Cycle Routes and Cafes in Kent

Hey, we hear you, cyclists need coffee too! Keep reading for our handpicked cycle routes and cafes in Kent. If you’re thinking of heading out on a ride solo, with family or your little ones and need some encouragement to get out the door? More than that ray of sunshine, the fact that spring is just around the corner, those fresh floral buds popping their heads through the soil. Maybe a café stop on route is exactly what you need…

Cycling is a sport and/or hobby which tends encourage you to just keep peddling and peddling, as long as your legs can keep up, until you finish your ride. However, what’s better on a spring day than to add an extra pit stop into your ride to zhoosh it up? So here they are, our favourite cycle friendly cafes which can be found along or not far from cycle routes all around Kent.

Reculver

Cafe Stop: HatsHats

Whether you are an experienced cyclist or a novice, you will find plenty to enjoy along the Viking Coastal Route, a 32-mile trail. Taking in the Isle of Thanet and exploring Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. For a shorter option ride the section between Margate and Reculver an mere 8.6-mile linear route, still capturing the beauty this corner of Kent has to offer. Stop off at Reculver Towers, a magnificent spectacular to feast your eyes on whilst sipping your coffee at HatsHats cafe. Serving up a selection of hot and cold drinks as well as tasty snacks, both sweet and savoury.

Herne Bay

Cafe Stop: 49 Mortimer Street

For a quick takeaway coffee stop then this mirco coffee shop in Herne Bay is ideal for those cyclists on the go. This cafe is another great one for those cycling the Viking Coastal Trail, riding through Herne Bay onto Whitstable or Margate. Serving up a ample selection of hot drinks and a ever changing takeaway menu of food.

Westerham

Cafe Stop: The Velo Barn

A bike shop, workshop and coffee stop – wow! You may even leave with more than just a coffee…This place really has got it all. Situated in Westerham and right on the Pilgrims Way it’s an ideal pit stop for those cycling in this area or exploring the Greensand Way. The entire route of the Greensand Way runs from Haslemere, in Surrey, through to Hamstreet, in Kent and offers an outstanding day out.

Tonbridge

Cafe Stop: Porcupine Pantry Café

For those of you exploring the High Weald ANOB and perhaps even following the​ Tudor Trail, which runs from Tonbridge Castle to Penshurst Place, this is this cafe pit stop for you. The trail itself offers an excellent mostly off-road ride from Tonbridge alongside the River Medway, to the glorious Penshurst Place. The Porcupine Pantry is the perfect place for walkers, cyclists. It is well-stocked with allergy-friendly foods, including gluten free and dairy-free alternatives.

Tenterden

Cafe Stop: The Latte Lounge

Tenterden itself a a quaint town, often known as the ‘Jewel of the Weald’. You’ll see why if you venture out on your bike to the surrounding countryside. With fantastic walks and a selection of byways to use to explore the countryside and the nearby villages of Benenden and Appledore. Make sure you finish your ride with a well deserved stop at The Latte Lounge, a family run coffee shop just off the high street. Newly refurbished, offering a variety of breakfasts, light lunches, homemade cakes and pastries and daily specials. Welcomes all from families, dogs and the tired cyclist.

Hythe

Cafe Stop: Unit 1

Not sure we should have favourites, but this is definitely one of ours. The canal in Hythe is a great choice during spring or summer. With a gravel track creating a natural corridor running along the length of the canal from Seabrook to West Hythe Dam. Offering a easy and relaxing route suitable for walkers, disabled people and cyclists. For a shorter ride, with the little ones perhaps, ride from Hythe (the canal path starts along Green Lane) to Unit 1 which is a mere 2.4-miles. For those of you seeking a longer more fullfilling ride continue along the canal path after Unit 1 and then explore the marshes in Romney.

Chilham

Cafe Stop: Tea Rooms

Chilham is known for being one of the most attractive villages in the Kent Downs. With its’ petite historic square and little lanes lined with Tudor houses. Explore Perry Woods cycle trail nearby and then return to Chilham for relaxing stop at the tea rooms in found in the village square. Recently undergone new management and the reviews are off to a great start, small, traditional but serving up tasty food and with a few outside seats is an ideal spot for spring and summer rides.

 

Other recommended spots for cycle routes and cafes:

Bloss Coffee in Ashford

Café by the Creek in Oare

Orchard Lane Coffeehouse in Sandgate (perfect for cycling the England Coast Path between Dungeness and Folkestone).

Gill’s at the Goods Shed in Canterbury

Umbrella Cafe in Whitstable (for that coffee after cycling The Crab and Winkle Way)

The Little Old Tollhouse in Maidstone (great for the Medway Towpath route)

Yaps Coffee & Cycle Hub in Welling

 

For a overall view check out our handmade map of all cafes suggested.