The Isle of Sheppey is situated off the north coast of Kent at the confluence of the Thames and Medway estuaries and is approximately 9 miles long by 5 miles wide. It is connected to the mainland by two bridges. The Sheppey Crossing was opened in July 2006 and is the island's first fixed link with the mainland. The old  Kingsferry Bridge is a lifting bridge and is still in use. The railway line also crosses this bridge.
Click here for Bridge photos.
Sheppey is in fact made up of three Islands; Harty, Elmley, and Sheppey, all of which are accessible. The three islands are nevertheless completely different in character.
The modern, somewhat paradoxical nature of Sheppey, part heavy industry, part traditional English seaside resort, part sleepy rural backwater, gives the Island a unique appeal. It also has a colourful past. 'With the countries oldest Abbey at Minster, religion played an important part in shaping our history, we even have our own saint, Sexburga. Once Queen of Kent, she founded a nunnery at Minster in 670 AD. The royal connection was re-established when Edward III built a castle at Queenborough in the 1300's and in Tudor times Henry VIII wooed one of his wives at Shurland Hall. Romance was still in the air a few centuries later when Nelson made a number of assignations with Lady Hamilton hereabouts. Roman and Viking warriors realised the strategic importance of Sheppey and, a few centuries later, so did the Dutch. As a consequence the Island enjoys the dubious distinction of being the only area of mainland Britain, since the Norman invasion, to be lost to a foreign power. In June 1667 the Dutch fleet sailed up the Medway and attacked the fort at Sheerness.
The garrison was underfed, had not been paid and with no pension or private health arrangements resistance was hardly enthusiastic. The Dutch captured and held Sheppey for just under a week accepting the surrender of the main town of Queenborough. They were attracted to the Island's sheep population, helping themselves to the flocks but, it is alleged, they didn't lay a finger on any of the local women! Not satisfied with duffing over Sheppey, the Dutch sailed on to Chatham and seized the Kings flagship and pride of the British Fleet, the Royal Charles, before returning victorious to Holland, with the ship and presumably the sheep! Nothing remains on Sheppey of this infamous event but on several occasions in recent years the Island has taken to celebrating the ignominious defeat by inviting the Dutch Navy over for a spot of reminiscing.
Today Sheppey is a peaceful place but it is still "invaded" every summer by an estimated 30,000 holiday makers, mostly from London. The breathtaking sea views and picturesque cliffs are undoubtedly part of the appeal, as is the brash, neon-lit funfair and fast food mecca of Leysdown. Not to mention the sheep!
Sterling is accepted everywhere and many take plastic; it is also safe to drink the water. Sheppey enjoys one of the lowest insurance rating categories in the country so it can he regarded as safe. English is spoken almost everywhere and, despite the rumours, you do not need a visa or passport to visit. The Island enjoys a unique sense of community that has ceased to exist in many other parts of the United Kingdom.