Leysdown has a uniqueness that will draw you back year after year. It has the traditional British seaside amenities associated with an established resort, but moreover has the tranquillity and 'back to nature' feel from miles of unspoilt beaches and wide open green spaces.

Seaside Leysdown is a designated European Union bathing beach with many of the amenities associated with a popular seaside town, it has one of the few sandy beaches found on the Isle, which is relatively safe, due to its shallow waters and is a regular award winner. Following the road through Leysdown Coastal Park there is a naturist beach. It is an official naturist area in a secluded position, with free parking. Adjoining this open space is 1.2kms of unspoilt beach, half is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Swale National Nature Reserve

For those wanting a change from their bustling lifestyle it is ideal. There are forty-five acres of unspoilt greenery to walk. Near to Shellness is English Nature's Swale National Nature Reserve, which is open throughout the year. It forms part of the internationally recognised costal marshlands of North Kent. The reserves salt marshes and creeks provide feeding and roosting areas for large numbers of wildfowl, it combines coastal walks with superb viewing of wildlife. There is a relatively flat three mile circular trail starting at the seawall. Birdwatcher's hides are signposted along the footpath.

Entertainment At the centre of Leysdown and surrounding area there are lively clubs and public houses offering live music, karaoke, cabaret shows and discos for all ages; a variety of shops, cash and prize bingo, amusement arcades and an extensive choice of eating establishments, as well as your traditional seafood stalls. Leysdown is famed for its many self-catering and touring holiday parks (most with entertainment). We also have our own Sunday market, one of the largest in Kent! If all of this is too much, why not have a round on our pitch and putt course, and then relax and enjoy a picnic in the family picnic area, or let one of our many kiosk's or cafes cater for you.

Historic Leysdown

Legusdun, as it was called, is mentioned in the Doomsday book. The people at that time were fishermen, they paid a special rent to the King for the right to set up weirs along the Medway and Thames as well as having fishing rights for the coastline. Luckily 'the Kings special rent' for fishing in Leysdown is no longer payable.

Aviation History Situated at the eastern tip of the island, is Shellness, where there is a Grade II listed building called Muswell Manor. In 1909 the building became the first headquarters for the Aero Club and the surrounding areas was the place where the world's first factory was situated. Lord Brabazon made the first flight in England. Many distinguished aviators such as Shorts, Rolls, Wrights, and many more made their name here. There is a small exhibition in the bar commemorating these events and famous people, which is open during school holidays.

Accommodation

Leysdown has a wide variety of places to stay, ranging from self-catering holiday parks (chalet, caravan and camping) to graded family based Bed and Breakfast establishments. Chalets and caravans are for sale or alternatively for let through local agents.

Did you know…… Leysdown-On-Sea

·  For the cost of 2 weeks' holiday abroad you could have 8 months full time use of a holiday home in Leysdown
· Was the birth place for British Aviation
· Has a clean beach award for 2002
· Has one of the lowest rainfalls in the UK
· Over 100,000 tourists a year
· Tourists spend more money in Leysdown than in the rest of Swale
· Has a nature reserve
· Has unspoilt beaches within an area classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
· Has a naturist beach
· Is one of the cleanest air quality areas in Kent
· In the summer months has over 200 hours of sunshine per month