Hythe is one of those places that is a bit of a secret along the Kent coast. Its very name is the "landing place” and historically was a major port on the English Channel. It is also one of the original five Cinque Ports that provided naval support for monarchs and as such the railway and military canal has serviced connections across this corner of the Kent coast over many years. Since those days, the harbour has silted up so it no longer functions as the busy port it once was, but it is a popular seaside town with all sorts of activies and amenities, perfect now for those precious holiday getaways.

Culture and castles can be found here, including a Hythe at Saltwood and Lympne. Saltwood was the ancestral home of Lord Deedes. Port Lympne the wildlife reserve sits beside Lympne castle. The reserve park is now dedicated to conservation of endangered species and visitors can take an Safari tour around a huge park and, enjoy experiencing wild animals up close. There are even experiences and a choice of cafes and restaurants on site to enjoy.

The views across to France are spectacular down at the pebble bay. Hythe is the Northern Terminus of the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway which runs through Romney marsh to the wild shingle peninsular that is Dungeness. This miniature railway was set up by Captain Howey and Count Zborowski in 1927 and runs steam trains seasonally and particularly lovely at Christmas time for all the family. f

Hythe is also the starting point of the Royal Military Canal which runs to Winchelsea and was built as a defence against Napoleonic invasion. It now provides a wonderful habitat for all sorts of wildlife including birds, frogs and with dappling light cascading among the tress, quite the place for a tomantic walk. The summer brings life to the canal with the hire of river boats for couples and small families to enjoy - you can also grab a cone on your way via the resident ice-cream van. Every other year, the town holds a Venetian Festival on the part of the canal that runs through the centre with amusing floats, music and fireworks making for an entertaining evening.

Another form of defence against Napoleon were 74 Martello Towers constructed between Folkestone and Seaford. Three towers survive in Hythe and one of them is a private house with splendid sea views!