Hythe Attractions

The parish church of St Leonard is partly Norman with a splendid chancel; human skulls and bones were discovered in the crypt.

Fully restored artillery tower, built to defend against Napoleon. Highlights include a 24-pounder gun on the roof. Located in Dymchurch, west of Hythe.

The John Aspinall Wild Animal Park at Howletts has the world's largest group of gorillas in captivity. Other species include: African elephants, tigers, leopards, langurs and Black rhinos.

The second park at Port Lympne near Hythe is set in 300 acres. Here stands an historic mansion house containing the famous Rex Whistler Tent Room. Animal exhibits include: gorillas, buffalo, lions, elephants and Przewalski horses.

Hythe is the terminus of a narrow-gauge light railroad across Romney Marsh to Dungeness on the edge of the Lydd peninsula.

The steam and diesel locomotives, along with comfortable carriages, make the 13.5 mi journey from Easter until September.

The town of Hythe is traversed by the Royal Military Channel, now a popular meeting place for anglers and amateur ship's captains. It was originally constructed to provide a safe waterway to Rye at a time when there was a threat of invasion by Napoleon.

Saltwood Castle, 0.5mi/1km from Hythe is a fine Norman stronghold, from which the four knights who murdered Thomas Becket set out for Canterbury in 1170.