Hythe brings together a range of attractions: the history of the Royal Military Canal, the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway and activities on the shingle beach. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus more on walks and scenery, culture or activities on the water.
Walks and scenery along the Royal Military Canal
The Royal Military Canal was built between 1805 and 1809 as a defensive structure against the threat of invasion by Napoleon’s French army. Today, its corridor offers footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways. Most of the canal is designated as a Local Wildlife Site, so its conservation status is part of its character as well as its military history. Check path and access conditions before setting out.
The West Hythe Walk follows the canal through Hythe. You can choose between a 1.9-mile (3 km) route and a 4-mile (6.4 km) route. This lets you plan the length of your walk around the stated distance; path conditions can change seasonally. The Hythe Circular Walk is a gentle, step-free route, and its path conditions can also change. So check conditions before setting out.
Another way to explore Hythe on foot: the Hythe Civic Society has created six walks through the countryside around the town. The different options give you several ways to plan a walk, whether you are considering one of the routes with a stated distance or one of the paths around Hythe.
Boats can be hired at the Boat Hut on Ladies Walk in Hythe. The hire service is seasonal and may change; check in advance whether it is available during your visit. This gives you the option of including the canal in your plans from the water, if seasonal boat hire is available.
Church and railway history
St Leonard’s Church brings together several notable historical details. It was originally built around 1090 and is dedicated to St Leonard, the patron saint of prisoners. It also has the largest and best-preserved collection of ancient human skulls and bones in Britain. The church is open to visitors daily; visitor arrangements may change. So check the latest arrangements before your visit.
The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway also offers a tangible connection to history: it officially opened on 16 July 1927. Its route is 13½ miles long and runs from Hythe to Dungeness. Visitors can travel to Dungeness by steam train. As timetables vary by date, it is worth checking the timetable for your planned visit day. Hythe was also one of the historic Cinque Ports—another aspect of the town’s history.
Shingle beach and activities on the water
Hythe Beach has a shingle shoreline and is often used for fishing. The promenade has flat paths suitable for cycling. This puts two different activities at the heart of a visit to the beach: fishing from the shore and cycling along the promenade paths. Hythe & Saltwood Sailing Club welcomes visitors; sailing takes place from the shingle beach.
If you would also like to include swimming in your plans, Hythe Pool has a main pool and a teaching pool. The places and activities mentioned offer different focuses, from local history to walks, railway travel and water.
Getting your bearings
Sandling is the nearest railway station for Hythe; train services can change, so check connections for your travel day. For road directions, it is useful to know that Hythe Station is three miles from junction 11 of the M20. Road conditions and signage can change, so it is advisable to check the current route before driving.
Discover more destinations: Cliffs End, Wye, Sturry, East Farleigh, Lympne, Romney Marsh, Wootton, Newenden.
For the wider travel guide: Kent.
