Discover Hythe

Hythe offers a range of ways to enjoy a stay: the Royal Military Canal and its paths, the coast, St Leonard's Church and the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway. If you're looking for a hotel in Hythe, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your trip. Walks, cycle rides and historic sights offer practical ways to get to know the town.

Paths along the Royal Military Canal

The Royal Military Canal corridor has footpaths, cycle paths and bridleways. Most of the canal is designated as a Local Wildlife Site. Check the paths and access arrangements before setting out.

The West Hythe Walk runs through Hythe alongside the Royal Military Canal. You can choose between 1.9 miles (3 km) and 4 miles (6.4 km), allowing you to compare the two distances when deciding how far to walk. The Hythe Circular Walk is a gentle, step-free route. Conditions on both routes can change seasonally. The Hythe Civic Society has also created six walking trails through the countryside around Hythe.

Coast and activities

Hythe Beach has a shingle shore and is often used for fishing. The promenade has flat paths suitable for cycling. The activities are therefore clearly defined: fishing is common on the beach, while the promenade paths are suitable for cycling.

Visitors are welcome at Hythe & Saltwood Sailing Club, where sailing takes place from a shingle beach. Hythe Pool has a main pool and a teaching pool. You can hire boats from the Boat Hut in Ladies Walk, Hythe. The hire service is seasonal and may change; check current availability before making plans.

Church and history

St Leonard's Church was originally built around 1090 and is dedicated to St Leonard, the patron saint of prisoners. The church has the largest and best-preserved collection of ancient human skulls and bones in Britain. It is open to visitors daily; visiting arrangements may change. Check them before your visit.

Hythe was one of the historic Cinque Ports. The Royal Military Canal was built between 1805 and 1809 as a defensive measure against the threat of invasion by Napoleon's French army. Together, these themes offer different insights into the history of the town and the canal.

Travel on the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway

The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway runs for 13½ miles from Hythe to Dungeness and officially opened on 16 July 1927. Visitors can take a steam train to Dungeness. Timetables vary by date; check the timetable for your planned travel day in advance.

Getting here and practical planning

Hythe Station is three miles from junction 11 of the M20. Road conditions and signage may change. Sandling is the nearest railway station to Hythe; train services may also change. Check services for your travel day.

Discover more destinations: West Kingsdown, Willesborough, Sandgate, Staplehurst, Harrietsham, Eynsford, Ringwould, Sheerness

For the broader travel overview: Kent.