Kent (the Garden of England) has so much to offer engaged couples!

Kent (the Garden of England) has so much to offer engaged couples!

Why not book a reconnaissance visit at our fabulous coastal hotel in the pretty Cinque Port town of Hythe and see for yourselves just how much this area has to offer?  

Kent, known by many as the ‘Garden of England’ for its countless areas of outstanding natural beauty, is a great location for a wedding; it is also very easily accessible from London and other parts of the country, as it is served by two motorways and excellent train connections, including high-speed train routes.

If you are considering a Kent wedding, why not pay us a visit and take some time to get to know the county? Steeped in history, Kent has so much to offer everyone, from wild sea swimming and an extensive cycle network to a myriad of stunning walks. There are many fabulous shopping venues and some of the best bars and restaurants in the UK – and much more besides!

Hythe itself is a great town to explore – take a walk along the promenade (all the way to Folkestone if you’re feeling particularly active), stroll along the canal or explore the quaint High Street, with its independent shops and superbly-run charity shops.

The vibrant town of Folkestone is just a short drive north, along the coastal road from Hythe via the pretty village of Sandgate. Here, the Harbour Arm, which has many bars, pop-up food outlets and restaurants, offers a varied programme of events, including outdoor film and sports screenings, live music and weekend markets. There’s also the Creative Quarter, Quarterhouse theatre and renowned Old High Street.

If you are a history lover, then why not visit the famous city of Canterbury, just 30 minutes north-west of Hythe either along the Roman road, Stone Street, or through the picturesque Elham Valley? Visit the city’s famous cathedral, have a punt on the river, take a walk along the city walls and then enjoy one of the many quaint pubs, trendy bars or restaurants tucked away in one of the cobbled lanes.

The impressive castles of Dover, Deal and Walmer are also close by, together with the WWII shelters at the county’s most famous landmark, the White Cliffs of Dover. There is also the Battle of Britain Museum, with its excellent cakes and, on a clear day, fabulous views over to France.

If you are a shopaholic, then the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet in Ashford is a must-visit, just 20 minutes away from our hotel. Having undergone extensive renovations, this expansive shopping centre is home to 90+ top designer fashion brands, as well as a range of cafés and restaurants. If you have time, you could always pop for a spot of refreshment at the nearby Curious Brewery.

If you have children, and are thinking of combining your wedding with a family holiday, there is ample for them to do – including our numerous beaches, perfect for beach-combing, and sporting activities such as paddle boarding in Folkestone’s harbour. There are larger attractions including the Aspinall Foundation’s wild animal parks of Howletts and Port Lympne, as well as Wingham Wildlife Park.

The Romney Hythe and Dymchurch railway is a must-do when you are here in Hythe – if you have children or not! These world famous one-third full-size steam and diesel locomotives power their way along 13½ miles of track ending up at Dungeness.  A National Nature Reserve, Dungeness is a unique corner of Kent with over 600 species of plant life. There’s the iconic lighthouse to visit as well as Derek Jarman’s famous garden – and some great places for fish and chips!

Finally, if you’re feeling really adventurous, why not jump on the Eurotunnel? There are some lovely restaurants in Calais and Boulogne, or another couple of hours’ driving will see you reach Antwerp, renowned for its diamonds – just perfect for a proposal…!

Kent is the perfect place for a mini-break – and an even more perfect spot to tie the knot. Why not come and visit the Hythe Imperial – the perfect Kent location by the beach?

If you have enjoyed reading our blog and would like to discuss your wedding plans with one of our fabulous event team, get in touch today!