The Perfect Day on Foot in Herne Bay

There’s something special about discovering a seaside town on foot, and Herne Bay is made for slowing down, wandering and seeing where the day takes you. From an award-winning pier and beautiful coastal views to independent shops, creative spaces and plenty of tempting places to eat, lace up your walking shoes and discover the Bay one stop at a time.

Start your day by the Sea

Begin your adventure along the promenade at the award-winning Herne Bay Pier, open for a wander daily from 8am (weather permitting), where colourful beach huts, traditional seaside fun and the independent businesses of Pier Village provide the perfect introduction to the town whatever time of the year. Browse the Pier Village, home to an eclectic collection of independent traders and makers. You never know what you might discover!

Before setting off from here, take time for coffee, breakfast or brunch. With restaurants and cafés dotted along the seafront, you can start your morning with coffee and something delicious while enjoying sea views.

Stroll along the promenade 

From the pier, follow the seafront towards Waltrop Gardens. Find a spot for a coffee, enjoy the gardens and take in that fresh sea air before continuing along the promenade.

Along the way, look out for the statue of pioneering aviator Amy Johnson, before reaching Herne Bay’s historic Clock Tower, one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks and a perfect place to pause for a photograph. But don’t stay on the seafront, some of Herne Bay’s best discoveries are waiting just a few streets away.

Discover Independent Herne Bay

Turn towards the town centre and make your way into William Street, where you’ll find a fantastic collection of independent businesses and galleries. Browse fashion, gifts, homeware, art, specialist food and plenty more before visiting the Seaside Museum, where you can delve into Herne Bay’s fascinating history and seaside heritage.

Continue exploring Mortimer Street and the High Street, where more independent businesses await, offering local products and services.  By now, you’ll probably be ready for lunch and spoilt for choice. From relaxed cafés and traditional favourites to restaurants serving flavours from around the world, there are plenty of places across William Street, Mortimer Street and the High Street to refuel.

Add a little culture 

After lunch, head to one of the fabulous galleries in the town centre, then make your way to Beach Street and Beach Creative. This vibrant community arts centre hosts a regularly changing programme of exhibitions, giving you a reason to return time and again. Take some time to explore the exhibitions and discover work by local and visiting artists.

Finish somewhere green 

Complete your walk at Memorial Park, one of Herne Bay’s much-loved green spaces. After a day of sea air, shopping, food, heritage and culture, it’s the perfect place to slow down and relax before heading home, or maybe visit one of the restaurants or pubs across the Bay, or catch the latest film at Kavanagh Cinema.

And that’s the joy of exploring Herne Bay on foot. You can come for the coast, but wander a little further and you’ll discover a town full of creativity, independent spirit and welcoming places to eat, shop and explore.

So, take your time, wander from the sea to the streets and discover a little more of the Bay. Make the most of Canterbury & Coast by downloading the app and find out more about the businesses you’re visiting in Herne Bay.