Hythe the hidden gem Kent town not far from London.

Looking for a retreat that isn’t a popular tourist destination? Then this hidden gem in Kes is ideal for you.

Hythe, a lovely seaside village in Kent, is only accessible by car, providing a calm respite from coastal towns with congested train terminals.

Despite being inaccessible by train, Hythe is not distant from south-east London. The little town is renowned for its spectacular high street, footpaths, and panoramic views of the sea and countryside, providing the best of both worlds.

Why you should visit the Kent seaside town of Hythe

Despite its modest size, Hythe is formidable, offering a diverse choice of activities and attractions.

Folkestone and Hythe’s website describes the old market town as possessing a “quintessential English High Street”.

It is also home to “historic old buildings, independent shops, cafes, and pubs,” all of which are a short walk from the magnificent stone pebble beach. Shops on the high street include Obidosh, which sells boutique items and homeware, WOW, a gift shop, and The Malthouse, an antique shop.

Hythe is also a fantastic destination for charity shopping, with various retailers on the high street, including Pilgrims Hospices, Demelza, British Red Cross, Barnardo’s, and more.

The small Kent town will not leave you hungry, with many restaurants, cafes, and pubs to choose from, including The Truffle Pig, The Lazy Shack on the seaside, Star Cafe and Bistro, and The White Hart Pub.

For those who enjoy walking, Hythe is an excellent destination, with a trip along the Royal Military Canal providing a chance to reconnect with nature.

Alternatively, you can drive a short distance to Brockhill Country Park, which dates back to Norman times and features a waterfall, a lake, meadows, a picnic and play area, and an on-site cafe.

Hythe Beach is a terrific site to take a dip in the sea, with dedicated swimming spaces, and the water quality was certified outstanding in 2024.

The beach has dog restrictions from May 1 to September 30 of each year, with all dogs needing to be on leads at all times. Despite being only accessible by automobile, Hythe has a train station that serves the Romney, Hythe, and Dymchurch Railway.

The railway has been open since 1927 and is known as “Kent’s Mainline in Miniature,” with one-third full-size steam and diesel engines ferrying visitors to the shore.

You may learn more about the Romney, Hythe, and Dymchurch Railway on the website.For places to stay, Hythe Imperial Hotel is very popular and on the seafront, with a bar and golf course on site.

You can also book rooms at The Swan Hotel, The Red Lion, or The Old Post Office Guest House, all located just off the main street.

There are also various guest houses along the seafront for rent, including Secret Hythe and The Beach Escapes.

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