Discover the Magic of the Romney Marsh Churches This Christmas
As the year turns and winter light lies soft over the quiet Romney Marsh fields, Romney Marsh’s medieval churches take on an especially atmospheric charm. From ancient stone arches dusted with frost, to candlelit services and robins singing in peaceful churchyards, visiting these historic buildings during the Christmas season is a wonderfully reflective and festive experience.
Whether you’re planning a quiet pilgrimage, a family outing, or a heritage-rich day trip, there’s plenty to enjoy on Romney Marsh this winter. Share photos of your visit with us on Facebook and Instagram.
A Journey Through History and Atmosphere
Romney Marsh is home to 14 medieval churches, each with its own story - from grand towers and ornate carvings to hidden corners of folklore and local legend. Many of these churches open their doors during the winter months for Christmas services, carol events, and community gatherings, offering a uniquely atmospheric way to experience history and tradition.
Free Audio Guides and Self-Guided Tours
One of the best ways to explore the Marsh churches is with the free audio guides available through the Izi Travel app. Browse online or download the app to your smartphone - just search for “Romney Marsh” to access a full Highlights Tour covering all 14 churches, as well as individual tours for each location. The narration offers fascinating insights into architecture, history and local stories that bring each site to life.
For those who prefer listening without the app, audio-only versions of the tours are also available via the Trust’s SoundCloud channel.
Explore the Marsh Mosaics Trail
Another rich layer of cultural discovery is the Marsh Mosaics trail. Created during local community workshops, these striking mosaic artworks celebrate the history, wildlife and character of each marsh village and its medieval church. A mosaic can be found displayed in all 14 churches across the Marsh, accompanied by a downloadable trail booklet from the link above Trust’s website - perfect for a self-guided winter visit.
The trail encourages visitors to look more deeply at the history and stories behind each church and village.
Resources for Visiting
The Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust website offers a wide range of free resources to help you plan and enrich your visit:
Church histories and features - see church pages in the navigation bar
These materials make it easy to explore at your own pace, whether you’re on foot, by car or cycling between villages.
Nearby Things to Do on the Marsh
A winter visit to the Marsh isn’t just about churches. There’s plenty more to discover:
Historic Villages & Pubs - Stop in charming villages for a warming drink at a local pub or a stroll among old houses and streets steeped in heritage. Numerous hospitality venues can be found at New Romney, Lydd and Dymchurch, while ancient pubs overlook the churches at Ivychurch, St. Mary-in-the-Marsh, Burmarsh and Snargate.
Heritage Trails – Combine your church visits with local history trails that explore smuggling lore, lost villages and seaside life on the Marsh. Heritage trails can be found at Dymchurch and New Romney.
Romney Warren Country Park - Wander nature trails across this wetland reserve, keep an eye out for winter birdlife and enjoy peaceful views across the marshes.
Local Museums and Attractions - these include the RSPB Reserve at Dungeness, Brenzett aeronautical museum, Lydd town museum, The Old School heritage collection in New Romney and the Martello tower at Dymchurch. Numerous historical attractions can also be found at Rye, Hythe and Folkestone.
Festive and Reflective
Christmas is a special time to visit. The gentle hush of winter, clear marsh skies and frost over the fields, combine to create a memorable seasonal experience in these remarkable historic buildings.
Please support us through membership to help preserve these special places.
