Pirate Springs

Visit Pirate Springs

Pirate Springs is one of those hidden coastal spots that few people know about unless they’ve stumbled across it on a walk. at the southern end of St Mary’s Bay near Dymchurch on the Romney Marsh coastline, it’s a quiet, almost secret stretch of beach with a curious name and a calm, natural charm.

Pirate Springs itself isn’t really a destination beach with facilities or sunbathing crowds. Instead, it’s more of a peaceful point along the sea wall – perfect for walkers, and popular for fishing.

The beach here is mostly shingle, with some sand exposed at low tide. The sea can be quite a distance out when the tide is low, giving you space to roam, breathe, and enjoy the sound of the waves.

There are no shops, cafés or toilets at Pirate Springs, so it’s definitely a bring-your-own kind of place. That said, Dymchurch and St Mary’s Bay are both just a short walk away and have everything you might need, including places to grab a bite to eat, public loos, and a few classic seaside amusements.

Access is easy via the sea wall path, part of the long coastal trail that links the villages along Romney Marsh. There’s no official Pirate Springs car park, but you can park in St Mary’s Bay or Dymchurch and walk along the path – it’s flat, scenic, and ideal for both walking and cycling. The beach itself is accessed via gaps in the sea wall, some of which are stepped or gently sloped.

While you won’t find many people sunbathing or swimming here, Pirate Springs offers something a bit different – space, stillness, and the feeling of being somewhere slightly forgotten. It’s ideal if you enjoy a coastal walk without the crowds, or simply want to sit for a while and look out to sea with nothing but the breeze and gulls for company.

So, whether you’re tracing the path along Romney Marsh, walking the dog, or just curious about the name, Pirate Springs is a gentle reminder that not all beaches need amusements and ice creams. Some just need sky, sea, and a bit of imagination. Having said that, there is a great coffee truck there most days between 8am-12am.

Dog walkers love Pirate Springs, and for good reason. It’s generally quiet, and dogs are welcome all year round, with no seasonal bans in place. It’s a great place to let your dog off the lead for a run, as long as you keep an eye out for wildlife and other walkers. In winter, you’ll often have the whole stretch to yourself.

On the beach front you can stop in and have a coffee at the cafe.