2 days ago
The Kent seaside town with waterside walks and the world's oldest working pier train
A seaside town in Kent just 90 minutes from London is home to the world's oldest working pier train.
Known for its historic miniature railway and having the longest pier in the UK, Hythe offers a mix of things to do for a family-friendly day trip out of London, from nature walks and seaside views to shopping on its high street or taking a ride on the historic miniature railway.
Hythe offers a mix of things to do for a family-friendly day trip out of London, including nature walks and seaside views. (Image: Folkestone & Hythe District Council)
The town can be reached easily from London via Folkestone, which just takes a short taxi or bus ride to get to Hythe itself, or a 90-minute drive from London via the M20 if you're travelling by car.
One of the town's most significant features is its Victorian pier, built in 1881, which features the world's oldest working train and measures at 700 yards from start to finish.
The town can be reached easily from London via Folkestone. (Image: Folkestone & Hythe District Council)
But another railway that is equally as famous is the historic Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, which has been a part of the area since the 1920s and is a must-do attraction for anyone visiting the area.
This fully functioning, 15-inch gauge miniature railway takes passengers on a 13.5 mile stretch, stopping at 6 different points between Hythe and Dungeness.
The historic Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway has been a part of the area since the 1920s. (Image: Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway) The train passes through open marshland and the Kent coastline, offering an alternative way to get around and see some of Kent's beaches without the need for a car, with all-day Rover tickets costing £29 for adults and £14.50 for children.
But another of the area's historic places to visit is The Royal Military Canal, dug during the Napoleonic Wars, this space now offers plenty of space for walkers and cyclists.
Here you'll find Hythe Museum, which showcases the town's interesting past dating back to Roman times, with an array of artefacts from the town.
The Royal Military Canal was dug during the Napoleonic Wars. (Image: Folkestone & Hythe District Council)
But if history or walking isn't your thing, Hythe's high street offers a mix of independent shops and cafes, along with historic pubs like The King's Head – a Grade II listed pub dating back to 1583 and believed to be the town's oldest pub.
The town also offers plenty of scope for antique-hunters at spots like The Malthouse bric-à-brac market – a large antiques emporium set within a former arcade.
Hythe's beach offers a long stretch of shingle beach bordered by a promenade, well suited for walks or swimming, on account of its good water quality score.
