Discover Hythe: Canal, Coast and Historic Railway

Hythe combines maritime landscapes, unusual history and varied routes into a destination that can be explored in many different ways. Footpaths, cycle paths and bridleways run alongside the Royal Military Canal; at Hythe Beach, the shingle shore, fishing and a promenade with level, cycle-friendly paths shape the scene. There is also St Leonard’s Church, the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway and several ways to spend an active or culture-focused day of your holiday.

Routes Along the Royal Military Canal and Coast

The corridor of the Royal Military Canal has footpaths, cycle paths and bridleways. Most of the canal is designated as a Local Wildlife Site. Anyone wishing to explore Hythe on foot can choose from various routes: the West Hythe Walk runs along the Royal Military Canal and is either 1.9 miles (3 km) or 4 miles (6.4 km) long. The Hythe Circular Walk is a gentle, step-free route. In addition, the Hythe Civic Society has created six walks through the countryside around Hythe.

The coast also offers its own options for planning your day. Hythe Beach has a shingle shore and is often used for fishing. The promenade has level paths suitable for cycling. This means you can include walks, a cycle ride and time by the water as different focuses in your holiday plans, without having to arrange the same outing in exactly the same way every time.

Boating, Sailing and Swimming

Boats can be hired at the Boat Hut on Ladies Walk. Visitors are also welcome at Hythe & Saltwood Sailing Club, where sailing takes place from the shingle beach. For another change of pace, Hythe Pool has a main pool and a teaching pool. Families with different interests can therefore include these activities separately in their holiday days: a day at the canal, time at the beach or an activity on the water.

Experience History in Hythe

Hythe was one of the historic Cinque Ports. An important trace of this past is the Royal Military Canal, which was built between 1805 and 1809 as a defence against the threatened invasion by Napoleon’s French army. St Leonard’s Church is dedicated to Saint Leonard, the patron saint of prisoners, and was originally built around 1090. The church has the largest and best-preserved collection of ancient human skulls and bones in Great Britain. It is open to visitors daily.

Another distinctive experience is the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway. Its route from Hythe to Dungeness is 13½ miles long. The railway was officially opened on 16 July 1927; visitors can travel by steam train to Dungeness. This makes it a separate excursion idea for travellers who want to combine historic technology with a journey through the landscape.

Which Accommodation in Hythe Suits Your Holiday Plans?

When searching for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Hythe, you can first decide which experiences should define your stay. Those who mainly want to enjoy the routes can focus on the Royal Military Canal, the West Hythe Walk or the Hythe Circular Walk. For a coastal stay, options include the shingle beach, fishing, the cycle paths along the promenade and the facilities of the Sailing Club. Those interested in culture will find further clear points of reference for planning in St Leonard’s Church, the Cinque Ports and the historic narrow-gauge railway.

You can also take arrival arrangements into account when choosing your accommodation. Hythe Station is three miles from Junction 11 of the M20. The nearest railway station for Hythe is Sandling. This information can help you decide how you prefer to travel before looking for suitable accommodation. For further orientation, you can also look at Littlebourne, Shadoxhurst, Lamberhurst, Greatstone, New Ash Green, West Malling, Kings Hill and Blean.

For the broader travel overview: Kent.