Herne Bay Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Herne Bay, a charming coastal town located in the southeast of England, is a hidden gem that offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, history, and leisure activities. Nestled on the picturesque coast of the Canterbury district in Kent, Herne Bay is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant seaside atmosphere, and intriguing heritage.

One of the main attractions of Herne Bay is its beautiful coastline, stretching for miles, with wide sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the promenade, take in the fresh sea air, and soak up the panoramic views of the English Channel. The town boasts not one, but two distinct beaches – the Central Beach and the West Beach. Central Beach is perfect for family days out, with its shallow waters and traditional seaside amenities, including amusement arcades and ice cream stalls. On the other hand, West Beach is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, offering excellent conditions for windsurfing, sailing, and jet skiing.

For history buffs, Herne Bay provides a fascinating glimpse into its past. The town is home to the striking Herne Bay Clock Tower, a Grade II-listed Victorian landmark that commemorates the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. The tower offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the town, making it a popular spot for visitors. Additionally, the Herne Bay Museum and Gallery showcases the rich heritage of the area, with exhibits ranging from local archaeology to maritime history.

Nature lovers will be captivated by the tranquil beauty of Herne Bay's surroundings. Just a short distance away lies the idyllic Reculver Country Park, a nature reserve with picturesque walking trails, wildlife habitats, and the iconic Reculver Towers – the remains of a Roman fortification and medieval church. Exploring this serene landscape is a perfect way to reconnect with nature and enjoy some peaceful moments away from the bustling town.

When it comes to dining and entertainment, Herne Bay does not disappoint. The town boasts a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and pubs, offering everything from traditional fish and chips to international cuisine. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the vibrant local arts scene, with regular art exhibitions, live music performances, and theater productions throughout the year.

Alternative names: Population: 36.6 thous.Area: 4.17 mi²Elevation: 33 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 51°22'18"N, 1°7'43"E

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Herne Bay Top Attractions

Herne Bay Attractions - What to See and Explore

Herne Bay offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: St Mary's Church, Herne Bay Museum and Gallery, King's Hall, Central Bandstand. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Ruins • Archaeological site
St Mary's Church
St Mary's Church, Reculver, was founded in the 7th century as either a minster or a monastery on the site of a Roman fort at Reculver, which was then at the north-eastern extremity of Kent in south-eastern England.
History museum • Art museum • Museum
Herne Bay Museum and Gallery
The Seaside Museum Herne Bay is a local museum in Herne Bay, Kent, England. It was established in 1932 and is notable for being a seaside tourist attraction featuring local archaeological and social history, for featuring the history of the town as a tourist resort, for its local art exhibitions, and for its World War II bouncing bomb.
Concerts and shows • Event space • Theater
King's Hall
The King's Hall is a theatre, concert hall and dance hall at Herne Bay, Kent, England. It was built as The Pavilion in 1903–1904, developed as the King Edward VII Memorial Hall in 1913 in memory of the late king, and was being called The King's Hall by 1912 while still at planning stage.

Music and shows • Nightlife • Park
Central Bandstand
The Central Bandstand, known as the Bandstand, in Herne Bay, Kent, England, was designed by H. Kempton Dyson in 1924, extended with an art deco frontage in 1932, and refurbished between 1998 and 1999. It is one of the coastal landmarks of the town.
Historical place • Tower
Clock Tower
The Clock Tower, Herne Bay, is a Grade II listed landmark in Herne Bay, Kent, England. It is believed to be one of the earliest purpose-built, free-standing clock towers in the United Kingdom. It was funded by Mrs Ann Thwaytes, and now serves as a memorial to the fallen of the Second Boer War.
Park
Curtis Wood
Curtis Wood is a 5.3-hectare Local Nature Reserve in Herne in Kent. It is owned and managed by Canterbury City Council. This wood has diverse ground flora including early purple and greater butterfly orchids. There is also a semi-improved meadow. There is access from Canterbury Road.
Church • Gothic architecture
Church of St Mary the Virgin
The Church of St Mary the Virgin, Reculver, is an Anglican church on Reculver Lane in the village of Hillborough, in the parish of Reculver, in north-eastern Kent, England. Built between 1876 and 1878, it is the second such church on its site.
Windmill
Herne Windmill
Herne Windmill is a Grade I listed smock mill in Herne, Kent, England, that was built in 1789.
Piers and boardwalks • Historical place
Herne Bay Pier
Herne Bay Pier was the third pier to be built at Herne Bay, Kent for passenger steamers. It was notable for its length of 3,787 feet and for appearing in the opening sequence of Ken Russell's first feature film French Dressing.
Village • Ruins
Hampton-on-Sea
Hampton-on-Sea is a drowned and abandoned village in what is now the Hampton area of Herne Bay, Kent. It grew from a tiny fishing hamlet in 1864 at the hands of an oyster fishery company, was developed from 1879 by land agents, abandoned in 1916 and finally drowned due to coastal erosion by 1921.

Day trips

Herne Bay – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Herne Bay, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Canterbury Cathedral (Canterbury), Leeds Castle (Maidstone), Dover Castle (Dover).

6.7 miS
Norman-era building with ornate windows
Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury
Canterbury Cathedral, a beacon of English history and spirituality, stands in the heart of the medieval city of Canterbury, England. This majestic cathedral is the mother church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, a...
23 milesW
Historic landmark with a moat and maze
Leeds Castle, Maidstone
Leeds Castle, often referred to as "the loveliest castle in the world," is a quintessential historical attraction nestled in the charming countryside of Maidstone, Kent, in England. This impressive stone fortress, surrounded by a picturesque moat and set within acres...
19 milesSE
Museum, Forts and castles, Historical place
Dover Castle, Dover
Dover Castle, perched atop the iconic white cliffs of Dover, is a monumental testament to medieval architecture and English heritage. As one of the largest castles in England, it has been strategically significant since its initial construction in the 11th century.
27 milesW
Norman edifice with a 14th-century door
Rochester Cathedral, Gillingham
Rochester Cathedral, a beacon of English heritage and a testament to architectural grandeur, stands proudly in the heart of Rochester, England. This magnificent cathedral, which dates back to 604 AD, is not just the second oldest in England but also an enduring symbol...
12 milesSE
Golf
Princes Golf Club
Princes Golf Club, nestled in the charming county of Kent in the United Kingdom, is a true haven for golf enthusiasts. This prestigious golf course, with its rich history and stunning coastal setting, offers golfers of all levels a challenging and enjoyable experience.