St Mary’s Bay

St Mary's Bay is a long, sandy beach on the Romney Marsh coast south of Dymchurch, with a quieter, more residential character than its neighbouring resort. The beach stretches between Dymchurch to the north and Littlestone-on-Sea to the south, backed by a sea wall and grassy banks. At low tide, a wide expanse of flat sand is exposed, providing open walking space with views along the flat marshland coast. The area has a peaceful, unpretentious atmosphere, popular with local dog walkers and families rather than day-trippers.

Dogs are not permitted on the beach between The Fairway and the river outfall from 1 May to 30 September. Outside this restricted section and period, the extensive sands provide excellent off-lead walking with very few other visitors. The flat, open terrain suits dogs of all fitness levels, and the exposed marshland air carries a distinctive saline quality. The beach is windswept and there is little shelter, so it suits dogs and owners who enjoy open, elemental conditions. Facilities are limited compared to Dymchurch, with a small number of local shops and a pub within walking distance. Parking is available along Coast Road.