Top 10 heritage spots to explore - Folkestone & Hythe heritage sites Folkestone Hythe Romney Marsh

Explore the top 10 heritage sites of Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh

Few places in England pack as much history into such a compact and beautiful landscape as Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh. From medieval churches and smuggler routes to military defences and historic railways, this stretch of Kent’s coastline offers centuries of stories waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re fascinated by wartime history, drawn to ancient architecture or simply enjoy walking through places shaped by the past, this area delivers heritage at every turn.

Perfect for a day trip or longer escape, these remarkable sites offer a chance to step back in time while enjoying dramatic coastal scenery, peaceful marshland and charming historic towns.

Here are ten must-visit heritage sites in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh that bring the area’s rich past to life.

1. Folkestone Harbour

For centuries, Folkestone Harbour has been a gateway between Britain and mainland Europe. During both World Wars, it played a vital role in transporting troops and refugees, and in World War I it became a major departure point for soldiers heading to the Western Front.

Today, you can still see historic harbour structures while enjoying views that have welcomed travellers for generations. You can also enjoy the incredible array of street food vendors and restaurants and independent sellers that are now dotted along the Harbour Arm.

A yellow martello tower with panes of glass around the black conical top.

2. Martello Towers

Built in the early 19th century to defend against the threat of Napoleonic invasion, these distinctive round forts dot the coastline between Folkestone and Dymchurch. Their thick walls and strategic locations tell the story of Britain’s coastal defence network.

Several towers remain intact and visible in Folkestone, Hythe Dymchurch and New Romney, offering a powerful reminder of the country’s military past.

One of the best-preserved Martello Towers is in Dymchurch, carefully restored to show visitors exactly how soldiers lived and defended the coast in the early 1800s. Inside, you can explore recreated interiors and learn about the tower’s strategic importance.

A tour of the heritage sites of Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh wouldn’t be complete without a Martello Tower trip!

3. Royal Military Canal

Stretching for 28 miles through the Kent countryside, the Royal Military Canal was constructed in the early 1800s as a defensive barrier against invasion.

Today, it’s one of Hythe’s most peaceful and picturesque features. Walking alongside it offers the chance to reflect on its original purpose while enjoying wildlife, historic bridges and tranquil scenery.

Paddleboard, kayak, row, walk, run or cycle – whatever your preferred mode of transport, exploring the canal paths will not diasappoint!

4. St Leonard’s Church

One of Hythe’s most fascinating historic sites, St Leonard’s Church is famous for its crypt, which contains one of the largest collections of ancient human skulls and bones in Britain.

Dating back hundreds of years, the ossuary offers a rare and thought-provoking glimpse into medieval burial practices and the town’s long history.

Combine a visit with a stroll along the canal or a mooch along Hythe’s thriving independent High Steet.

5. Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway

Known as the world’s smallest public railway, this charming heritage line opened in 1927 and still runs today between Hythe and Dungeness.

Riding the miniature steam and diesel trains offers a nostalgic journey through Romney Marsh landscapes and provides a unique way to experience the area’s history.

Perfect for families, the kids will adore the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway and there are plenty of fun stop-offs along the route for seaside activities!

6. Battle of Britain Memorial

Overlooking the English Channel between Folkestone and Dover, this moving memorial honours the RAF pilots who defended Britain in 1940.

One of the highlights of the heritage sites of Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh, the site features a replica Spitfire, memorial walls and breath-taking coastal views, connecting visitors with one of the most important moments in modern British history.

Aircraft, vehicles, weapons, flying equipment, fine art prints and relics are all on show in the museum at the Battle of Britain Memorial (located at a historic airfield at Hawkinge.) It’s the largest collection of authentic Battle of Britain relics and memorabilia in the world and there are loads of interactive exhibits and activities to appeal to the whole family.

7. St Mary and St Ethelburga Church

Nestled in the historic village of Lyminge, the Church of St Mary and St Ethelburga is one of the most significant early Christian sites in Kent. Its origins date back to the 7th century, when Queen Ethelburga, daughter of King Æthelberht of Kent, founded a monastery here around AD 633. This makes Lyminge one of the earliest centres of Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England.

Today, visitors can explore a beautiful parish church that reflects layers of history, from its Saxon beginnings to medieval and later additions. The peaceful churchyard and surrounding village offer a tranquil setting, while ongoing archaeological discoveries in the area continue to reveal new insights into its early monastic past.

8. Folkestone Leas and Leas Lift

The Leas promenade has been a centrepiece of Folkestone life since Victorian times, offering sweeping sea views, a beautiful bandstand and elegant gardens. The Leas Lift, a historic cliff funicular railway opened in 1885, represents Victorian engineering at its finest and reflects Folkestone’s heritage as a fashionable seaside resort.

Currently under restoration, the lift will re-open in 2026 and visitors will be able to ride the lift for the first time in a decade!

9. Romney Marsh

With its vast skies, lonely lanes and remote coastline, Romney Marsh has long been a place of mystery and in the 18th century, it became one of England’s most notorious smuggling hotspots. Contraband such as tea, brandy and tobacco was secretly brought ashore under cover of darkness, hidden in churches, inns and farmhouses across the marsh.

This shadowy past inspired the famous fictional character Doctor Syn, the swashbuckling “Scarecrow of Romney Marsh,” created by author Russell Thorndike. His legend remains deeply connected to the villages of Dymchurch and the surrounding marshland.

Today, visitors can explore the quiet churches, historic pubs and windswept landscapes that inspired these tales. Walking here feels like stepping into another era – one where folklore and history blend, and the secrets of Romney Marsh still linger in the sea air. Truly one of the highlights amongst the heritage sites of Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh.

Caesars Camp Folkestone Aerial photo u00a9Paul R. Davis

10. Caesar’s Camp

Perched high above Folkestone, Caesar’s Camp is an Iron Age hillfort dating back more than 2,000 years. This strategic site was once used as a defensive settlement, offering sweeping views across the English Channel and surrounding countryside – perfect for spotting approaching visitors or potential threats.

Today, visitors can walk the earthwork remains and enjoy peaceful coastal views while standing on ground shaped by ancient communities. It’s a fascinating and often overlooked heritage spot, offering a direct connection to Folkestone’s earliest known history.

Step Back in Time on Kent’s Historic Coast

From medieval churches and Napoleonic defences to wartime landmarks and historic railways, Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh offer an extraordinary journey through time. These heritage sites are more than just places to visit, they are windows into the stories, people and events that shaped this remarkable coastline.

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, exploring these iconic locations will deepen your connection to the area and reveal its unique character.

Start planning your heritage adventure today and discover the rich history waiting to be explored throughout the heritage sites of Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh.