Greatstone – Sandy Beach, Dunes and Coastal Paths

Greatstone combines a 2-mile-long sandy beach with dunes, coastal paths and the Sound Mirrors. The area’s features appeal to different interests: coastal scenery, protected nature, walking routes, engineering history and water sports. If you’re looking for a hotel in Greatstone, you can first decide which of these themes you want to focus on during your trip.

Sandy Beach, Dunes and Nature Conservation

Greatstone’s sandy beach is 2 miles long. Seasonal restrictions on dogs apply at the beach. Check the applicable dates before your visit.

West of the town, Greatstone Lakes lie within the Dungeness National Nature Reserve. Greatstone Dunes extend between Greatstone Beach and the coastal road for almost the entire length of Greatstone. The dunes are designated as a SSSI because of rare species, including caterpillars known as the “Brown Tail Moth Caterpillar”. Their importance to coastal geomorphology is particularly connected with the formation and changing shape of the shingle ridge and sand dunes.

Coastal Paths and Walks

The England Coast Path runs through part of Greatstone Dunes. The Greatstone Shingle Trail takes about an hour to walk and has ten information boards about the wildlife you can observe. The trail also passes through a small part of the Dungeness Nature Reserve. Another walk of just over 2 miles there and back follows Greatstone Lakes along the route of the now-vanished Southern Region railway line.

The Greatstone Sound Mirrors

The Greatstone Sound Mirrors are on an island in Greatstone Lakes in the Dungeness National Nature Reserve. The group includes 20-foot, 30-foot and 200-foot versions. The three acoustic early-warning devices in Greatstone-on-Sea were built as part of an experimental system for detecting aircraft by amplifying sound. This links a precisely identified location with the installation’s engineering history and original purpose.

Water Sports and Practical Information

Infinity Sport Kitesurfing is based in Greatstone-on-Sea and offers professional kitesurfing lessons for all ability levels. Other activities include wingfoil lessons and equipment hire, as well as stand-up paddleboard lessons and SUP hire. The offerings therefore differ by sport and by whether you’re looking for lessons or hire; the statement that lessons are available for all ability levels applies specifically to the kitesurfing courses.

Stagecoach bus services connect Greatstone and Romney Sands with Ashford, Folkestone, Dover, Hastings, Rye and Hythe. As routes and operators can change, check the current timetable before travelling. The Jolly Fisherman car park in Greatstone has 165 spaces. As capacity can change, check this figure again before you arrive. The Changing Tides Coastal Centre, which opened in 2026, has public toilets and a redeveloped car park.

Discover more destinations: Headcorn, Broad Oak Brede, Tonbridge, Chevening, Sevenoaks, Northfleet, Hythe, Sandwich.

For the main travel overview: Kent.