Property Hotspot: Hythe. The lowdown on this cool coastal town
Thinking about relocating to east Kent? We shine the spotlight on hidden property hotspots in the Muddy ‘hood to get the local lowdown…
Love to daydream about moving house? So do we! That’s why we’ve teamed up with property finding experts, Anita and Beth at Relocate to East Kent, to tell us all about the hidden property sweet spots in their neck of the woods.
Here they help us shed light on the places that are bursting with all the things we know you love and value – exceptional shops, restaurants, schools, transport links and community spirit. First up – Hythe! Shall we?
THE LOWDOWN
Once a strategic harbour, Hythe is now an upmarket seaside neighbour to fashionable Folkestone. Accessible within an hour from London, with stunning views of the English Channel, Hythe has become a popular spot for relocating to – whether you’re already a Kent local, a down-from-Londoner, or from further afield.
TRANSPORT
Travel from Folkestone West to St Pancras in London in just 50 minutes. (Folkestone West train station is 10 minutes away). The M20 will take you into London, it’s 10 minutes to the Channel Tunnel and 30 minutes to the M25.
IN LOVE WITH LOCAL
Enjoy a spot of shopping in the unique, independent shops that line the High Street plus there’s the essentials such as Waitrose, GP practices and dentists.
And there’s loads of gorgeous eateries to enjoy like Hide and Fox which was awarded a Michelin Star this year. Found in what was once the village shop, but is now an exciting dining experience run by couple, Allister Barsby and Alice Bussi. Start your night with a cocktail and enjoy modern British cuisine served in an intimate and relaxed environment, with a focus on carefully sourced seasonal ingredients and fine wines.
For relaxed dining, with beautiful sea views, benches on the beach and quirky interiors, grab a bite to eat at The Lazy Shack. Enjoy coffees, hot chocolate, cake, ice creams, breakfast, lobster and chips and brilliantly done, good old-fashioned fish ‘n’ chips. There’s even a shop which is fully stocked with fresh local produce including fresh fish, meat, Kentish cheeses, milk, sourdough bread, fruit and veg, sold at wholesale price.
Alternatively, only 10ft from the tranquil Hythe Beach, you’ll find The Waterfront Restaurant with fine dining and cocktail bar. Take in the stunning sea views, sit out on the sun terrace, enjoy cocktails at the bar or go for a classic family Sunday roast. It’s recently gone through an extensive refurbishment and rebranding, so definitely pop this on your list.
And, of course, you’ve got all the foodie favourites in Folkestone, so close by. Starting with The Bao Baron, the Pan-Asian street food restaurant which specialises in bao buns and ramen – and yes, you’ve got to try everything from the buns to broth! And there’s just so much we love about Pick-Up Pintxos, the basque-inspired restaurant sitting in the heart of the Creative Quarter in Folkestone.
Plus there’s all-day eatery, a café and grocery, Gourmet Kitchen. It’s a favourite hangout for the Folkestone locals with lots of wonderful continental delicacies with lots of Spanish and French influences. Or try Sotirio’s Restaurant serving delicious gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Salivating yet? And if you’re looking for something to wash all that tucker down then sit down and relax at The Pilot Beach Bar (winner of Best Bar in Kent as voted by you in our Muddy Awards 2022!) or head to the Lighthouse Champagne Bar, tucked into the Folkestone Lighthouse at the tip of Folkestone Harbour Arm. Soak in the views and enjoy champagne by the glass or the bottle.
OUT & ABOUT
As well as the stunning coastline (pictured above) Hythe has many other highlights to offer, including its charming High Street with all the boutique shops and restaurants.
There’s the popular Farmers Market, (open on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays every month from 10am to 1pm), selling everything from fresh local produce to antiques (pictured above).
Another well-known local landmark is the The Royal Military Canal that streches for 28 miles from Hythe, Kent, to Cliff End in East Sussex, (pictured above).
Situated on the banks of the Royal Military Canal you’ll find the RH&DR – Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, one of Kent’s quirkiest tourist attractions. These miniature steam locomotives travel along the coastline and offer a brilliant day out and lots of family fun throughout the year – from a sunny way to see the seaside to the wonderful Santa Special train ride.
Or why not visit the savannah, right here in Kent? Easily the best local attraction, Hythe is home to Port Lympne Safari Park, Wild Animal Reserve. Choose from a selection of unique safari experiences where zebra, wildebeest, ostrich, and many more animals roam free with stunning views to the Kent coastline.
You can even go behind the scenes and try one of the animal encounters. Budding animal keepers can find out what it takes to care for some of the world’s most endangered animals by getting hands on with a keeper experience.
Less than a 15 mins drive up the coastline takes you into Folkestone where you’ll find the super cool, restored Harbour Arm, (pictured above) a beautiful promenade out at sea which offers a whole load more than just a pretty awesome view (pictured below).
There’s live music and events throughout the year, plus a brilliant collection of small, independent businesses. It’s become a true destination for food and drink fans – with top food critics travelling to try the street food sellers.
You’ll also find Folkestone’s Creative Quarter, which has been steadily and successfully developed to regenerate Folkestone through creativity and is now a bustling and thriving district that is home to a wide-range of independent shops and studios.
The city of Canterbury (pictured above) is closeby and is perfect for culture vultures (think outstanding theatre, World Heritage Site, top tourist attraction) plus shopper paradise all rolled into one.
EDUCATING MUDDY
Seabrook Church of England Primary School is rated as outstanding by Ofsted. For secondary schools, Folkestone, situated just 4 miles away, has The Harvey Grammar School for boys and The Folkestone School for girls.
Or for independents you’ve got;
Ashford Prep set in the picturesque village of Great Chart with 273 pupils in Reception to Year 6 and of course, Ashford Senior School which is a thriving, co-educational day and boarding school.
In Canterbury there’s co-educational St. Edmund‘s which can take your children right the way through as it starts with Pre-School (from the age of 3) right up to Sixth Form with boarding (full-time, weekly and flexi) from Year 7.
Nearby is also the oldest school in the UK, offering boarding and day school, located within the esteemed surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral. The King’s School starts from Shell (equivalent of Year 9) and there’s Junior King’s for boys and girls aged 3 – 13.
Last but not least, Kent College Canterbury, steeped in history yet with a very modern and innovative attitude to education offers both Junior and Senior schools.
HOUSE PRICES
There are several building projects going on locally. The average house price is £454,689. Thinking of a move? Then you’ll want to know about Relocate to East Kent – a brilliant a local property buying agent, who do the searching on your behalf and can introduce you to your next home.
WHAT WE LOVE
Hythe has stunning shores, unique histories, expansive wildlife escapes and a strong community feel. There’s indie stores aplenty as well as top notch eateries hidden away – but despite all this it very much retains its low-key, down-to-earth vibe. Our bags are packed.