16 Reasons to Visit Hythe: The Best Things to See & Do

ByMagdalena Marsden

I recently re-visited Hythe for the weekend and it was so lovely to be back after so many years. I’ve spend a couple of days re-discovering this pretty seaside town and it was great to see that not that many things have changed in 20 years.

I enjoyed walking on the Military Canal, visiting the St. Leonard’s Church, browsing the charity shops, having coffee in a Lazy Shack and sitting on the beach listening to the waves coming in. Hythe is really the kind of place that makes you slow down and enjoy every moment.

In this post, I wanted to share with you my 16 favourite things to see and do in Hythe—perfect if you’re planning a day out or a weekend escape.

1. Seaside & Hythe Beach

Hythe Beach is quite different from other seaside town beaches, mainly because there are no shops or arcades along and the houses facing the beach are all residential. But, I think, this makes it quite special.

The beach is peaceful and made mostly of pebbles, with some sandy patches at low tide. It stretches along the town and has a wide promenade, which is perfect for walking, cycling, or just enjoying the sea views.

There are benches, toilets, and a few cafes nearby, so you can easily find somewhere to sit, get a snack, or use the facilities. The beach is reasonably close to the town centre, so shops and restaurants are not that far away.

Hythe Beach is dog-friendly all year round, but there are some areas with restrictions during the summer (from 1 May to 30 September). Even then, there are always places where dogs are welcome, and many people bring their pets for a walk along the shore or promenade. The beach is not watched by lifeguards, so you need to take care if you go swimming.

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2. St. Leonards Church & Bone Ostuary

St Leonard’s Church is a beautiful church that has stood here for over 900 years. The church was built on a hillside, overlooking the town and the English Channel. Its history goes back to before the Norman times and the church itself has also Norman and Early English building additions. St Leonard’s is named after the patron saint of prisoners, and it has always been an important place for the local community as Hythe grew and prospered.

What makes St Leonard’s Church especially famous is the bone ossuary, or crypt, underneath the chancel. This hidden chamber holds the largest and best-preserved collection of human bones and skulls in Britain, with the remains of between 1,500 and 2,000 people. The bones were carefully stacked here hundreds of years ago, probably to make space in the graveyard outside.

  • Location: St Leonard’s Church, Church Hill, Hythe, Kent, CT21 5DN
  • Opening Times: Usually open from April to September, Monday to Saturday: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • Ticket Cost (Bone Ossuary): Adults: £5, Children (under 16): £3, Church entry is free

3. High Street & Charity Shops

The Hythe High Street is very pretty and has a surprising amount of charity shops. I’ve counted about 10 different shops each supporting a different cause, such as local hospitals, animal rescue, or national charities. I’ve always enjoyed shopping in charity shops for clothes and books as you never know what you are going to find, so I can never resist to pop in when I see one.

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4. The Malthouse, Antique & Gift Shops

The main antique market in Hythe is The Malthouse Arcade, which has been a well-known destination for antiques and collectables since 1974. You can find here antique furniture, ceramics, jewellery, vintage decorative items, gifts, and crafts from multiple dealers under one roof.

Apart from the The Malthouse, there are many other antique and gift shops on the Hythe High Street, which are lovely to browse and the perfect place to find a special gift or a souvenir.

  • Location: The Malthouse Arcade, Malthouse Hill, Hythe, Kent, CT21 5BW
  • Opening Times: Fridays and Saturdays only: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
  • Ticket Cost: Free entry (no admission charge)

5. Royal Military Canal

The Royal Military Canal was built between 1804 and 1809 as a defence against the threat of invasion by Napoleon’s French army.

Stretching for 28 miles from Seabrook near Hythe to Cliff End in East Sussex, the canal was designed to slow down or stop enemy troops if they landed on the south coast. Soldiers could defend the canal’s banks, and the water barrier would make it difficult for invaders to advance inland. The canal also had a military road running alongside it for moving troops quickly.

Although the feared invasion never happened, the Royal Military Canal became an important part of Hythe’s landscape. Over time, it was also used for transport and later for walking and leisure. I’ve walked the Royal Military Canal path, which follows the canal and it’s easy, flat path to follow.

Within the town you can walk to Seabrook and return back via the old tramway or Princess Parade close to the Hythe Beach or walk towards the Port Lympne Wildlife Reserve on the other side of the town.

If you want to walk further, it’s best to walk back the same way as public transport around the canal is quite limited until you reach Hamstreet or Appledore.

6. Boat Hire at the Boat Hut

If you want to explore the canal from a different angle, you can also rent a rowing boat. There is no need to book, just up at The Boat Hut in the Royal Military Canal, near the centre of Hythe.

If you’d prefer to hire the electric boat, you need to pre-book. You can rent the boat for up to a 1/2 day, which is plenty of time if you want to explore the canal and travel a bit further.

