Elmley ©MSEP
Wildlife
There are several nature reserves and two country parks adjacent to the estuary. All of which provide fantastic opportunities to get closer to nature, often without the need to stray too far from the beaten track. Follow the links to find out more:
- Berengrave Nature Reserve – Rainham
- Elmley Nature Reserve – Isle of Sheppey
- Milton Creek Country Park – Sittingbourne
- Oare Marshes Nature Reserve – Oare
- Riverside Country Park – Gillingham
- South Swale Reserve – Seasalter
- Swale National Nature Reserve – Isle of Sheppey
Ropers Green Lane ©MSEP
Walking
The area’s network of public footpaths are a great way to explore the estuary’s stunning coastline and nearby historic villages and towns. One of the most popular routes is the Saxon Shore Way, which allows walkers to roughly follow the Kent and Sussex coastline as it was around 1,600 years ago. There are a number of publications detailing the area’s walking routes (many available from local tourist information centres and selected libraries). Follow the links for further information.
- Circular walks in the Faversham area
- Explore Kent
- Circular Walks on the Hoo Peninsula
- Walking the Saxon Shore Way through Medway (see our publications page)
Cycling
To explore the area by bike, take advantage of the Heron Trail on the Hoo Peninsula, as well as Sustrans National Cycle Route No 1, which is closely aligned to the Saxon Shore Way. Or on the Isle of Sheppey, there two new routes, the Sheerness Way and Isle of Harty Trail.
Heritage
The area is home to a number of museums and historical buildings, with direct links to the estuary’s important martime and military heritage. Follow the links for further information:
Museums
- The Criterion Blue Town – Isle of Sheppey
- Guildhall Museum – Rochester
- The Historic Dockyard – Chatham
- Fleur de lis Heritage Centre – Faversham
- Sittingbourne Heritage Museum – Sittingbourne
- Minster Gatehouse Museum – Isle of Sheppey
- Oare Gunpowder Works – Faversham
- Queenborough Guildhall Museum – Isle of Sheppey
Historical Buildings
- Chart Gunpowder Mills – Faversham
- Fort Amherst – Chatham
- Rochester Bridge Chapel – Rochester
- Rochester castle – Rochester
- St Mary Magdalene Church – Gillingham
- Temple Manor – Strood
- Upnor Castle – Upnor