Originally one of the historic Cinque ports, Hythe is an old market town that lies on the Kent coast. Enjoy a walk along the shingle beach or follow the Royal Military Canal towards Lympne for a safari experience at Port Lympne Safari Park. Alternatively, take a trip on a steam train along the coast on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.
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- Hythe
Itinerary details
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Hythe
Originally one of the historic Cinque ports, Hythe is an old market town that lies on the Kent coast. Enjoy a walk along the shingle beach or follow the Royal Military Canal towards Lympne for a safari experience at Port Lympne Safari Park. Alternatively, take a trip on a steam train along the coast on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.
Hythe Walking & Cycling Routes
Royal Military Canal: Wander (or cycle) along a section of the Royal Military Canal, starting in the centre of Hythe and heading towards West Hythe. Continuing along the canal path for 0.6-miles (0.97km – approx 15 minute walking), turn off and follow the Lympne – a Kentish safari trail (passing Lympne Castle and Port Lympne Safari Park) on this 2.5-mile (4.02km) circular trail.
Saltwood Saunter: Head east from Brockhill Country Park through the village of Saltwood on this 2.1-mile (3.38km) circular trail.
For a longer walk, follow the Tolsford Trek Walk north from Brockhill Country Park on this 7.8-mile (12.55km) circular trail.
Alternatively, why not follow a section of the King Charles III England Coast Path and head towards Folkestone on this 6-mile (9.65km) Hythe to Folkestone: Art & Nostalgia linear trail.
Royal Military Canal - West Hythe to HytheLympne - a Kentish safariSaltwood SaunterTolsford Trek WalkHythe to Folkestone: Art & Nostalgia
Royal Military Canal
Take a stroll or hop on a bike and cycle along a section of the 28-mile long Royal Military Canal, starting by the coast in Hythe and heading inland.
Alternatively, spend some time on the water and hire a boat from The Boat Hut Hythe.
Accessibility: Accessible for wheelchair users with wide, flat paths | Dogs: Dogs are allowed
Royal Military CanalRoyal Military Canal Circular Walking RouteThe Boat Hut Hythe
St Leonard’s Church and Crypt
Known as ‘the church with the bones’, take a moment to stop at St Leonard’s church which overlooks Hythe and the sea. Visit the crypt to see the largest and best-preserved collection of ancient human skulls and bones in Britain.
Accessibility: Less accessible for wheelchair users, the church is located on a hill and there are a number of steps to the main entrance | Dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome
St Leonard's Church and Crypt
Unit 1
Stop off for some locally produced cider, craft beer and ales in this shed-come-microbar located next to the Royal Military Canal. You can also enjoy a homemade stone baked pizza or some street food from the pop-up kitchens each weekend.
Accessibility: Unit 1 is accessible for wheelchair users and has a disabled toilet | Dogs: Dogs are welcome
Unit 1
Lympne Castle
Enjoy a Sunday roast lunch or some drinks in this 12th century castle with wide-reaching views of the Romney Marsh. Pre-booking for the Sunday roast is recommended as space is limited.
Directions: Buses run to Lympne from Hythe (Stagecoach 10 service between Folkestone and Ashford).
Accessibility: Less accessible for wheelchair users, the terrace and ornamental garden have steps but castle is accessible | Dogs: Dogs are welcome
Lympne Castle
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
Hop aboard a steam train on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway line. Take a trip to the end of the line at Dungeness to experience an other-worldly landscape and explore the marshes at the designated National Nature Reserve.
Accessibility: There are fully accessible train coaches for wheelchair users | Dogs: Dogs are allowed in train coaches with doors | Bicycles: A small number of bikes can be accommodated for an extra £4 per bike
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
Port Lympne Safari Park
Spend a fun family day out and explore the 600 acre wildlife park. Hop aboard the safari truck and see if you can spot some of the over 900 animals.
There’s also plenty of places to stop for some locally sourced food.
Accessibility: There are accessible routes for wheelchair users and the Truck Safari experience is also accessible | Dogs: Only assistance dogs are allowed
Port Lympne Safari Park
Brockhill Country Park
Once part of a Norman manor estate, Brockhill Country Park is a great spot for a family day out. Take a walk around the lake, explore the picturesque meadows and valley, or venture out across the Kent Downs.
Directions: Buses run to Saltwood from Hythe (Stagecoach 10 service between Folkestone and Ashford).
Accessibility: There are 2.5km of easy access paths and step-free access to the cafe for wheelchair users | Dogs: Dogs allowed but must be on leads when in the valley due to grazing sheep
Brockhill Country Park
Hythe Beach
Wander along the shingle beach or simply sit back and enjoy the wide views across the English Channel. Alternatively, you can cycle along the promenade which runs directly alongside the beach.
Accessibility: The beach is not wheelchair accessible due to it being made of shingle but there is a wide promenade with flat, level-access | Dogs: Dogs are allowed however seasonal restrictions apply
Hythe BeachTravel
Train – The closest train station is Sandling (20-minute walk from Brockhill Country Park) with trains to and from London Charing Cross and Dover Priory. This station is not accessible.
Bus – Stagecoach runs bus services to and from Hythe.
Remember you can take your bike on any Southeastern train unless the train arrives or departs London during peak hours – but you can take a fold up bike anytime.
Opening Times & Dates
Opening times of the various things to see and do mentioned in this itinerary vary throughout the year. Please check public transport times and individual attractions’ websites before you visit. Always check availability and book ahead for tours.