  • Location: The Boat Hut, Ladies Walk, Hythe, Kent, CT21 6AX
  • Opening Times: 7 days a week, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Season runs from April to end of September (last hire usually at 5:00 pm)
  • Cost: Rowing boat: £20 per hour (up to 4 people)
  • Electric boat trips: £10 per adult, £5 per child (for scheduled trips, approx. 40 minutes)
  • Private hire and evening trips available (prices may vary)

7. Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway

The first time I’ve travelled on this railway was about 25 years ago and I remember it was such an amazing adventure. I went all the way to Dungeness and also stopped at Dymchurch to swim at the local beach. The full day ticket also gives you access to the railway museum and you can hop on and off at any stop and explore the area.

The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway (RH&DR) is an miniature railway built to perfect scale to a full size railway. It was opened in 1927 by two racing drivers, Captain J.E.P. Howey and Count Louis Zborowski, who wanted to create the world’s smallest public railway.

Originally, the line ran for 8 miles between Hythe and New Romney, but it was soon extended to Dungeness, making the full line about 13.5 miles long. The railway quickly became popular with both locals and tourists who used it to commute to work and day trips to a seaside.

The RH&DR played an important role during World War II, when it was taken over by the military and used for transporting supplies and even as part of the coastal defenses. After the war, the railway was restored and reopened, with the famous comedy duo Laurel and Hardy attending the reopening ceremony in 1947.

  • Location: Hythe Station, Scanlons Bridge Road, Hythe, Kent, CT21 6LD
    (Main line runs from Hythe to Dungeness, with stops at Dymchurch, St Mary’s Bay, New Romney, and Romney Sands)
  • Opening Times: Open daily from late March to late October, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (exact times vary by season and day.
  • Ticket Cost: Day Ticket Adult (Hythe to Dungeness – Hop on & off): £29
  • Child (3–15, return): £14.50
  • Family (2 adults + 2-3 children, return): £79
  • Shorter journey and single tickets are available at lower prices
  • Discounts for seniors, groups, and advance online booking

8. The Hythe History Museum

This is a small local history museum with a collection of maps, furniture, costumes, and military equipment that tell the story of Hythe from Roman times through its important years as one of the Cinque Ports.

You can learn about Hythe’s history, including its role as a coastal defense town and its connections to the military.

  • Location: Town Council House, 1 Stade Street, Hythe, Kent, CT21 6BG
    (Accessed via Hythe Library, next to the Royal Military Canal)
  • Opening Times: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Open seasonally, usually from April to October
  • Ticket Cost: Free entry (donations welcome)

9. Tramway Walk from the Depot to Tram Station

The tramways in Hythe were once an important part of local transport, linking Hythe with the nearby towns of Sandgate and Folkestone. The Folkestone, Hythe and Sandgate Tramways began operations in 1891, providing horse-drawn tram services along the coast.

The line started at a terminus outside the Red Lion Inn in Hythe, which you can still see today and you can read the tramway’s name on the side of the building. The tall doors are also a giveway, that this building had a much different use than it has today.

From the depo the trams travelled south through the town before heading east along Princes Parade, a scenic route built to protect the coast and provide a pleasant promenade.

I’ve walked the route all the way to the tram waiting shelter nearly at the end of the Princes Parade. It’s beautifully restored and if you didn’t know why it was there it might be a bit strange to see a waiting shelter next to a road (rather than on the pedestrian promenade).

With the rise of motor buses and private cars, the tramway eventually closed in 1921.

10. Tearooms

There are so many lovely tearooms in Hythe, with homemade cakes, lunches and afternoon teas, that it’s tricky to decide which one to visit first!

One thing I’ve noticed walking around Hythe, is that some of the tearooms and cafes are closed on Monday as I suspects that weekends are super busy with day trippers and the only realistic day you can close is Monday. Plus some tearooms close at 3 or 4 pm, so don’t leave your visit too late.

Tearooms

  • Brooks Tea Rooms – Traditional tearoom on the High Street, known for cakes and afternoon tea.
  • Millie’s Tea Room – Cosy spot offering homemade cakes, scones, and light lunches.
  • Afternoon Tea at Hythe Imperial Hotel – Elegant afternoon tea with sea views.

Cafes

  • The Lazy Shack Café – Beachfront café on Fisherman’s Beach, famous for seafood and relaxed atmosphere.
  • Root – Lovely cafe on the High Street decorated with plants and serving delicious coffees & food
  • The Nutmeg Café – Friendly independent café serving breakfasts, lunches, and cakes.
  • The Conservatory – Light-filled café with good coffee, teas, and homemade treats.
  • The Holy Pundit Café – Modern café with a varied menu and good coffee.
  • The Buttercup Tea Rooms – Charming and traditional, serving tea, cake, and snacks.
  • The Riverside Tea Room – Overlooking the canal, great for tea and light bites.
  • The Arts Café – Creative space for coffee, snacks, and occasional art events.
  • Mit Milch Coffee – Independent coffee shop with excellent coffee and pastries, on the High Street.

11. Martello Towers

The Martello towers were built in the early 19th century as part of a coastal defence system during the Napoleonic Wars. Britain feared a French invasion, so between 1805 and 1806, a chain of 11 Martello towers was constructed along the coastline from Hythe to Dymchurch.

