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Castles & History, Parks & Walks

Royal Military Canal, Hythe

Family Friendly

Napoleonic-era canal with a flat towpath, picnic tables and fishing platforms, running through Hythe and West Hythe. Green Flag award holder.

About Royal Military Canal, Hythe

The Royal Military Canal was dug as a Napoleonic-era defence and is now managed by Folkestone and Hythe District Council as a wildlife and recreation corridor; the council says it has held a Green Flag award every year since 2010. Footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways run alongside, and the 3m-wide Royal Military Road on the north side from Seabrook to Aldergate Lane suits walkers, riders, cyclists and disabled users. There is a small car park at West Hythe (off West Hythe Road) and a pay and display car park at the Seabrook end. Rowing boats can be hired from the Boat Hut on Ladies Walk in Hythe at £25 per boat for one hour, April to September. Fishing needs a permit and rod licence; magnet fishing is banned.

Accessibility

The 3m-wide Royal Military Road on the northern side, Seabrook to Aldergate Lane, is described by the council as suitable for walkers, horse riders, cyclists and disabled users. Four single fishing platforms are provided for disabled anglers.

Where it is

Details checked against the venue on 29 October 2026. Opening times change, so confirm before you travel.

What's on here

Eat and drink in Hythe

Restaurants

The Waterfront

Based in Hythe

Seafront restaurant on Marine Parade, Hythe, with a Sunday roast, live music nights and a takeaway menu.

Verified Oct 2026

PubsRestaurants

The White Hart

Based in Hythe

High Street pub and restaurant in Hythe with an Italian pizza oven, a bar of local beers and wines, and party bookings.

Verified Oct 2026

CafésRestaurants

The Lazy Shack

Based in Hythe

Family-run beachfront cafe and restaurant on Fishermans Beach, Hythe, serving breakfasts, burgers and seafood.

Verified Oct 2026

Restaurants

Hide and Fox

Based in Saltwood

Tasting-menu restaurant on The Green in Saltwood, near Hythe, with a wine list and cocktails. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Verified Oct 2026

Guides that mention Royal Military Canal, Hythe

More things to do in Hythe

Family Days Out

Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, Lympne

Lympne

Wild animal reserve in 600 acres near Hythe with a truck safari, Dinosaur Valley, gardens and cafes. Adult day tickets £32.73 to £40.

Family Friendly

Castles & History

St Leonard’s Church and Ossuary, Hythe

Hythe

Parish church on Oak Walk, Hythe, open daily. Its ossuary of medieval bones opens most days Easter to September and is generally closed in winter.

Family Friendly

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