Winter wellbeing – reset your rhythm for 2026

January — a time for fresh starts, clear minds and being kind to ourselves. After the festive buzz, there’s something deeply restorative about slowing down and rediscovering your wellbeing in the fresh sea air, rolling countryside and welcoming community spaces of Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh.

Whether you’re local or visiting for a cosy winter break, we’ve curated a few ideas to help you embrace January with good intentions — from outdoor adventures that invigorate the senses to mindful moments of calm and connection.

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Start the year with a breath of fresh coastal air

There’s nothing quite like a January walk along the coast to reset your system. Folkestone & Hythe’s spectacular coastal paths offer stunning scenery and space to breathe:

• Lower Leas Coastal Park — Meander the gardens, wild zones and cliff-top paths with expansive sea views. It’s free, dog-friendly and open all year round.
• Seafront promenades from Folkestone to Hythe — Follow the promenade from Folkestone Harbour through Sandgate and on towards Hythe; the sound of waves and long stretches of shingle beach are perfect for long chats, gentle exercise and connection.
• Royal Military Canal — Quiet and scenic, this historic waterway path is ideal for a mindful stroll or brisk walk — especially lovely in the low winter sun.
• Dungeness – An expansive, wild beach terrain perfect for reflection, peaceful solitude and invigorating walks.

Top Tip: Wrap up warm, grab a warm drink enroute and bring your dogs for company!

Run, stretch or swim into 2026!

Winter shouldn’t mean hibernation. Across the district you’ll find ways to stay active, social and entertained:

• Parkrun on The Leas — Every Saturday morning, join the friendly Parkrun community in Folkestone for a gentle 5km run or walk along the clifftop sea views. It’s free and open to everyone.
• Yoga & mind–body sessions — From the beautiful yoga studio Yoke in Folkestone town centre to Cheriton’s Hot Yoga Pod to Grace Hill Studios’ exquisite Pilates space, there are plenty of options for both relaxing, or challenging, stretch sessions.
• Sea Swimming— Brave winter swimmers take the plunge at Hythe Beach and Folkestone’s Mermaid Beach and Sunny Sands almost daily — an exhilarating way to boost circulation and well-being all year round. Join a local group or just take a dip with friends!
• Beach Sauna – Experience the soothing warmth of an authentic wood-fired sauna, at Steam Punk Sauna just a short stroll from Mermaid Beach, Folkestone or get cosy in Sandgate with The Little Sauna. Whether you’re seeking a private sanctuary with friends or the buzz of a communal session, this is your chance to recharge, revive, and reconnect.

Top Tip: Make sure you’re prepared for safe sea swimming with research, planning, warm clothes and hot drinks!

Cycling in Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh

If you’re looking to reboot body and mind this New Year, nothing quite beats a day out on two wheels – whether you fancy a gentle coastal spin or a peaceful pedal through open countryside, this part of Kent delivers on space, scenery and soul-soothing simplicity.

• From Folkestone Harbour, you can join a cycling route to follow the seafront path all the way to Sandgate and Hythe, with views stretching across the English Channel. The trail then continues along the Royal Military Canal into the heart of the Marsh, where wide open horizons and quiet lanes make every turn feel like an escape.
• If you love relaxed rides, the Romney Marsh routes take you through flat, idyllic landscapes dotted with historic villages and pastoral scenes — ideal for families or anyone wanting gentle rides in the great outdoors!
• For a bit of variety, explore circular countryside loops such as the Dymchurch cycle routes or follow the canal paths that link small communities and hidden gems, stopping for coffee or lunch along the way.

Top Tip:  Using public transport to get here? You can generally bring bikes on trains to the area but check Southeastern’s website for specific conditions.

Mindful experiences for body and soul

Wellbeing isn’t just physical — it’s emotional and communal too:

• Romney Marsh Nature — Explore Romney Warren Country Park or Kent Wildlife Trust’s Romney Marsh Nature Reserve, a quiet reserve full of birds and wetlands, ideal for slow walks and mindful reflection.
• Café Culture — After your walk, yoga class or bike rides, recharge in one of the region’s cosy cafés — from quirky coffee spots in Folkestone’s Creative Quarter to gentle family-friendly tea rooms perfect for warm conversation and cozy moments. Check out Sandgate’s Orchard Lane Coffee House for delicious coffee and locally revered Cinnamon Buns or head to Florence’s Artisan Bakery  in Hythe early to secure the best pastries around.