These round, sturdy towers were made from thick brick walls and stood about 10 meters. They were designed to house a small garrison and a single cannon on the roof, providing a strong defensive position to guard against enemy landings.

After the threat of invasion faded, the towers were used for other purposes, such as housing the Coastguard and storing equipment.

I’ve counted five towers around Hythe, three of them you can see from the end of the Hythe beach (the Fisherman Beach) and they are part of the shooting range. The other two are on the other side in Seabrook and are private properties.

12. Fisherman’s Beach

Fisherman’s Beach is still a working beach, where local fishermen launch their colourful boats and bring in fresh catches each day. You’ll often see fishing boats hauled up on the shingle, nets drying in the sun, and sometimes fishermen at work.

Along the beach, you’ll find the historic old lifeboat house—now protected as a heritage building—and a mix of traditional fishing huts and newer homes.

13. The Lazy Shack Cafe

I’ve come across the Lazy Shack when I got caught in the rain on beach and was looking for somewhere to have a coffee to wait out the storm. This was such a lucky find, as this is a quirky, family-run café right on Fisherman’s Beach. The homemade cakes and biscuits were delicious and everyone was really friendly there. Next to the cafe there is also a local produce shop, where you can pick up extra treats for your walk around Hythe.

  • Location: The Fishermans Landing Beach, Range Road, Hythe, Kent, CT21 6HG
  • Opening Times: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, (Times may vary seasonally and in bad weather)

14. Brockhill Country Park

Brockhill Country Park is a beautiful green space located just a short drive or about 30 minutes walk from Hythe. The park is very peaceful and you can walk around meadows, woodland, and a pretty lake. There are several marked walking trails, including short family-friendly routes and longer paths for those who want to explore more.

The park has good facilities, including a visitor centre, toilets, and a café that serves drinks, snacks, and light lunches. There is also a children’s play area and plenty of open space for kids to run around.

The park used to be a part of a large park and gardens around Brockhill Manor House. Originally, the manor was part of estate that was likely used as a game reserve, providing meat, fish, and timber for nearby Saltwood Castle. The manor house was owned by the Tourney (or Tournay) family for over 500 years. The last member of the family, William Tourney Tourney, died in 1903, and local legend says he is said to haunt the old manor house.

After William Tourney Tourney’s death, the estate changed hands and eventually became part of what is now Brockhill Country Park. The old manor house itself, which stands next to the park, is now used as the main building of Brockhill Park Performing Arts College.

  • Location: Sandling Road, Saltwood, Hythe, Kent, CT21 4HL
  • Opening Times: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm (or dusk, whichever is earlier), Closed Christmas Day, Cafe opening times vary, but usually 9 am -3 or 4 pm daily
  • Parking Prices: Monday – Friday – day ticket £2.50, Saturday, Sunday – day ticket £3.60 , Annual parking ticket for all Kent County Council Parks is £67

15. Long Distance Paths from Hythe

Hythe is also a great place to start walking from. I’ve already mentioned the Royal Military Canal path, which is very easy to walk and follow! It starts in Seabrook or you can pick it up in Hythe as the canal goes straight through the town.

The Saxon Shore Way long-distance walking route passes just outside Hythe and has a wonderful countryside and coastal views.

You can also follow the England Coastal Path (King Charles III long distance path) which takes you through seaside towns of Seabrook, Folkestone, Dover, beaches and beautiful seaside countryside, especially the White Cliffs of Dover.

The Elham Valley Way path also finishes in Hythe and you can follow it inland and walk through pretty villages, such as Etchinghill, Lyminge or Elham and interesting countryside of South Downs.

16. Port Lympne Reserve

Port Lympne Reserve is a large wildlife park and conservation reserve, which you can find just outside Hythe along the Royal Military Canal. Set within 600 acres of beautiful countryside, it is home to over 900 rare and endangered animals, including rhinos, giraffes, gorillas, tigers, lions, and bears. The reserve is dedicated to the conservation and breeding of threatened species, and many animals born at Port Lympne have been successfully released back into the wild.

You can explore the park on foot and also enjoy a unique safari experience, riding in open-sided trucks through large enclosures where animals roam more freely—much like they would in Africa.

You can also walk around pretty gardens, explore a dinosaur forest with life-sized models and there are also adventure playgrounds for children.

If you fancy staying in the reserve after hours, Port Lympne offers luxury overnight stays, including glamping, lodges, and even treehouses.

  • Location: Aldington Road, Lympne, Hythe, Kent, CT21 4PD
  • Opening Times: Open daily, including weekends and bank holidays, Gates open: 9:30 am, Last entry: 3:30 pm, Park closes: 6:30 pm (in summer and earlier in winter)
  • Ticket Prices: Adults (16+): £29, Children (3–15): £25, Under 3s: Free, Family (2 adults + 2 children): £99

This blog post was originally published on 18 September 2025 and last updated on 18 September 2025

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