Romney Marsh's Medieval Churches
There are 14 medieval churches scattered around Romney Marsh, a remote area of south east Kent. They make a great day's drive or cycle. Of the 14 churches, 10 are in villages with nearby pubs, meaning the other 4 are really remote!
You don't have to be religious, or interested in history - they are beautiful historic buildings in picturesque settings. The churches are welcoming, many of them have (for a donation) tea, coffee and biscuits for visitors.
Most of these churches are usually open, but some are summer only, or close early (3pm), and for a few, the keys are left with neighbours (church wardens) or at the local pub. Even if closed, the outsides are still pretty impressive. Each churches access information is on the church trust's website
For more information, see the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust
The Tour
1 hr 41 mins of driving - 34.5 miles. Save about 10 miles by skipping East Guleford (the bottom left church).
The churches are in order, assuming you're coming from London along the M20. Leave at Junction 10 for the A2070. You'll need a satnav (or OS map).
Cyclists - its totally flat! Appledore and Rye are nearby Stations (change at Ashford International). You may wish to tweak the route for to make it more cycle friendly.
The Churches
Snave (St Augustine)
TN26 2QJ
Just off the A2017, down an easily missed lane that looks like a private drive between 2 houses.
A "redundant" 13th church. Formerly a Catholic Church, its converted to Protestant at the time of the reformation in the 15th Century. Surrounded by daffodils in spring. Closed when we were there.
Ivychurch (St George)
TN29 0AL
Big, you wont miss it, next to the village pub. Generally open (or keys at the pub)
Large church, with a history of smuggling. Part of it is now a museum
The next door pub is recommended : The Bell Inn, CAMRA (real ale), being only 16C is a newbie.
Brenzett (St Eanswith)
TN29 0BJ
An easily missed signpost down a short but narrow 1 car wide track. Parking for a few cars. Key with Church Warden (see link above)
Origins are late 12C
Snargate (St Dunstan)
TN29 0EW
Big, and in the open. By the Red Lion, a small traditional CAMRA, pub, which has been in the same family for over 100 years. Church usually open, or key at pub.
Fairfield (St Thomas Becket)
TN29 9RZ
The postcode is of a nearby farm. The actual church is in fields, about 200m along a public footpath from the road. You'll see the church across the fields. Look for a public footpath to it. There's parking for maybe 2 cars on the other side of the 1 track road. Church locked, but key available nearby - check link above
Brookland (St Augustine)
TN29 9QR
Easy to find, next to the Royal Oak pub. Church usually open, or wardens nearby.
East Guldeford (St Mary)
TN31 7PA
This church is the furthest from the others, so if you're going to miss out 1, but it would be a shame as its quite cool)
Easy to miss. Down a small track off the main road, only marked by a small wooden sign. Church usually open.
Lydd (All Saints)
TN29 9DX
Big, in Lydd town centre. Easy parking. Pub near by.
Generally open to 3:30 (winter) or 5:30 (summer).
Old Romney (St Clement)
TN29 0HP
Big, you'll see it from the A259 main road
Usually open. On the other side of the main road, in the village itself, is the Rose and Crown
New Romney (St Nicholas)
TN28 8EU
In a built up area, just behind the A259 / High Street.
Usually open, or wardens nearby, but closed when we visited
St Mary in the Marsh (St Mary the Virgin)
TN29 0BX
Easy to find. By the Star Inn pub. Church usually open.
Dymchurch (St Peter and St Paul)
TN29 0LD
Easy, on the main coast road opposite The Ship Inn. Church open in the summer.
The suggested route has you finishing towards Ashford, in a town without a pub, but if you want a pub to finish, or to finish towards Folkestone, do: Newchurch, Burmarsh, Dymchurch
Burmarsh (All Saints)
TN29 OJJ
Easy, Big, by the Shepherd and Crook pub. Church usually open or local wardens. Use 'Town Centre: Burmarsh' if your satnav has a problem with this postcode.
Newchurch (St Peter and St Paul)
TN29 0DP
You can see it for miles, but it disappears amongst the tree when you get to the village. Entrance on 'The St' road. Open summer - key with warden.
Summary
| Snave | TN26 2QJ | St Augustine | Remote, not visible from the road, down a lane |
| Ivychurch | TN29 0AL | St George | In village, pub |
| Brenzett | TN29 0BJ | St Eanswith | Remote, not visible from the road, down a lane |
| Snargate | TN29 0EW | St Dunstan | In village, pub |
| Fairfield | TN29 9RZ | St Thomas Becket | Remote, visible, but in a field, 200m along a path |
| Brookland | TN29 9QR | St Augustine | In village, pub |
| East Guldeford | TN31 7PA | St Mary | Not visible from the road, down a lane |
| Lydd | TN29 9DX | All Saints | Town centre, pub nearby |
| Old Romney | TN29 0HP | St Clement | In village, pub on other side of main road |
| New Romney | TN28 8EU | St Nicholas | In town centre, pub nearby |
| St Mary in the Marsh | TN29 0BX | St Mary the Virgin | In village, pub |
| Dymchurch | TN29 0LD | St Peter and St Paul | In village, pub |
| Burmarsh | TN29 OJJ | All Saints | In village, pub |
| Newchurch | TN29 0DP | St Peter and St Paul | In village, not visible up close, on The St road |