The sleepy UK seaside village with quiet beach, long walks and a cosy pub

Kent is steeped in history, and the quaint village of Reculver is a prime example. Nestled between Herne Bay and Thanet on the coastline, this ancient settlement is famed for its imposing Reculver Towers.

The iconic landmark recently underwent a significant restoration and opened its doors to the public for the first time in years as part of the nationwide Heritage Open Days. The site of Reculver has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, with the towers initially serving as one of the earliest Roman forts built to fend off Saxon raids.

It later transformed into an Anglo-Saxon monastery before becoming the parish church for Reculver. Today, the charming village is home to around 4,400 residents and is a popular spot for mobile homes, drawing those who appreciate fresh sea air and stunning landscapes.

While the Reculver Towers are undoubtedly the village's main attraction, there's plenty more to see and do for a delightful day out. After soaking up the views from the grand landmark perched on the cliff overlooking the North Sea, you can enjoy a leisurely walk in the nearby Reculver Country Park.

Boasting 26 hectares of verdant landscape, it's a haven for diverse plant and wildlife species, with the park gaining international recognition as a Special Protection Area and national acclaim as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Oyster Bay Trail welcomes cyclists to explore its lengths, while the Saxon Shore Trail offers walkers breathtaking views along the clifftops and grasslands extending to Herne Bay, reports Kent Live.

In need of a caffeine fix or some nibbles? Look no further than HatHats coffee shop, conveniently situated to fuel your adventures. On-site public toilets are at hand and there's an abundance of benches where you can relax and soak in the stunning vistas.

For those who fancy a beach day, head over to Reculver Beach for an undisturbed stretch of shingle coast, framed by rugged rocks and greenery, presenting the perfect spot for a serene seaside retreat.

History enthusiasts take note: this beach is a treasure trove for fossil hunters, particularly famed for its prehistoric shark teeth finds. Additionally, it played a crucial role during WWII as a testing site for Barnes Wallis' legendary "dam-buster" bouncing bomb.

The army removed two prototype bombs that had been lurking in marshland behind the sea wall since 1977, while other samples surfaced from the shoreline two decades on, one taking pride of place at Herne Bay Museum and Gallery. Motorists can leave their vehicles in a nearby paid car park costing £5.40 for a two-hour stay near the beach and towers, or opt for the car park at the country park charging the same rate.

For pocket-sized adventurers, there's a sizeable play park beside Reculver Towers where they can let off steam, with ample grassy knolls around to unfurl a picnic blanket and dine al fresco. A mere hop, skip, and jump from the country park lies the widely frequented and cherished King Ethelbert Inn.

This family-led pub boasts a generous outdoor area to soak up the sun, stocked bars with local brews and spirits, and menus brimming with hearty classics like fish and chips, baps, and Sunday roasts for peckish patrons. Rated four out of five stars on TripAdvisor after nearly 400 reviews, it has customers crowing about its welcome: "The team at the King Ethelbert Inn are friendly and accommodating and the menu is varied with something for everyone."

"A good selection of meat, fish and vegetarian options. Generous portions freshly cooked to order. Nice outdoor spaces too."

Another regular chimed in: "Excellent beer, food and atmosphere at the King Ethelbert. I use it as a local and also take friends and family for lunches when they visit. Friendly staff and an excellent choice of beers and food. Sunday lunches are very popular."