Living in Romney marsh

Romney Marsh is known for its strong sense of community, shaped by its relatively small population, shared rural heritage, and the logistical need for local cooperation. Many residents participate in parish councils, volunteer groups, and clubs that support everything from wildlife preservation to youth football.

A busy calendar of local events includes the Romney Marsh Country Show, village fêtes, farmers markets in New Romney, and craft fairs in villages like Lydd and Dymchurch. Community halls and centres are well used, serving as hubs for art exhibitions, group exercise classes, and social coffee mornings.

The open landscape encourages an outdoorsy lifestyle, with expansive public footpaths, stretches of shingle beach, and nature reserves such as Dungeness and the RSPB reserve providing plenty of options for walks, cycling and birdwatching. Families and locals alike cherish the area's sense of space and tranquillity.

Romney Marsh is traditionally perceived as a safe and peaceful area, with crime rates generally lower than more densely populated urban parts of Kent. Thanks to its close-knit communities and rural setting, antisocial behaviour and violent crime are relatively rare, with most reported incidents involving minor theft or vandalism.

The area benefits from an active neighbourhood policing team, supported by initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch and community engagement days. Kent Police conduct regular patrols and collaborate with parish councils to address any local concerns promptly.

Some remote or coastal stretches may be less well-lit at night, so locals typically recommend vigilance and neighbourly awareness, particularly around isolated paths. However, for most residents, safety remains one of Romney Marsh’s key attractions.

Parking in Romney Marsh is generally easy and stress-free, reflecting the rural nature of the area. Most homes have off-road or driveway parking, and on-street parking is readily available in most villages and towns without significant restrictions. In the main shopping areas like New Romney or Dymchurch, free or inexpensive public car parks can usually be found close to amenities.

Congestion is seldom a concern except at peak tourist times (especially summer weekends), when visitors flock to the region’s beaches and coastal settlements. Road access is good with the A259 skirting the area, offering direct routes to Rye, Folkestone, and Ashford. The A2070 provides a convenient connection northward to the M20 motorway and Ashford International.

The main access routes make it straightforward to reach nearby towns and cities:

• Ashford – approx. 30 mins via A2070 (18 miles)
• Folkestone – approx. 30 mins via A259 (17 miles)
• Rye – approx. 25 mins via A259 (13 miles)
• Canterbury – approx. 1 hour via A259/A28 (35 miles)

Romney Marsh has a rich pub culture, with many traditional inns and local pubs scattered through its villages and hamlets. The region is known for its locally sourced lamb and seafood, which feature prominently on menus at establishments like The Pilot Inn at Dungeness and The Shepherd & Crook in Burmarsh. New Romney offers a range of cafés, fish-and-chip shops, and family-run restaurants serving British staples and international cuisine.

Cafés in places like Dymchurch and St Mary in the Marsh provide a relaxed setting for afternoon tea, while the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch railway station tea rooms are a favourite among visitors. For evening entertainment, the focus is mainly on pubs rather than clubs or late-night bars; however, live bands, quiz nights, and darts are popular fixtures.

Nightlife on the Marsh is best described as laid-back, with a focus on social gatherings in pubs, seasonal festivals, and village events rather than high-energy venues. For wider options, residents often journey to Ashford or Folkestone, which feature cinemas, theatres, and a broader array of nightlife venues.

School Quality: The Marsh offers good primary and secondary options, with The Marsh Academy and respected village schools forming the educational backbone.

Parks and Green Space: Romney Marsh is celebrated for its vast open landscapes and proximity to sandy beaches like Dymchurch, as well as nature reserves ideal for family outings.

Childcare: A number of nurseries and preschools are run from local community centres and primary schools. Local childminders and after-school clubs are also accessible in the main villages.

Safety: The area's low crime rates and strong sense of community supervision foster a safe environment for raising children.

Family Activities: Top family attractions include rides on the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, days at Dymchurch Amusement Park, Martello tower museums, and seaside adventures along the open coast.

Romney Marsh is highly pet-friendly thanks to its expansive countryside, quiet lanes, and access to long stretches of coastline. Dog owners can enjoy miles of walking along coastal paths, public footpaths across the marshland, and green spaces within all main villages. The area’s sandy beaches, especially around Dymchurch and Greatstone, are popular for off-lead exercise outside of peak tourist periods.

There are several local veterinary practices in New Romney and Lydd, plus pet shops and boarding kennels dotted around the Marsh. Most cafés and pubs welcome well-behaved dogs, especially those with outside seating. Attitudes towards pets are generally positive—many landlords and property owners accept animals, and the environment’s rural nature lends itself to those sharing their lives with dogs, cats or horses.

Romney Marsh is accessible by a range of transport options, though its rural character means personal cars are often preferred for daily travel. The area benefits from connections by road, rail and bus, linking residents to larger Kentish hubs and beyond.

Rail connections are available from nearby stations at Ashford International and Rye. Ashford International, a 20-30 minute drive from New Romney, offers high-speed services to London St Pancras in under 40 minutes and regular trains to Folkestone, Canterbury, and coastal towns.

Bus services crisscross the Marsh, providing links between New Romney, Dymchurch, Hythe, and Lydd, and connecting with services to Ashford, Folkestone, and Hastings. While less frequent than urban areas, the buses are timed to serve schools and local workers.

For air travel, London Gatwick and London City airports are both reachable within an hour and a half, while smaller airports at Lydd and Manston offer regional flights.

Estimated commute times from New Romney:

• London – Approx. 1hr 30min (via train from Ashford International)
• Ashford – Approx. 30 min (road or bus)
• Folkestone – Approx. 30 min by car
• Canterbury – Around 1 hour by car
• Rye – Approx. 25 min by car

Education provision on Romney Marsh is well-structured to cater for families residing on the Marsh or in surrounding villages. Although the area itself is rural, there is a good selection of schools accessible from the main settlements.

Primary Schools:
New Romney boasts St Nicholas Church of England Primary Academy, a popular choice among local families, rated 'Good' by Ofsted in its 2023 inspection. Dymchurch Primary School, another major local primary, achieved a 'Good' rating from Ofsted in 2018. Brookland Church of England Primary School, also nearby, consistently receives strong community feedback for its small class sizes and nurturing environment.

Secondary Schools:
The Marsh Academy in New Romney is the principal secondary school in the area, offering education from ages 11 to 18. The Marsh Academy received a 'Good' Ofsted rating in 2022, noted for its modern facilities and support for personal development. For those seeking a wider curriculum or selective education, nearby Folkestone and Ashford also have grammar and comprehensive schools accessible via regular transport links.

Colleges and Sixth Forms:
The Marsh Academy provides a sixth form offering a range of A-level and vocational courses. For further educational options, some students commute to South Kent College in Folkestone, which offers a broader array of post-16 academic and vocational courses.

Universities:
Romney Marsh itself does not host a university campus, but the University of Kent (Canterbury) and Canterbury Christ Church University are under an hour's drive away, making higher education accessible to local residents. Both institutions have strong reputations and offer a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.