16 Canterbury – Folkestone – Hythe

This is a fantastic route that penetrates the heart of Kent, the garden of England and combines Chaucerian Canterbury with the delights of coastal Harbour and charming Hythe, with its famous narrow gauge railway.

Starting in the heart of Canterbury just a stone’s throw from the iconic Cathedral, the number 16 bus is soon submerged in the leafy, tree-lined pretty Kentish villages of Selsted, Densole and Hawkinge. Peace and serenity soon give way to the hustle and bustle of Folkestone with its increasingly cosmopolitan feel, particularly around the harbour area. Folkestone is where Kent’s North Downs adjoin the English Channel. The bus then continues through Seabrook to Hythe, a glorious coastal town on the edge of the picturesque Romney Marsh. There’s plenty to do in Hythe, be it picnicking or kite flying on the long sandy beach or of course a trip on the fantastic light railway.

Even before boarding the bus, there’s so much to do in Canterbury. Even a walk round this amazing medieval walled city which has been hosting pilgrims for more than 1,000 years, immerses folk in the incredible sights, heritage and resplendent culture and architecture, where modern and independent shops, award winning restaurants, breweries and chic cafes create an eclectic mix that magnetises visitors all year round.

If time only allows one attraction to visit, then it has to be Canterbury Cathedral, which dates back to the 11^th century and has been the scene of monumental events, including the planning of the Magna Carta to the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket.

The bus station is only 7-8 minutes walk from the Cathedral where you an be whisked away on the number 16 for more invigorating sights and insights into Kentish life.

First stop on the adventure is at Folkestone, a trip on the cliff lift up to the pretty promenade on the cliffs provides a fantastic view of the beach and English Channel where there’s a glorious long lawn, ornamental flowerbeds, the Leas Cliff Hall theatre, a bandstand and monuments as well as delightful cafes. Then it’s a stroll down the zig zag path to the sea and then into the historical town and what is known as The Creative Quarter, which is a cultural hotspot and is the home to galleries, artists’ studios and performance spaces, as well as shops, cafes and restaurants. There’s also the Quarterhouse which provides live music, film screenings, comedy and plays. Before boarding the bus to continue your journey, Folkestone Museum provides a great insight into the town’s absorbing history and its development from a low-key fishing village to chic Edwardian seaside resort. There’s also Roman artefacts and dinosaur fossils.

Back on the bus and 9 minutes later, the lovely village of Sandgate is reached and a stroll down the promenade overlooking the beautiful pebble beach is recommended. On a clear day, it’s possible to see the outline of the French coast in the distance and also occasionally dolphins in the bay. There’s a series of Martello towers and a small castle on the seafront, which is a reminder of the role that Sandgate played in protecting the shores from continental invaders in years gone by.

Returning to the number 16 bus and 18 minutes on and it’s the village of Hythe, where there’s stunning views to be enjoyed and swathes of parks as well as the chance to hire a rowing boat in the summer time. The 10^th century, St. Leonard’s crypt is worth a visit and then a venture on the 13.5 mile, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, which meanders its way, under steam and diesel haulage across the Romney Marshes to Dungerness. Returning to Hythe, a stroll down the High Street is also a ‘must do’, with its mixture of classic vintage and boutique shops and restaurants serving homemade cakes and chocolate treats to haute cuisine! There’s few High Streets in the UK that offer such a range of delights as Hythe.