Ashford residents urged to ‘reach the beach’ this summer

The sound of waves, the feel of sand and the sight of the open sea will be just a bus hop away for residents and visitors to Ashford this summer.

Linking Ashford with the popular village of Dymchurch on the Romney Marsh coast, a ‘beach bus’ service will launch on Saturday (24 May) in time for the school half-term holiday.

Buses will run every day until 1 June, then just at weekends, until resuming a daily service throughout the summer holidays from 23 July until 31 August.

Stagecoach operations manager, Kim Brooks said “It’s something that offers a break from digital devices and urban life – to get the kids out and breathe the sea air in the holidays.

“Dymchurch has got everything from a good old fashioned seaside amusement park, fish and chip shops, cafés and donkey rides to an expanse of golden sandy beaches.”

“It’s really all about making the seaside accessible this summer in a way that can enhance social connection on a trip with family or friends.”

The seaside has for long been associated with good physical and mental health with so called ‘blue mind’ benefits improving mood and reducing stress as well as enhancing mindfulness and connection.

Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: “We’re really excited to join this campaign for the second year running. There’s no place like the beach in the summer and we hope that our residents make the most of this offer with Stagecoach.”

Stagecoach says the bus, numbered route 500, will run four times a day to and from Dymchurch, starting from Kennington and calling at County Square, Asda and the Designer Outlet, as well as Ham Street and New Romney.

The last bus back to Ashford will leave Dymchurch High Street at 18:50. Buses will also serve Ashford Rail Station so visitors from further afield can access the Romney Marsh coast avoiding stressful connections.

Apart from its stunning coastline, Dymchurch has plenty of traditional seaside fun to offer. Its famous family-friendly amusements including dodgems and ghost train have entertained generations of visitors, while the iconic vintage steam trains on the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch railway provide a scenic ride up and down the coast between Hythe and Dungeness.

The bus company says a range of great-value ticket options with an adult all day ticket costing just £6 for unlimited travel on beach bus as well as in the Ashford area travel zone. There are also discounts available for groups and those aged under nineteen.

You can find more information and the full timetable on the Stagecoach website.