This summer, there’s a brand-new way to discover everything Herne Bay has to offer.
Launching during Herne Bay Festival, a new hop-on, hop-off land train will be running from Sunday 26 July to Friday 31 July, offering residents and visitors a fun, affordable and sustainable way to explore the town while supporting the fantastic independent businesses that make Herne Bay such a vibrant seaside destination.
Whether you’re visiting for the day, enjoying a weekend on the Kent coast or attending the festival, the land train makes it easy to leave the car behind, travel at a slower pace and discover more of the Bay.
Operating daily from 10am until 4pm, the train will follow a circular route approximately every 30 minutes. An all-day ticket costs just £2 per person, with children under three travelling free, making it an affordable way for families to enjoy a full day out.
Hop on, hop off and explore
The route has been carefully designed to connect visitors with some of Herne Bay’s best-loved attractions and shopping streets. Begin your journey at Herne Bay Pier, recently recognised as the second-best pier in the UK by the National Piers Society. With its colourful Pier Village, independent traders, family attractions and panoramic sea views, it’s the perfect place to start your adventure.
From there, hop off in William Street, where you’ll find a fantastic collection of independent boutiques, cafés, restaurants and local businesses. Whether you’re searching for a unique gift, enjoying lunch with friends or stopping for coffee and homemade cake, it’s a wonderful place to experience the friendly atmosphere that makes Herne Bay so special.
The train also stops along Central Parade, ideal for enjoying a stroll along the seafront, before continuing to Memorial Park, where families can relax, children can play and everyone can enjoy one of the town’s beautiful green spaces.
Discover Herne Bay Festival
The arrival of the land train coincides with the opening week of Herne Bay Festival, one of Kent’s most loved community festivals, running from 24 July to 16 August.
Throughout the festival you’ll discover a packed programme celebrating arts, music, creativity, heritage and community, making this one of the best times of year to visit Herne Bay.
Festival highlights during the land train week include:
- Herne Bay Folk Festival, bringing live music to venues across the town, from cafés and pubs to outdoor spaces and the seafront.
- Beach Creative’s summer exhibitions, showcasing inspiring work from local and regional artists alongside creative workshops and events.
- Family activities at the Seaside Museum, where exhibitions, trails and interactive experiences offer something for visitors of all ages.
- Theatre performances at the Herne Bay Little Theatre, including festival productions and community performances.
- Sandcastles in the Sky, a much-loved family event celebrating creativity on the beach.
- Guided coastal walks and heritage experiences that showcase Herne Bay’s fascinating history and beautiful coastline.
The land train provides the perfect opportunity to hop off, enjoy an event, explore the town centre and continue your journey at your own pace.
A more sustainable way to visit
The land train isn’t just a fun attraction, it’s also a great way to explore Herne Bay more sustainably. You can travel between attractions on the land train or on foot, helping to reduce traffic congestion and allowing you time to discover the independent businesses, cafés, restaurants and cultural attractions that make the town unique.
It’s an opportunity to experience Herne Bay in a way that supports both the local economy and a more sustainable approach to tourism.
Make a day of it
Why not start your morning with breakfast in one of Herne Bay’s independent cafés before hopping aboard the land train?
Spend the day browsing the high street’s independent shops, discover the latest exhibitions at Beach Creative and the Seaside Museum, stroll along the award-winning pier, enjoy lunch overlooking the sea and finish your visit with an ice cream, family fun on the seafront or an evening of live music as part of the festival.
Whether you’re visiting with family, meeting friends or exploring solo, there’s something to enjoy around every corner.
This summer, slow down, support local and discover more of Herne Bay.
For just £2, the new land train offers the perfect way to experience one of Kent’s most welcoming seaside towns while making the most of everything Herne Bay Festival has to offer.
Hop aboard, explore more and enjoy a memorable summer by the sea.
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