Beyond the charming historic towns and the rolling hills of the "Garden of England" lies a coastline of untamed beauty. East Kent is where the land dramatically meets the sea, offering breathtaking vistas, unique walking trails, and some of the best wildlife spotting opportunities in the UK!
If you're staying with us at Hawthorn Farm, you're perfectly placed to get great use out of both your hiking boots as well as your beach shoes, and discover a natural world teeming with life - from soaring seabirds to lazing seals...
Here is your essential guide to exploring the spectacular natural wonders of the East Kent coast:
1. The Magnificent White Cliffs: East Kent's Icon
You can't talk about the Kent coast without mentioning the dazzling White Cliffs of Dover! These world-famous chalk faces stand as a magnificent natural boundary and an enduring symbol of Britain. Seeing them in person is a truly humbling experience, offering vistas that sweep out across the English Channel and on a clear day - a view of the French coastline.
Walk the National Trust Trails
The best way to experience the sheer scale and drama of the cliffs is to walk them. The National Trust maintains superb trails that are easily accessible near the Port of Dover.
The Experience: Start at the visitor centre and take the winding path up and along the clifftop. You'll pass a historic lighthouse and be treated to unparalleled views. It’s a place to breathe in the bracing sea air and feel a true connection to this historic landscape.
A Word on Wildlife: While the sheer drops are dramatic, they are also a crucial habitat. Keep an eye out for a variety of seabirds, including Fulmars and Gulls, nesting on the ledges. In the summer months, the short, chalk grassland is home to rare and beautiful wildflowers and vibrant butterflies.
This area is a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical resonance, offering a memorable walk that serves as the perfect start to any East Kent coastal adventure!
2. Sandwich Bay: A Haven for Wildlife and Quiet Shores
The dramatic chalk of the White Cliffs gives way to the vast, open skies and unique habitats of the Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve (NNR). This internationally important site is a complex mosaic of shingle, mudflats, saltmarsh, and the only remaining ancient dune pasture in the county. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking tranquility and a front-row seat to the wonders of East Kent's natural world.
Seal Spotting at Pegwell Bay
One of the area's biggest draws is the chance to see the resident seal population. Both Common (Harbour) Seals and Grey Seals haul out (rest) on the sandbanks and mudflats where the River Stour meets the sea.
- The Best View: The most reliable and respectful spot for viewing is from the high vantage points and paths at Pegwell Bay Country Park. From here, you can look across the Stour Estuary towards the sandbanks.
- Essential Wildlife Etiquette: The seals are easily disturbed, so remember the golden rule: Do not approach them. Binoculars are essential for a good view. If a seal is looking at you, you are already too close! Stick to the designated paths at the Country Park to protect this important marine life.
The Birdwatching Paradise
At the heart of Sandwich Bay is the renowned Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust (SBBOT). This area is a critical stopover point for thousands of migrating birds moving between their summer and winter homes, making it a twitcher’s dream!
- What to Look For: In autumn and winter, the reserve is teeming with waders and wildfowl like Dunlin, Grey Plover, and Sanderling. In spring and summer, you might spot rare wildflowers in the Restharrow Dunes or migratory songbirds resting up after their long journey.
- The Experience: The SBBOT Field Centre offers hides and trails, providing excellent, sheltered opportunities to observe the wildlife without causing disturbance. It’s a truly peaceful and captivating place to spend a morning.
By exploring this area, you'll discover a quieter, more intimate side of the Kent coastline, rich with life and historical importance.
Â
3. Coastal Walking Trails: Your Route to Discovery
One of the great joys of staying in East Kent is the accessibility of its coastal paths. Whether you're looking for an epic all-day hike or a gentle morning stroll, there’s a perfect trail just minutes from Hawthorn Farm.
a) The Easy Stroll: Deal to Walmer Promenade
For a relaxed, family-friendly walk that’s suitable for all abilities, look no further than the flat promenade linking the charming seaside town of Deal with its historic neighbour, Walmer.
- The Route: A gentle 2-mile (3.2 km) linear path, perfect for pushing buggies or using wheelchairs. You can easily complete the round trip in an hour, not including stops.
- The Sights: This walk is less about wild nature and more about classic English seaside history. You'll pass two magnificent Tudor castles: Deal Castle and Walmer Castle, built by Henry VIII to defend the coast. The benches along the route offer the perfect spot for a seaside picnic.
