Heritage Trails
Discover Heritage Trails in Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh
Welcome to one of Kent’s most fascinating corners — where sweeping marshland, dramatic coastline and timeless villages come together to tell stories shaped by centuries of history.
From ancient ports and military defences to smugglers’ routes, medieval churches and reclaimed marshes, the Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh area is rich with heritage waiting to be discovered. Its network of trails invites you to slow down, step outside and explore landscapes that have been shaped by human ingenuity, resilience and change.
Whether you’re a keen walker looking for scenic routes, a history lover eager to uncover hidden stories, or a family planning a memorable day out, these heritage trails offer something for everyone. Along the way, you’ll uncover local landmarks, fascinating facts and moments from the past that bring the landscape to life — all at your own pace.
Lace up your walking boots, follow the paths, and discover the heritage woven through this remarkable part of Kent.
Walk the Royal Kentish Camino
Discover the Royal Kentish Camino, a 23-mile (37.7 km) walking route celebrating three remarkable women of the early Kentish Royal Family. Spanning the 6th and 7th centuries, these queens and saints shaped England’s Christian heritage, and the Camino invites you to follow their footsteps through history, countryside, and coast.
The journey begins at St Martin’s Church in Canterbury, where Queen Bertha encouraged the Christian mission that would transform England. From there, the route winds through Patrixbourne and the Elham Valley to Lyminge, where her daughter, Queen Ethelburga, founded a church in the 630s and played a key role in converting northern England.
The Camino offers more than history: it’s a scenic, reflective pilgrimage through valleys, ridges, villages, and coastline, connecting heritage with nature.
Step into the heritage of Romney Marsh with the Dymchurch Heritage Trail
This self-guided route takes you around the village, highlighting its notable buildings and historic blue plaques. It’s ideal for walkers who love local architecture and community stories.
The trail offers a fascinating journey through the village’s architectural and social history. Visitors will see centuries-old cottages once home to artists, writers and local families; historic inns and pubs, including former smugglers’ haunts; grand townhouses and farmhouses; listed churches and chapels; and civic buildings such as the Old School House, New Hall and Gaol, and memorial halls.
The trail also features unique landmarks like Martello Towers, Coastguard cottages, a miniature railway, and seaside amusements, showcasing Dymchurch’s rich maritime, military, and cultural heritage.
Explore the Folkestone Town Heritage Trail
Discover Folkestone’s rich history on the self‑guided Town Heritage Trail, a rewarding 2.25‑mile (3.5 km) walk that brings the town’s story to life from the harbour up through its historic streets to The Leas and the ancient parish church of St Mary & St Eanswythe.
The route links a series of interpretive panels that highlight key moments in the town’s past, from its medieval origins around 630 AD to its development as a seaside destination and important transport gateway.
Along the way you’ll see dramatic cliff‑top views, Martello Towers that once defended the coast, Victorian and Georgian landmarks, charming old streets and inviting cafes, as well as fascinating stories of smuggling, art, maritime trade and military history. You’ll pass sandy bays, historic harbour walls and scenic promenades that reflect Folkestone’s evolution through the centuries.
This free trail is available all year and usually takes around 2–2½ hours at a leisurely pace — perfect for families, history lovers and visitors who want to explore the heart of Folkestone on foot.
Walk the Royal Saxon Way
Step back in time on the Royal Saxon Way, a scenic walking route that takes you across the North Downs from Folkestone to Minster. This unique trail blends dramatic landscapes with the fascinating history of Kent’s early medieval queens and princesses, offering walkers a chance to explore both nature and heritage.
Stretching coast to coast, the route links 24 historic churches, including 16 active parish churches, many connected to powerful women who shaped the Kingdom of Kent in the 7th and 8th centuries. Along the way, you’ll discover shrines with relics of Anglo-Saxon princess saints, including a special site in Lyminge where two royal women were venerated—making this pilgrimage experience truly unique in Britain.
As you walk, enjoy sweeping views from the ridge-top paths, pass through peaceful villages, and uncover centuries of local history. Whether you’re interested in heritage, spirituality, or simply the pleasure of exploring the Kent countryside, the Royal Saxon Way offers a memorable journey at your own pace.
Explore Hythe’s Nature, History and Scenery
Hythe Civic Society has created a series of six countryside walks around Hythe that showcase the area’s beautiful landscapes, historic sites and varied terrain. All routes start and finish at Portland Road car park and can be adapted to suit your pace and interest, from easy strolls to longer challenges.
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Canal Stroll: A short, easy walk along the scenic Royal Military Canal, with views towards historic Lympne Castle—ideal for a gentle introduction to the area.
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Lympne Castle & Pedlinge: A moderate route that follows the canal, passes Lympne Castle and its church, and continues through the peaceful village of Pedlinge.
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Saltwood Circuit: Another short to moderate walk along the canal, past the old water mill and historic Saltwood Castle, before looping back through rolling countryside.
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North Downs Panorama: A longer, more demanding route climbing up to scenic vantage points such as Tolsford Hill, with panoramic views over the North Downs and countryside.
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Seabrook Circular: A route by the seafront, offering coastal walking and options to pass features like the Sene Valley Golf Course or Shorncliffe Military Cemetery.
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The Hythe Ring: The longest and most comprehensive walk, taking in the full perimeter of all the other five routes for a rewarding all‑day adventure.
The walks range from easy to demanding, offering something for everyone—whether you’re out for a short scenic ramble or a full‑day hike through history and countryside.
Discover the Lydd Town Trail
Explore the fascinating history of Lydd on the easy, 30‑minute self‑guided Lydd Town Trail. Pick up a free trail leaflet and stroll through the heart of this charming Romney Marsh town to uncover stories of ancient court halls, historic streets, famous mariners, smugglers and unique local characters.
Along the way, you’ll see notable highlights such as one of Kent’s oldest timber‑framed court halls, the impressive 12th‑century All Saints Church—known locally as the Cathedral of the Marsh—and its connections to Thomas Wolsey, as well as the final resting places of sailors and smugglers in the churchyard.
The trail also passes former pubs with tales of bare‑knuckle fighting and smuggling skirmishes, the old fire station‑turned‑museum, and the triangular common land known as the Rype, once gifted to the town for defending against invaders.
Perfect for visitors who love history, architecture and local stories, this walk offers a great taste of Lydd’s rich past in just half an hour.
Before setting out, be sure to check the weather, plan your route, and wear suitable footwear to make the most of your walk. Many of the trails vary in length and terrain, so take your time, enjoy the scenery, and soak up the history, stories, and landscapes along the way.
Whether you’re exploring villages, coastlines, or countryside, every step brings something new to discover—happy walking!