Between Dungeness And Deal Is A Charming Coastal Town With Fresh Seafood, Historic Sites, And A Scenic Beach

Some people's idea of a great vacation is to relax by the beach. For others, it's exploring ancient ruins. If you think these have to be two separate vacations, think again. Make your way down to the Kent coastline in the southeast of England, where you will find a quiet market town called Hythe. With a long stretch of pebbly shoreline, sun-seekers can enjoy the seaside atmosphere, while history buffs wander around Saltwood Castle, a medieval fortress tucked amidst the trees beyond the beach. Londoners craving a weekend getaway can hop on a train to reach Hythe in just 90 minutes.

Saltwood Castle isn't the only historic landmark to be found in Hythe. Scattered all along the town's seafront are rounded turrets called Martello Towers, which were built during the Napoleonic Wars. Anyone relaxing on Hythe Beach can easily walk over to explore the towers, where soldiers would once have been stationed to keep watch for Napoleon's ships on the coastline. Cutting through town is the England Coast Path, which traces the banks of the Royal Military Canal, another relic of the Napoleonic era. Keen trekkers can head out for a scenic walk on the canal surrounded by lush greenery.

After strolling the beach and exploring the town, Hythe offers an array of seafood joints to enjoy a tasty meal. From Dungeness — home of "Britain's only desert" — the journey to Hythe is just 30 minutes by car, or 90 minutes by bus. The town of Deal is less than hour away by car and 90 minutes by public transportation. Turn a day trip into a relaxing getaway by staying overnight at the Hythe Imperial, a posh spa hotel, or The Old Post Office Boutique Guesthouse, an Edwardian-era mansion. Visitors will also find vacation rentals right by the beachfront on sites like Airbnb. 

Upon arriving in Hythe, history fiends should head straight for Saltwood Castle just north of town. While currently a private residence, gravel footpaths circling the perimeter of the castle are open to the public, allowing visitors to admire the medieval architecture and surrounding grounds. Crenellated walls and rounded towers are ringed by a moat, creating an almost fairytale-like scene. The footpath leads into shady woodlands, where a stretch of the historic castle is visible between gnarled old trees. The castle also welcomes visitors for special events in May and September.

Though much of Saltwood's architecture dates to the 12th century, its origins stretch back even further to the Anglo-Saxon period. Much later, the castle captured the attention of a prominent Nazi Party leader. Had the Germans successfully invaded England during World War II, one of Hitler's top commanders, Hermann Göring, planned to move into Saltwood Castle and make it his home.

From the castle, a roughly 20-minute walk brings history buffs to St. Leonards Church, which dates back to the 11th century. "The crypt is a must visit," wrote a previous visitor on Google, and for good reason — it's said to have the best collection of preserved ancient human skulls in all of England. Stacked in giant piles and lined along shelves reaching the ceiling, the skulls have been in the crypt since at least the 17th century. Explore the church's sloping grounds for views of the town in the distance. Next, find more adventures in nearby Rye, a postcard-pretty village with historic streets and cozy pubs.

If historic landmarks don't excite you, head to Hythe Beach instead. Backed by rows of cottages, the pebbly beach offers plenty of space to stroll or sit and enjoy the sound of waves. A paved promenade runs parallel to the beach, with a handful of benches to rest your legs. Fishing trawlers can be spotted on the shingles, as well as occasional windsurfers on the water. On sunny days, gentle green hills can be seen at the far end of the beach, making the scenery even more picturesque. Walk along the paved promenade for just over 30 minutes to Seabrook Beach in the neighboring village of Seabrook, where you'll find the eastern entrance to the Royal Military Canal. 

Visitors craving fresh seafood are in luck, as Hythe has plenty of great options to choose from. Highly-rated on Google is The Lazy Shack, which overlooks the beachfront. Get classic battered fish with a side of fries, mushy peas, and curry sauce, or tuck into dressed crab, oysters, and smoked salmon salad. Grab a seat inside the rustic, wood-paneled dining room, or sit at the picnic tables outside to enjoy the sea breeze. The breakfast menu includes tasty options like a baguette with scallops and smoked salmon on toast.

For a classic English pub atmosphere, stop by The Butt of Sherry, also well-rated on Google. Pair seafood appetizers like calamari and a shrimp cocktail with mains like fisherman's pie, garlic prawns, and seabags with red pepper sauce. The brick walls and beamed ceilings inside create a cozy vibe for dining, and the patio is perfect for warmer days. Once you've had your fill of Hythe, drive about 40 minutes to Canterbury, a historic city with unparalleled architecture.