Sights and scenes for all seasons

Spectacular seascapes and beautiful landscapes are an outstanding feature of the Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh scene, presenting visitors with a great free show at all seasons of the year.

Not to be missed among seaside sights and scenes of a different kind are Folkestone's Leas promenade, a mile of manicured lawns with superb views over the Channel to France, the fishing harbour, Sunny Sands beach (blue-flagged and popular with families) and the Lower Leas Coastal Park (rock pools and adventure playground for children).

Town walks and trails make exploring the historic Cinque port town of Hythe easy and pleasurable. A few miles west, the peaceful countryside of the Romney Marsh, the nature reserve and solitary beaches at Dungeness are for a completely different mood.

Family-appeal visitor attractions feature among must-experience sights and scenes. Hythe is the starting point of the world's smallest public railway, running fourteen miles across the Romney Marsh to the shingle headland of Dungeness and serving six stations in between. One-third scale trains - mostly-steam-hauled - run daily from Easter to October with special services pre-Christmas and other advertised occasions. As well as providing a scenic ride, the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway is a good way to get to the superb sandy beaches along St Mary's Bay.

At Swingfield, near Folkestone, is an unusual 'rainforest paradise' where tropical butterflies fly free (this year, until October 2) at MacFarlane's Garden Centre.

Open year-round (except on Christmas Day), the Port Lympne Wild Animal Park near Hythe is internationally famous for collections of rhinos, elephants, lions, tigers and gorillas. Set in 400 acres of countryside and including a magnificent mansion and landscaped gardens, the park offers an all-day experience.