48 Hours in Hythe
If you’ve never spent a weekend in Hythe, you’re in for a treat. Nestled between the rolling hills of Kent and the sparkling English Channel, this coastal town blends history, nature, and sea air in perfect balance. It’s the kind of place where you can relax on a Victorian terrace, paddle a canal once dug to repel Napoleon, wander through open spaces, and round it all off with a steam train ride across the Romney Marsh.
Friday Evening – Check in and chill out
Begin your adventure at one of Hythe’s elegant seafront hotels. With their Victorian charm and welcoming atmosphere, they’re the ideal base for your stay. Ease into the weekend with a swim, a spa session, or simply a quiet drink as the sun sets over the Channel.
As evening falls, head into town for dinner. Hythe offers a mix of cosy restaurants and modern eateries, many making the most of Kent’s seasonal produce. Whether indoors or in a tucked-away garden, it’s a gentle introduction to Hythe’s warmth and character.
Saturday Morning – Canal calm and open spaces
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast, then set out to explore Hythe’s most distinctive landmark: the Royal Military Canal. Dug during the Napoleonic Wars, it’s now a green, tree-lined ribbon of calm running through the town. Walk its peaceful banks, hire a rowing boat, or try paddleboarding if you’re feeling adventurous.
Back in town, the High Street offers an inviting mix of traditional shops, antiques, and independent boutiques. Beyond the centre, open spaces such as Eaton Lands, Horn Street, and Oaklands provide meadows, woodlands, and far-reaching views — ideal for stretching your legs and soaking up the Kent countryside.
Saturday Evening – Sunset & Sparkle
Return to Hythe for the evening and follow the draw of the seafront. With wide views across the Channel, it’s the perfect setting for dinner or a drink as the sun slips below the horizon. Fresh, local seafood often takes centre stage, paired with the timeless backdrop of the waves.
Hythe also knows how to celebrate in style. Each August, the town hosts an annual Food Fair, where stalls showcase the very best in local produce, street food, and artisan treats — a lively celebration of Kent’s culinary scene. And if you’re here in an even year, the Hythe Venetian Fete transforms the Military Canal into a glowing carnival of decorated floats, music, and fireworks. Both events bring the community together and give visitors a taste of Hythe at its most vibrant.
Sunday – Steam trains, nature walks and sea air
Begin your day with a ride on the world-famous Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway. Since 1927, this miniature steam line has run from Hythe to Dungeness, carrying passengers across the wild expanses of Romney Marsh.
On your return, take part in one of the Hythe Civic Society’s nature walks. These guided routes showcase the town’s green corridors, coastal habitats, and historic landmarks, offering insights into Hythe’s landscapes that you might otherwise miss. It’s a rewarding way to blend fresh air with local knowledge.
Pause by the beach afterwards for a simple lunch or a moment to sit with the sea breeze — the perfect punctuation before heading uphill.
Sunday Afternoon – Heritage & Hills
Round off your weekend with a visit to St Leonard’s Church, which stands proudly above Hythe with sweeping coastal views. Its ossuary, one of only two in the country, holds shelves of centuries-old bones and skulls — eerie, fascinating, and unforgettable.
If you’d rather finish on a gentler note, Brockhill Country Park awaits just outside town. With woodland trails, open meadows, and a peaceful lake, it’s a calm and restorative way to close your 48 hours in Hythe.
