelstan looked out into the courtyard; it was slowly getting dark. "In the Gospel, Sir John, Christ says that at the end of the world, the heavens will shake, and the planets will fall to earth in blazing fire." Athelstan closed his eyes. He felt Francis's spirit quite clearly. “When I found my brother dead in the field,” he continued, “it was as if heaven had fallen to earth for me.” (Source: “The House of the Red Butcher” by Paul Harding)
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The Boardwalk at Folkestone Seafront is a striking feature constructed from reconditioned railway sleepers. It stretches 800 meters across the shingle beach, linking the Harbour Arm and Station with the Lower Leas Coastal Park. This pathway not only connects various parts of the seafront but also brings visitors closer to the water’s edge. Along the route, you’ll find public artworks from the Folkestone Triennial, such as AK Dolven’s suspended bell ‘Out of Tune’ and Lubaina Himid’s ‘Jelly Mould Pavilion’. The Boardwalk is part of a larger regeneration project aimed at revitalizing the harbour area, making it a vibrant space with new restaurants, bars, cafes, and pathways. The use of old railway sleepers ties the new development to the harbour’s historical roots, while the landscaping and design ensure durability against the marine environment.
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As a memorial to the many dead, such monuments - usually called "war memorials" in English - are still very important today. "Now, Lord, you let your servant depart in peace, as you have said..." says the so-called "Hymn of Simeon" (Luke 2, verse 29). However, the people who are remembered here did not depart in peace, but became victims of war and tyranny. Therefore, instead of the previously most common "war memorial", the term "fallen memorial" is now sometimes used in German to emphasize the aspect of remembering the victims. In addition, each of these countless memorials has a timeless, permanently valid message: to remind our current and all future generations - again and again - to keep the peace.
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You can ride all that way along the sea and when you do it during high tide, you cycle 1 meter next to waves
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Built in 1810 (and later expanded) on the site of a former fishing village. Now mostly an area of leisure, a handful of fishing boats still operate from here and sell in the nearby fish market.
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Lovely area, i can recommend Sandy's Fish and chips, which is slightly hidden in 2-3 Back Street, Fish was fresh and tasty. https://www.sandysfishandchips.co.uk/
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly attractions in Shepway?
Yes, Shepway offers several family-friendly attractions. The Lower Leas Coastal Park in Folkestone features the largest free adventure play area in the Southeast, along with an amphitheater and diverse play zones. The Folkestone Harbour area is also bustling with life, offering cafes and a paddling pool with water fountains for children. Additionally, Port Lympne Safari Park provides a unique experience to see animals up close and features the UK's largest outdoor dinosaur exhibition.
What natural attractions can I explore in Shepway?
Shepway is rich in natural beauty. You can visit Lower Leas Coastal Park with its gardens and 'wild zone' for wildlife. The Warren, Folkestone, is a country park with footpaths and wildflower meadows. Dungeness is a unique shingle beach known for birdwatching and its diverse stable vegetated shingle. The Romney Marsh is another significant natural area, famous for its grasslands and sheep.
What historical sites can I visit in Shepway?
Shepway boasts a rich history. The Battle of Britain Memorial is a national memorial offering a place of remembrance and Channel views. The Royal Military Canal, originally built as a defensive line, is now a historical waterway perfect for exploration. You can also find Martello Towers, built in 1805, in areas like The Warren, Folkestone, and explore local history at the Folkestone Museum.
Are there opportunities for walking and cycling near Shepway's attractions?
Absolutely. The Gravel Path Along Royal Military Canal offers a historical route for cycling and walking. The Boardwalk at Folkestone Seafront provides an 800-meter pathway across the shingle beach, connecting the Harbour Arm with the Lower Leas Coastal Park, suitable for walks. The Dymchurch Sea Wall is also popular for cycling and walking along the coast. For more extensive routes, you can explore various cycling guides around Shepway, including Cycling around Shepway, Road Cycling Routes around Shepway, and Gravel biking around Shepway.
What coastal attractions does Shepway offer?
Shepway's coastline is a major draw. You can visit the revitalized Folkestone Harbour, which offers cafes and views. The Boardwalk at Folkestone Seafront stretches across the shingle beach, linking key areas. Dungeness is a unique shingle beach, and Sunny Sands Beach in Folkestone is popular for sunbathing. The Leas in Folkestone provides a broad promenade with lawns above the shore.
Are there accessible attractions in Shepway?
Yes, efforts have been made to improve accessibility in certain areas. The Boardwalk at Folkestone Seafront is designed to be wheelchair accessible, providing a smooth pathway across the shingle beach and connecting various parts of the seafront.
Where can I find places to eat or drink near the attractions?
The Folkestone Harbour area is vibrant with plenty of cafes, pubs, and food trucks, especially on a sunny day. In Dungeness, you can find the Dungeness Fish Hut for local fare. For a traditional pub experience, The Star Inn is also available.
What unique or unusual attractions can I find in Shepway?
Shepway offers some truly unique experiences. Dungeness, with its desolate shingle landscape and nuclear power station, is unlike any other place. Port Lympne Safari Park provides an immersive wild animal reserve experience, including a Dinosaur Forest. The Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway is a well-known miniature railway attraction, offering a nostalgic journey through the landscape.
Can I spot wildlife in Shepway?
Yes, Shepway is excellent for wildlife spotting, particularly in its natural areas. Dungeness is recognized as Europe's most diverse example of stable vegetated shingle and is an excellent spot for birdwatching. The Romney Marsh is known for its superb natural grassland and sheep, and its National Nature Reserve is a significant natural attraction. The 'wild zone' within the Lower Leas Coastal Park is also dedicated to wildlife conservation.
Are there any notable religious or architectural sites in Shepway?
Yes, Shepway has several sites of architectural and religious interest. St Nicholas Church, New Romney, is a historical site worth visiting. Folkestone also features numerous listed buildings, including those on Albion Villas, Clifton Crescent, and Marine Crescent, which showcase the area's architectural heritage.
What is the best time of year to visit Shepway?
Shepway can be enjoyed year-round, but the warmer months (spring and summer) are ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the coastal parks and beaches. During these times, the Lower Leas Coastal Park amphitheater hosts performances, and the Folkestone Harbour area is particularly lively. However, areas like Dungeness and the Romney Marsh offer unique atmospheric experiences even in cooler seasons, with opportunities for winter walks along the coast.
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Most popular attractions around Shepway
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