KENTSTAYCATION
HYTHE BAY
HYTHE IMPERIAL HEALTH CLUB AND SPA
PORT LYMPNE RESERVE
A QUICK TRIP :
HYTHE
ONCE A QUIET COASTAL MARKET TOWN ON THE EDGE OF THE INFINITE ROMNEY MARSH , HYTHE HAS STARTED TO SHAKE OFF ITS SLEEPY PERSONA , EMBRACING A COOLER SEASIDE FLAIR WHILE HOLDING ONTO THE BEST OF ITS SWEET ORIGINALITY .
Known for its quaint high street lined with boutiques , traditional shops , pubs , cafés and bistros , Hythe also boasts a seafront promenade , stretching pebble beach and picturesque canal . Originally known as one of the sleepier Kentish seaside towns , oozing tradition and a quiet , reserved charm , today Hythe continues to undergo an inspiring renaissance . Recently appearing as the setting for Netflix ’ s Back to Life , the town has seen an upsurge of intrigued visitors flocking to witness the town ’ s beauty and charisma first hand .
On blustery days the waves famously foam and roar over Hythe ’ s huge bay , which offers ample space for those looking to sit on the beach . On still evenings flooded with orange sunsets , Hythe Bay makes the perfect place for evening picnics and scenic strolls . If packing up a picnic doesn ’ t suit , The Waterfront Restaurant and Cocktail Bar ( www . the-waterfront . co . uk ) offers a seafront stage to witness all the ocean ’ s glory . If you are searching for a more sheltered spot to enjoy food , cocktails and more , Sunshine BBQ and Wine Bar ( www . sunshinehythe . co . uk ) sits on the high street serving authentic Turkish cuisine using only the finest local ingredients in the open-grill kitchen .
Start your day with a strong coffee and a fresh and tasty breakfast at Nutmeg Café ( www . instagram . com / nutmegcafe ), a sweet spot on the high street . Also serving delectable light lunches and supreme cakes that make for the perfect pairing with a comforting cup of tea , a trip to Nutmeg Café is ideal for lazy mornings with a book or chatting with your fellow travel companions . After exploring all the treasures on the high street , including gems such as Pixie ’ s of Hythe Boutique ( www . facebook . com / people / Pixieof-Hythe-Boutique ), a brilliant clothes boutique , and WOW Hythe ( www . facebook . com / wowhythe /), a delightful gift shop , there are plenty of activities and places to visit in the surrounding countryside . Hugely popular with vegans and vegetarians , Root Hythe ( www . roothythe . com ) is perfect for not only enjoying delicious fresh produce in the café , but also stocking up on gorgeous groceries to take home with you for cooking up a divine feast .
Brockhill Country Park is a spectacular trip on sunny days , with plenty to see and do including a central lake , open grassland and meadows , picnic area , play area and refreshments at the Brockhill Café ( www . facebook . com / brockhillcafe ). The park itself is rich in wildlife , including marbled white butterflies , green woodpeckers and carpets of snowdrops . It is also a Site of Nature Conservation Interest . Another brilliant outdoor adventure comes in the form of Port Lympne Reserve ( www . aspinallfoundation . org / port-lympne ), which offers everything from animal experiences and safaris to afternoon tea . On rainy days , The Ossuary and Crypt at St Leonard ’ s Church ( www . slhk . org / theossuary . htm ), which lies in an enthralling spot underneath the high street and church , is an intriguing experience for history buffs , children and those who crave a sense of mystery . Housing the largest and best-preserved collection of ancient human skulls and bones in Britain , this collection consists of shelves in four arched bays containing 1,000 skulls in total . The real mystery lies in who these people were , with theories ranging from those that died in the Battle of Hastings to Danish pirates .
For those looking for an extra-indulgent experience in Hythe , visit Hythe Imperial Health Club and Spa ( ww . hytheimperialhealthclub . co . uk ) which not only offers a myriad of spa treatments but is also home to lagoon-like pool for serene moments to really unwind in .
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