- The Vibe: Grab a coffee and take in the view of the colourful fishing boats and the iconic Deal Pier.
b) The Nature Hike: The Saxon Shore Way
The Saxon Shore Way is a long-distance trail (160 miles in total!) that follows the ancient coastline of Kent, offering some of the best vistas and nature-spotting opportunities. You can easily tackle one of its most rewarding sections within a short drive of your cottage at Hawthorn Farm:
- The Route: A fantastic segment runs between Sandwich and Deal (approximately 6 miles / 10 km). This route transitions beautifully from the wide, open marshlands and golf courses of Sandwich Bay to the shingle beaches and historic seafront of Deal.
- The Reward: On this stretch, you can combine the historical sites near Sandwich (like the Richborough Roman Fort) with the pure wildlife focus of the Sandwich Bay Nature Reserve. It’s a low-lying, flat walk that offers vast skies and spectacular views back towards the coast.
- Pro Tip: This section can be exposed, so check the weather and wear layers!
c) The Dramatic Day Trip: Dover to Deal
For experienced walkers, combining the White Cliffs walk with the flat coastal path to Deal makes for an unforgettable, challenging day out:
- The Route: A strenuous, but highly rewarding, 10-mile (16 km) linear walk, starting with the steep climbs near Dover and descending through St Margaret’s Bay before hitting the flat ground at Kingsdown and Walmer.
- The Payoff: This route features panoramic views, the famous South Foreland Lighthouse, and the opportunity to spot Peregrine Falcons soaring above the chalk.
5. Planning Your Nature Day - The Essentials
To ensure your day out is as seamless and enjoyable as possible, here are the essential practical tips for exploring East Kent's coast and countryside.
a) Timing is Everything: Checking the Tide
For the best experience when exploring the beaches, particularly around Pegwell Bay and the low-tide flats, always check the tide times.
- Low Tide is Best: Low tide exposes vast stretches of sand and mudflats, which are prime feeding grounds for migrating birds (perfect for birdwatching) and allow for easier exploration around rock pools and shingle banks.
- Where to Check: Local tide charts are readily available online for nearby ports like Ramsgate or Deal. A simple Google search for "Pegwell Bay tide times" will give you the necessary information for the day.
b) Fueling Your Adventure: Local Food and Drink
East Kent is a fantastic place for food lovers! Whether you're planning a picnic or a cosy pub lunch, be sure to sample the local produce.
Picnic Provisions (Farm Shops)
Stop at one of the area's excellent local farm shops to stock up on Kentish delicacies before you head out:
- Juliet's Farm Shop (Ash):Â The closest farm shop to Hawthorn Farm Cottages, selling a delightful range of fresh local produce.
- White Mill Farm Shop (Sandwich): Located just outside Sandwich, this family-run shop sells home-grown fruit and vegetables, local cheeses, meat, and baked goods.
- Felderland Pick Your Own (Sandwich): Known for its seasonal PYO offerings, including strawberries and cherries in the summer, or fresh local vegetables at other times of the year.
Post-Walk Pubs (Coastal Cosiness)
Nothing beats warming up by a fire after a brisk coastal walk!
- The Zetland Arms (Kingsdown): This pub is literally on the beach at Kingsdown. On a breezy day, it's a perfect haven, often with a roaring fire inside. It’s an ideal stop if you've walked the Deal to Dover section.
- The Crispin Inn (Sandwich): A historic pub in the heart of Sandwich town centre, known for its traditional atmosphere and local sourcing - a perfect end to a day exploring Richborough or the Sandwich Bay area.
c) Practical Gear Checklist
The Kent coast can be exposed and weather conditions can change quickly. We recommend you take the following:
- Footwear: Waterproof walking boots are a must for marshy areas (such as Pegwell Bay) - or sturdy trainers for the flat Deal/Walmer promenade.
- Layers: A waterproof/windproof jacket is essential. Coastal paths are often exposed to strong winds.
- Optics: Binoculars for birdwatching at Pegwell Bay and Richborough Marshes.
- Information: A local bird/wildlife guide to help you to identify the huge variety of birds and other wildlife you're bound to come across.
- Navigation: A physical map or a fully charged phone with a downloaded map - as phone signal can be patchy on the marshlands.
We hope this guide inspires you to explore the incredible history, nature, and beauty of East Kent! Enjoy your stay at Hawthorn Farm.