Winchelsea

Medieval grid streets perch on a hilltop above the Romney Marsh, creating one of England's most intriguing town planning experiments. Winchelsea was rebuilt in the 13th century as a 'new town' when the original settlement was lost to coastal erosion - the results are still fascinating today.

Three magnificent medieval gates still guard the approaches, while St Thomas Church dominates the town centre with its unfinished grandeur. Only the chancel was ever completed, giving it an oddly truncated appearance that somehow adds to its appeal. The Town Well marks the old market square, though these days you're more likely to find dog walkers than medieval merchants.

Wandering the eerily quiet streets feels like exploring a ghost town - which in many ways it is. St Johns Hospital Wall stands as a haunting reminder of the town's former importance as a major port. Hard to believe now, looking out over the flat expanse of Romney Marsh stretching towards the coast.

Rye sits just two miles northeast - a proper contrast with its cobbled streets and tourist crowds. Between the two towns, Tillingham Winery has carved out a reputation for excellent English wines, well worth the detour for tastings. The Pett Level Sunken Forest offers a completely different landscape experience, where ancient tree stumps emerge at low tide.

Getting here is straightforward enough - Winchelsea station sits on the Hastings to Ashford line, though services are pretty infrequent. Most visitors arrive by car via the A259 coastal road. Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Winchelsea Sands makes perfect sense - you're ideally placed for exploring both the medieval curiosity of Winchelsea itself and the broader delights of the Romney Marsh. The Pannel Valley Nature Reserve and Farthing Wood provide excellent walking territory when you need a break from history.