Hythe Tourist Information

Hythe Historic Cinque Port Town

One of the original Cinque Ports and in fact the oldest of the Cinque Port charters dating back to 1278, Hythe declined in importance as a port after its harbour began to slowly silt up. At one time, prior to the Middle Ages during the Roman period the whole of the Romney Marsh area was underwater with locations as far inland now as Smallhythe near Tenterden once serving as port with direct access to the sea.

Indication of Hythe's signficance as a port town (its name derives for the old Engish word Hithe/Hythe translating as landing place) are the two nearby castles - Lympne and Saltwood, built to defend the town. (see comprehensive webguides to both Lympne and Saltwood Castles linked right). Saltwood has particular resonance as the believed site for the plotting of the murder of Thomas Becket by the four knights in service to Henry II.

Of particular interest in the town, slightly inland on the hillside, is the 11th Century St Leonard's church. Some features of this church, namely the Chancel, date from 1220. Underneath the chancel an ossuary (storage place for burial bones) was discovered. These bones dated from the medieval period and it's thought they were cleared to make way for newer graves. What's rare and unusual about these bones is that they were commonly disposed of and not kept. St Leonard's plays host to a selection of concerrts annually listed via the church's webguide link right.

A selection of both Georgian and Medieval buildings are dotted about the town, and the rather impressive Hythe town hall facade has seen a facelift in recent times. For a comprehensive tour of Hythe's cinque port and general history see the Hythe Community town webguide right.

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The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway

One of the most popular attractions in the Hythe and Romney Marsh area is the historic Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway. A 'mainline in miniature', this little public railway (the world's smallest!) opened in 1927 and stretches for 13.5 miles from Hythe to Dungeness taking in Romney Marsh.

The five stations on the line include Hythe, Dymchurch, St Mary's Bay, New Romney, Romney Sands and Dungeness. Each location offers a different host of attractions from the superb sandy beaches (a well kept secret) around Dymchurch and New Romney to the historic lighthouse and RSPB centre at Dungeness. Most attractions at each stop are within easy walking distance of the stations. New Romney is the main station on the line where you'll find the engine and carriage sheds, a Toy and Model Museum, the Model Railway Exhibition and a kids playground. For comprehensive details of facilities at each station check the Railway's webguide right.

Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, New Romney Station, New Romney, Kent TN28 8PL. Tel. 01797 362353. Hythe's station is located just on the banks of the Royal Military Canal, and continues on following the line of some of the canal. Parking facilities and a railway shop are on-site.

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The Royal Military Canal & Romney Marsh Countryside Project

Finished in 1805, the Royal Military Canal was too late to serve in its intended defence role as Trafalgar had already been won against Napoleon and attack on British shores was averted. Nicknamed 'Pitt's Ditch', for it was Prime Minister William Pitt who had convinced local farmers of the canal's importance for defence and its benefits as irrigator in summer and drainage in winter, the Royal Military Canal stretches for 28 miles from Seabrook through Hythe to Cliff End in East Sussex.

The canal proved somewhat of an embarassment to the government of the day and Pitt after Trafalgar was won. The cost of building it had been huge by Georgian standards. The government never did recoup the huge funds spent on the canal which winds its way across the Romney Marsh into Sussex, despite opening it up after 1805 to tolled barge traffic. However the Royal Military Canal did fulfil its potential as irrigator and drainer and was of great service to local farmers.

Today, under the eye of the Romney Marsh Countryside Project, the canal is a haven for wildlife and a popular leisure attraction for walkers, cyclists, boating and fishing. Walking the canal's full stretch is popular over a weekend (see weekend walking of the canal via the Royal Military Canal's webguide right. The walk begins at Folkestone West Railway station and ends at Cliff End in Sussex having passed through Rye). The Canal takes in two of the historic South East Cinque Ports - Hythe & Rye. A bonus for cyclists is the surfaced 5 mile stretch of the canal from Seabrook through Hythe to the West Hythe Dam. The Sustrans National Cycle Trail 2 from Dover to Portsmouth follows the Royal Military Canal for a few miles. For more information seet the Royal Military Canal and Romney Marsh Countryside Project's websites linked right.

Romney Marsh Countryside Project, Romney Marsh Day Centre, Rolfe Lane, New Romney, Kent TN28 8JR. Tel. 01797 367934. Cycle hire in Hythe from N.C. Cycles, 19 Seabrook Road, Hythe. Tel. 01303 262100.

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Port Lympne Animal Park near Hythe

Covering a massive 600 acres, Port Lympne alongside sister Kent animal park Howletts, is one of the best conservation animal parks in the UK. Outside of Africa it's here at Port Lumpne that you'll find the largest breeding programme of Black Rhinos. Other animals include Siberian tigers, African elephants, monkeys, lions and more. Inclusive in the 600 acres is a mansion home and landscaped gardens.

Take a day safari in a jeep at Port Lympne and meet the keepers. A special animal park indeed, the world's largest gorrillarium is here and they have two feeding sessions a day at 12 noon and 3pm. In all Port Lympne animal park is home to 90 rare or endangeered species from around the world. Events run throughout the year, free parking, restaurants, picnic areas, kids adventure playground, a gift shop and more are all on-site.

Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Lympne, Nr Hythe, Kent, CT21 4PD. Tel. 01303 264647. Find it near Lympne, south of Ashford and just off the M20 motorway/Junction 11 clearly signposted with brown signs. Open every day except Christmas day. Summer: 10am to 6pm (last admission 4.30pm). Winter (From 29th October): 10am to 5pm (last admission 3.30pm).

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