Herne Bay Area Guide

With a photogenic seafront and peaceful parks, Herne Bay is a seaside town with charm to spare. Situated on the Kent coast with easy access to London, property in Herne Bay has undergone a renaissance in recent years, as the town rebrands itself as a sporting and leisure hub.

Welcome to Herne Bay

Home to a diverse selection of shops, cafés and restaurants, and several notable sports clubs, Herne Bay is a classic coastal town popular with lovers of sailing, windsurfing and jet skiing. Whether you’re getting out on the water or taking a stroll around the seafront gardens, Herne Bay will draw you in with its beautiful surroundings and traditional attractions. There's a pier, a historic clock tower and even a bandstand. What’s not to love?

Why Herne Bay is ideal for families

Property in Herne Bay is perfect for families who’d like to be close to the coast with access to excellent schools. Herne Bay High School is a highly-regarded secondary catering for ages 11 to 18, while for younger kids, Hampton Primary School, Herne Bay Junior School and Reculver Church of England Primary are all considered fantastic choices.

Getting around in Herne Bay

Herne Bay lies just off the A299, leading to Margate and Ramsgate and inland to the M2. Herne Bay railway station offers services to London Victoria every 30 minutes with a journey time of just one hour 20 minutes and to Cannon Street every 30 minutes with a journey time of two hours. Dover is one hour and 15 minutes away by train, with a change at Faversham.

A short history of Herne Bay

Herne Bay was a popular resort in the late 19th century thanks to its sunny location and vibrant seafront. Today you can still see several grand Victorian buildings along the water, including one which now houses The Ship Inn. Although the town’s status as a resort declined with the arrival of cheap overseas flights, it’s reinvented itself as a watersports hub in recent years.

Sporting and Highlights in Herne Bay

Sport plays an important role in the local community. There are excellent watersports facilities, including a rowing club, sailing club and yachting club and a jet ski centre. Away from the seafront, Herne Bay has its own football and hockey clubs, while there are plenty of leisure facilities on offer, including Herons Leisure Centre, which boasts a gym and swimming pool.

Dining out in Herne Bay

Property in Herne Bay doesn’t just benefit from sports and leisure facilities close by – there are several excellent restaurants in the town too. Local favourites include A La Turka, Saloon Bar & Grill, as well as The Wallflower vegan café. Herne Bay is also home to several popular pubs, including The Hampton Inn, The Divers Arms and The Four Fathoms – named Kent Pub of the Year in 2018.