Hythe Visitor Attractions

A fore-runner of radar, concrete sound mirrors were part of an acoustic system set up before the Second World War to detect enemy aircraft.

The remains of a 20-foot mirror lie in the Roughs, the escarpment above the Royal Military Canal, a short walk or bike ride from the town centre.

A small modern structure which demonstrates how the device works is farther along the canal, on the opposite bank by the footbridge to Burmarsh Road.

Constructed 200 years ago as a defence against Napoleon, the canal is now a pretty waterway running 28 miles from east of Hythe to the Sussex border.

There are routes for walking, cycling, horse riding, plenty of peaceful picnic spots and places to fish. Boating facilities are available in Hythe. Every two years, the canal is the venue for the famous Hythe Venetian Fete.

More info: www.royalmilitarycanal.com

Sponsored by: Hythe Pleasure Boating
Telephone: 07718761236

Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the 54-acre park lies in a peaceful valley near the village of Saltwood. With a lake, stream, meadows and woodland, it is a popular place for walking, picnicing, for children to play and for observing wild life. Open every day (except Christmas Day) from 9am to dusk. Café, toilets, parking. Seasonal events.

Interesting architecture, historic buildings and a fascinating variety of 'small' shops, boutiques and stores, restaurants, cosy pubs, traditional tea shops, antiques and art dealers make our long main street and the lanes which lead off it a browsers' delight. Plaques and heritage panels (by the Royal Military Canal, a few minutes' walk away) identify notable 'happenings'.

More info: www.hytheguide.co.uk/business-directory

Sponsored by: OneOneTwo Wines
Telephone: 01303 266301

Kent's only racecourse, four miles from Hythe at Westenhanger, 'Folkestone' offers followers of flat and National Hunt an attractive calendar, including evening, family, and ladies' day events.

The racecourse is also the attractive venue for concerts and other events. Easily accessible from junction 11 of the M20 and from the A20, it is adjacent to Westenhanger railway station.

More info: www.folkestone-racecourse.co.uk

St Leonard’s is an open and welcoming church, whose grand, old building has dominated the hillside for almost 1,000 years.

The famous ‘bonehouse’ lies beneath the chancel.

The church has a fine musical tradition and is a venue for concerts throughout the year organised by the Friends of St Leonard’s Church.

More info: www.stleonardschurchhythekent.org

A somewhat macabre place of interest, perhaps but the ‘bonehouse’ (ossuary) in the crypt of the Parish Church attracts visitors from all over the world.

One of only two in England, it contains thousands of neatly-stacked skulls, thigh and other bones. There are many theories about their origin but it’s probable that they were dug up when the surrounding churchyard was extended in the thirteenth century.

Open from May to September, 10.30 to midday; 2.30 to 4pm.

More info: www.stleonardschurchhythekent.org

Between West Parade and the MoD firing ranges, this is very much a working beach, a place to watch local fishing boats set out and return from trips into the Channel.

Straight from the sea, catches are processed and prepared for delivery to hotels and restaurants. A retail shop provides fresh, smoked and frozen fish and also shellfish.

Be sure to bring your camera or sketch book when you visit the beach. You’ll find plenty of subjects.

Sponsored by: Truly Scrumptious
748 High Street, Hythe CT21 5AL.

The open spaces and sports areas between town shops and the seafront are an especially attractive feature of Hythe.

The Recreation Ground is among these ’green’ attractions and extends from the Royal Military Canal to South Road. It includes public tennis courts, bowling greens and football pitches as well as the grounds and facilities of the Hythe Cricket and Squash Club.

Hythe’s indoor swimming pool is on the seafront side of South Road.

Sponsored by: Cugley's of Hythe
141 High Street, Hythe.

Not many visitors discover this delightful area of woodland, meadows and wild flowers - but it’s just the place when you’re in the mood for peace and quiet and well worth the short journey from the town centre.

Open at all times and every day, it’s easily reached by footpaths leading from Castle Road and Deedes Close. There are numerous walks and several secluded picnic spots.

Set in 600 acres of countryside four miles from the centre of Hythe, this magnificent wildlife park is roamed by rhinos, elephants, lions, tigers and houses the world's largest gorillarium. Safari rides and guided tours of the mansion and landscaped gardens make exploring easy. Restaurant and picnic places.

Open daily except Christmas Day from 10am.

Telephone: 0844 842 4647

Running for 14 miles from Hythe to Dungeness, the world's smallest miniature public railway provides not only a scenic ride across the Romney Marsh but is also a good way to get to the superb sandy beaches along St Mary's Bay.

It operates daily from Easter to September, at weekends and school holidays in February, March and October, with special runs before Christmas.

More info: www.rhdr.org.uk
Telephone: 01797 362353

Sponsored by: The Sweetie Lady
Website: www.sweetielady.co.uk

Laid out in the nineteenth-century as a tree-lined path from the town to the seafront, the attractively named Ladies Walk is still a focal point of leisure pursuits. It leads to the public open space and sports club facilities on the Recreation Ground, with paths to the park and bandstand at Oaklands, and east and west along the canal bank.

Alongside Ladies Walk Bridge, which crosses the Royal Military Canal, is the landing stage and booking office for rowing boats and canoes.

Sponsored by: Butt of Sherry
Telephone: 01303 266112

Extending from the Fisherman’s Beach and West Parade, past hotels, guesthouses and seaside villas, Hythe’s long marine promenade leads eastward to Sandgate and beyond to Folkestone’s Lower Leas Coastal Park. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll (or some brisk walking or cycling) angling, sunbathing, swimming, kite-flying and watching watersport.

Sponsored by: Hythe Bay Seafood
Restaurant & Bar
Telephone: 01303 233 844

The two-storey arcade was once the bonded store of the famous Mackeson’s brewery, long gone but a town landmark in its day.

Now it’s a mecca for browsers and buyers of collectables. Small shops deal in china, prints, books, stamps, old picture postcards and miscellaneous bric-a-brac and there is a cafe.

Open on Fridays and Saturdays.

With ground floor undercroft, bold columns to support the upper part of the building and an ornate clock overhanging the High Street, the Town Hall is a famous Hythe landmark. Built in 1794 on the site of the town's covered marketplace, it has figured in numerous historic occasions. The Council Chamber contains an oak panel carved with the names of mayors.

More info: www.hythe-kent.com

Sponsored by: Chocolate Deli
Telephone: 01303 267236