Reculver

We have been visiting Reculver's infamous towers and the beach for years for days out but now it has the added bonus of a new adventure playground!

Now two main starting options depending on the age of the kids and the time you've got. With the little ones I head straight along Reculver Lane until you reach the dead end and the car park which is £1 to park all day. They usual open up a field for additional parking at peak times but it can still get rather busy. Alternatively with the bigger ones you can instead head for Bishopstone Road at the other end of the country park, where you can park and then take a half hour stroll along the Saxon Shore Way cliff top walk to Reculver.

There is lots to do in Reculver so take your pick or do everything. When the tide is out head west of the car park down on to the beach under the cliffs. This is a fantastic area for rock pooling, there is no access for pushchairs to the beach so walk down or use carriers for little legs. You don't have to go far to find some interesting specimens but the rock pools stretch a long way out so plenty to keep everyone busy. If your not sure where to start Kent Wildlife Trust runs guided rock pool sessions in the summer with the Education Officer and volunteers for a small charge. Check out the website for details. This is also the section of the beach you are most likely to find 'fossils' but don't get too close to the cliffs for safety reasons.

Next to the car park is the new adventure play park. A combination of a castle and pirate theme with lots of access points, rigging, ramps and climbing walls. Steering Wheels, telescopes and perescopes for the little ones. There are swings, slides and some more challenging bits for the big ones.

Unfortunately the council has yet to update the seating with still only a handful of old picnic benches set out on the grass but they are useable but take a picnic blanket if you think it might be busy. They are also a bit short of rubbish bins after busy weekend so you might need to take your rubbish home. There are public toilets which are clean and functional, with a disabled and baby change (if it's locked the visitor centre has a key). The toilets are open all day but specific hours change depending on the season.

The Visitor Centre is run by Kent Wildlife Trust. The centre offers displays and information on Reculver, it's history and the local wildlife. There is a gift shop and books about the area, if it's not busy ask if you can see the Mammoth tooth fossil. The centre is usually open everyday except Wednesdays between April and September.

 

 

 

 

You can also take a walk up by the towers this is fully accessible paths with information boards about the Towers and the Roman Fort. Follow the path past the towers and take a walk, scoot or cycle East along the sea wall by the pebbly beach. If your feeling energetic you can walk or cycle all the way to Minnis Bay a good 40 minute bike ride or couple of hour walk. We usually go so far then go on to the beach for some stone skimming then make our way back.

 

If you are truly worn out by all that, stop at the King Ethelbert pub for some refreshments or a hearty lunch or dinner. I can also recommend the traditional cafe for a cuppa and a bacon sarnie. They also do take outs and stock ice creams if you need to cool down.

Its also worth noting that once a year there is access into the towers looked after by English Heritage, which allows you to climb up inside and get some fantastic views. This is part of Heritage Open Day and is normally in September, check the website for details.

Best For: Everyone
Recommend: Scooters, Bikes, Buckets and Nets.
Time: 2-6 hours