The Hut may be small, but it is supremely well thought out. The double bed is delightfully comfortable, luckily so as the views from it are sensational – watch out for the farm’s resident barn owl who is often spotted hunting nearby. There is a shower with ample hot water, eco loo, and a small kitchen area, although guests won’t want to miss cooking outside on the fire pit, while taking in the famous Romney Marsh sunsets. A wood burning stove makes for cosy evenings, and a place to boil the kettle. Simple furniture and a soothing colour palette add to the feeling of calm and relaxation.

Throw open the door, breathe in the salty air, and leave the stresses of modern life behind.

Electricity: The Salty Shepherd is off grid and there is no plug for charging phones. We recommend bringing a car charger for this purpose.

Dogs: A maximum of two dogs are permitted to stay at £10 each.

Minimum stay: Two nights, but one night may be considered at a higher rate.

Extras: A breakfast box containing locally sourced items is available to order. Being so close to the sea, there is an abundant supply of fresh seafood for your BBQ and the owners can point you in the direction of Rye Bay Fish.

 

Things to Do

 

Romney Marsh itself has enough to keep most visitors busy. This is one of the most important wildlife sites in the world and home to many species not found anywhere else in the UK, as well as an important stopping-off point for migrating birds. Bring your binoculars! The Nature Reserve of Dungeness is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to 600 species of plants. The Marsh is also home to many historic churches, pubs and other buildings – the numerous picturesque villages are easily explored by bike, thanks to the area being largely flat.

Given that this area boasts so much wonderful coastline, water-based activities are also well catered for. Sea-fishing takes place from the beach or by boat, while coarse-fishing is also available slightly inland on the various lakes. Rye Watersports, based on a coastal lake just a short walk from Rye centre, offers windsurfing, sailing, and paddle boarding instruction and hire, with kitesurfing courses available at Camber Sands or Greatstone beaches.

 

Food and Drink

 

The owner of the Salty Shepherd offers delicious breakfasts hampers – and is a keen supporter of local produce. The sausages are particularly good! And who can resist the charm of cooking in the open air? With the wonderful fire pit BBQ on offer, you may want to explore the fantastic independent food shops in Rye; they can provide all the local ingredients you might need for an outdoor feast.

But there are plenty of wonderful local places to eat that are well worth a visit, too. The Gallivant in Camber, a former motel turned Hampton’s-style hotel and restaurant, is famous for its regularly changing menu filled with local produce – 90% of it is sourced from within a 10 mile radius. Similarly fashionable, The George in Rye serves modern European food in a 16th century setting. The Owl in Camber is a traditional pub with a modern twist, serving local fish along with a great range of beers and wines; their ‘Owlers Beach Grill’ is a summer favourite with lighter meals on offer alongside home-cooked favourites.