Availability Search
Property Search
Discover Folkestone
Exciting sights, scenes and sounds are aplenty at Hythe's famous family-appeal attractions: the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Light Railway - the world's smallest public railway, which starts near the town centre and runs fourteen miles across the Romney Marsh to the shingle headland of Dungeness; and, four miles away, Port Lympne and its internationally renowned wild animal park.
RH&DR miniature trains - fifteen-inch gauge, some steam-hauled, some diesel hauled - run daily from Easter to September, at weekends and school holidays in February, March and October, with special runs before Christmas and on other advertised occasions. There are six stations along the route. As well as providing a scenic ride across the Marsh, the railway is a good way to get to the superb sandy beaches along St Mary's Bay.
Allow plenty of time to enjoy Port Lympne: it could be an all-day experience. The wild animal park, with a magnificent mansion in landscaped gardens, is set in 400 acres of countryside roamed by herds of captive-bred black rhinos, elephants, lions and tigers. Safari trailer rides make exploring easy. There are indoor and outdoor cafes as well as places to picnic. Except on Christmas Day, Port Lympne is open every day of the year. The park is the impressive venue for seasonal concerts and other events and there are opportunities to stay overnight as part of an exciting 'safari experience' to watch the animals.