JUST because the weather is getting windier and colder, doesn’t mean you can’t still head to some of the UK’s best seaside towns.
And one of my favourites is often overlooked as a holiday destination because of it’s more famous neighbour.
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Hythe, in Kent, is a short bus ride from Folkestone, although I recommend the walk along the promenade (as long as you wrap up warm).
Because it doesn’t have it’s own train station that connects to other towns, although the Hythe Railway Station runs local vintage trains.
But it is worth the journey.
More village-sized than a bustling town, the main high street is where you will find everything you need.
Read more on seaside towns
I always start with a coffee from the tiny, locally-run Mit Milche Coffee.
The town isn’t short of cafes, but I always head to the cosy Root which serves vegetarian options of quiches and sandwiches (the best seat is by the window which is full of plants and where the light pours in).
Otherwise if you want a bargain, you are spoilt for choice by charity shops as well.
I love exploring the Malthouse Arcade as well, which is only open Friday and Saturday but is full of all the books, vinyls and trinkets you can think of.
But one of the prettiest – and unusual – attractions in the middle of the town is the 28-mile Royal Military Canal.
Built between 1804 and 1809, it was meant to be a mean of protection during the Napoleonic War.
However, it was never actually used for this purpose but now remains a beautiful stretch of water to walk down.
Squint your eyes a bit and you could be in Amsterdam.
Otherwise if you want some beach time, the Hythe waterfront has amazing views of France on a clear day.
You’ll always find a crowd at The Waterfront Hythe even on a cold day, with Sunday the best time for a full roast dinner and sometimes live DJ sets.
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Of course, a pub is always the best place to warm up in, so you have choices including the Kings Head, dating back to 1583, as well as the cozy White Hart.
And on the outskirts of town is Hide & Fox which gained a second Michelin star earlier this year.
I’m yet to stay myself but one of the most popular places is the Hythe Imperial, a converted Victorian hotel right on the beach that has a beachfront champagne bar.
To get to Hythe, trains from London St Pancras to Folkestone West take 52 minutes, followed by a 15 minute taxi or 25 minute bus ride.
Between Hythe and Folkestone is Sandgate – here is why it is also worth a visit.
Otherwise here are my top tips for a trip to Folkestone.
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