If you’re fed up with tourist-clad hotspots that turn into overcrowded chaos on warmer days, then look no further than this little-known seaside town
A beauty spot along the southern coast of England has the best of both worlds – with a long, sprawling beach and rural areas to enjoy.
Hythe in Kent is a relatively small seaside town with a population of just 14,604 people according to the 2021 census. This is much smaller than its bustling neighbour, Folkestone, which has 109,800 residents – and a thriving harbour scene attracting thousands of holidaymakers every year.
But just because Hythe is smaller, and quieter, it doesn’t mean it’s a place to miss off the list entirely. It is actually extremely well connected, with direct trains to London, but it also has a wealth of beauty on its doorstep for locals and tourists to explore. Hythe beach is one of those spots which sees a quiet buzz come summer. Kiosks line the promenade, along with dog walkers and families basking in the sun.
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The pebbled beach stretches for two miles and even during busier periods, it resembles nothing of a packed Margate or Blackpool in a heatwave. Small groups, children and adults with their deck chairs dot the beach with always enough room to meander. And for eagle-eyed viewers, on a clear day you can see the coast of Calais in France – with Hythe only being an hour away from the continent.
It even has its own quaint high street with a real mix of independent shops and high street retailers, along with cafes and restaurants. And for those without a car, or who would prefer to walk, everything is within close proximity making it a great place to stay and explore at a slower pace.
Dividing the town centre and the beach is the huge 28-mile Royal Military Canal which snakes through Hythe right up to Cliff End in East Sussex. In Hythe, the canal is dotted with large trees and bridges, along with benches for anyone seeking brief respite. It is also a popular walking and running route for many people.
Explore Kent says: “The long distance Royal Military Canal Path is an excellent waymarked trail with helpful interpretive panels along the way, while a recent £3.5m restoration of the 7km section from Seabrook to West Hythe Dam means that it now offers a wonderfully easy and relaxing route suitable for walkers, cyclists and disabled users alike, along with bridle paths for horse riding.”
Hythe is accessible via the M20 motorway, junction 10, or from high speed trains at London St Pancras, changing at Ashford, for a direct route to Sandling station, which takes you to the Hythe village of Saltwood. There is also an array of places to stay in the town, from quirky Airbnbs to the luxurious Hythe Imperial Hotel which sits on the beach and offers panoramic views of the English Channel.