The Area
So much to do in Hythe and surrounding areas for all ages
The area
Here is a selection of just some of our favourite places to visit in the vicinity of The Beach Escapes!
Hythe
There is so much to do in Hythe, including walking, water sports, sea and coarse fishing, cycling and golf. There really is something for everyone, and most of the activities can be enjoyed within walking or cycling distance.
The Beach Escapes is situated right on the family friendly beach in Hythe, a picturesque Kent Cinque Port that sits between Folkestone and Ashford and is overlooked by the pretty North Downs.
Many of our guests enjoy walking or cycling the short distance to the busy High Street with its wide range of independent boutiques, coffee shops and pubs.
There is a lot to do in Hythe so we hope the following ideas whet your appetite:
The town of Hythe is home to the starting point of the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, a narrow-gauge stream railway offering a regular service to Romney Marsh and the famous Dungeness Beach.
Running through the town is the Royal Military Canal, a scheduled ancient monument built at the turn of the 19th Century to defend Britain against Napoleon, a feature that reflects the town’s rich military history.
Port Lympne Wild Animal Park is just a 8 minute drive away where visitors of all ages can enjoy many of the personalised experiences on offer.
If you are a golfer, sailor or enjoy the occasional bike ride, you might find these sites useful:
• Hythe and Saltwood Sailing Club
If you are looking for a meal or drink close by, then both The Hope Inn and The Waterfront are very close to the property.
Sandgate
The pretty village of Sandgate is an easy walk or cycle along the promenade and is a great location for a pitstop if you are walking or cycling into Folkestone. Browse the many antique shops or rest up in one of the numerous cafés, pubs, bars and restaurants.
Folkestone
Folkestone is a harbourside town and is the closest large town to Hythe. The town has undergone a huge transformation in the last decade, which in turn has attracted a wealth of guests to stay in Hythe. Our guests often enjoy cycling or walking along the seafront promenade which extends, uninterrupted, from directly outside The Beach Escapes to Folkestone’s harbour; here the town’s most exciting changes can be seen.
The Harbour Arm, the former ferry terminal, has been beautifully restored and is home to over 40 individual pop-up eateries offering visitors a vast selection of cuisine from various cultures. There are many restaurants, including the renowned Rocksalt Restaurant and Bar, which offers unrivalled harbour and sea views. Many guests choose to visit Folkestone because of its Creative Quarter; Folkestone now has the largest collection of outdoor artwork anywhere in the UK and has a wealth of famous artists with work that can be viewed within the town including Banksy, Tracey Emin and Gormley. The Folkestone Triennial is a festival that celebrates the best that modern art has to offer, running once every three years from July until November.
The Lower Leas Coastal Park, located next to the seafront esplanade, has a wealth of flora and fauna and also boasts the largest free adventure play area in the South East, and an amphitheatre which hosts many theatre and musical performances during the warmer months. Directly above the coastal park is The Leas – Folkestone’s unique cliff top promenade steeped in history where you will find the town’s concert hall, the Leas Cliff Hall. Folkestone is a 20-minute bike ride, an hour’s walk or a short (five-minute) drive from The Beach Escapes.
Our favourite places to visit in Folkestone:
Ashford
Ashford is a rapidly-evolving town just a 15-minute drive from The Beach Apartments and attracts visitors because of its highspeed links via Ashford International train station. The McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, just a short walk from the train station at Ashford, is a destination for many of our guests. The outlet is home to around 70 big brands such as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Ted Baker, All Saints, Hollister, Boss, Reiss, Ugg, Michael Kors, Superdry and Nike, with all items available at significantly discounted prices. The outlet is also home to many eateries such as Wagamama, Pizza Express and Prêt a Manger, ideal for those looking to combine a meal away from the apartment with a shopping trip.
There are also many beautiful villages surrounding Ashford such as Pluckley (Kent’s most haunted village), Wye and Appledore. Nearby visitor attractions also include Smarden’s Big Cat Sanctuary, Godinton House and Gardens, and the Willesborough Windmill. Ashford is easily reached by car or bus from The Beach Escapes or by train from Folkestone West station.
Canterbury
Famous for its incredible history, its ancient architecture and its cosmopolitan shopping and dining scene, Canterbury is an obvious choice for guests to visit when they would like to explore further afield. Why not visit Canterbury Cathedral, take a tour of the city by river punt or rowing boat, or enjoy a show at the Marlowe Theatre? There are several visitor centres to explore including the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, as well as several wild animal parks including Howletts, Wingham Wildlife Park and Wildwood. Canterbury centre is a 35-minute drive from The Beach Apartments.
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