Come and take a fresh look at the Isle of Sheppey – be surprised as you discover more history and heritage per square mile than just about anywhere else in the country. Uncover the strong maritime tradition, stand on the same soil as Saxon Queens, Dutch Invaders and famous writers, and for the piece-de-resistance visit the site of the birthplace of UK aviation.
So forget what you think you know about Sheppey and explore the 36 square miles which boast acres of low-lying marshes making it one of the best places in the UK to see birds of prey. Enjoy a traditional seaside break with award winning and Blue Flag beaches to relax on or take to the waves. Queenborough Harbour is a safe haven for maritime visitors and hosts some events and operators that run trips or charters to view Sheppey from the sea.
Tour in Style – Bespoke full day guided mini-bus tours for groups can be arranged in advance with the team at Blue Town Heritage Centre. Please call 01795 662981 to find out more, enjoy the Isle of Sheppey with a unique variety of things to see and do all over the island.
Blue Town Heritage Centre & The Criterion Music Hall
Isle of Harty Bike Trail
Sheppey Blue Flag Beaches
Elmley Nature Reserve
LeoBay looks out over Queenbrough Harbour
Blue Town Heritage Centre is a place to discover the history of the Island, enjoy a cream tea and a range of film and live entertainment at The Criterion Music Hall which is part of the building. Visit the rail seaside destination town of Sheerness on Sea with promenade, local shops, cafes, a market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, Sheppey Leisure Centre and swimming pool.
Harty Trail – Take in the coast and countryside with a cycle ride to Harty. A moderately challenging 8 mile ride from Leysdown on Sea to Harty, mostly off-road and taking in the aviation sights of both the powered and feathered kinds. Come and see the area at (Shellbeach) known as Muswell Manor- where the first recorded flight by a British pilot on UK soil took place. Alternatively stay and enjoy the hospitality at the Ferry House Inn and travel on to the Eastchurch Aviation Museum and also visit the Memorial to British Aviation unveiled in 1955.
The Isle of Sheppey has three award winning beaches – Sheerness (Blue Flag 2017), Minster Leas (Blue Flag 2017 and Leysdown on Sea(Seaside Award 2017). RNLI Life Guards operate on the beaches during peak season. Minster Shingle Beach is popular amongst water sports users, with its launching ramp well marked-out area. Enjoy the traditional seaside fayre in Leysdown with fish n chips, ice cream, amusement arcades and a bandstand at The Spinney with seasonal entertainment.
Elmley Nature Reserve – Sheppey is a bird watchers paradise, it is easy to lose yourself for a few hours (or a few days) Leobay is a convenient campsite to stay at while you visit the remarkable bird watching areas please remember your camera and binoculars to capture some wonderful sights.
Step back in time and head to Minster, with its Abbey founded by Queen Sexburgha in 674, parts of which incorporate inlaid Roman tiles into its Saxon and Norman architecture. The Gatehouse Museum contains an astonishing variety of artefacts including fossils and the story of the Islands history. Managed by volunteers from the Sheppey Local History Society it also hosts seasonal themed events.
Historic Queenborough – Where Edward III established a castle in 1377, although demolished , you can explore the site in the public park at the heart of Queenborough and stop by Castle Connections and the Guildhall Museum which is open on Saturdays or by arrangement. Queenborough Harbour has an All Tide Landing and operators such as the X-Pilot boat trips and Hurricane Charters can provide a maritime experience during your trip to the Isle of Sheppey. We hope you enjoy your stay with us at Leobay, hopefully this information will go some way to adding some pleasure to your trip…!