The perfect seaside lifestyle

This classic coastal town has a picturesque seafront, blooming gardens, entertainment, and a touch of nostalgia with its traditional amusement pier. Just six miles from Canterbury, Herne Bay is a popular location for families and professionals looking to enjoy seaside life while feeling connected to a UK city.

Property in Herne Bay

Herne Bay is known for stunning Victorian architecture with opulent period features and large rooms. You’ll also find period grade II properties in the area, plenty of 1930s bungalows, 1960s semis, and new build estates. Georgian properties and unique buildings adorn the seafront, giving it a distinctively British seaside feel. You don’t have to look too hard to find a perfect property.

Schools in Herne Bay

Within Herne Bay are five primary schools. Herne Bay High is the only secondary school here. Grammar schools are just a short bus ride away in Canterbury, where you have Barton Court or Langton Boys and Langton Girls.

Shopping in Herne Bay 

Herne Bay is the place for unique finds, art, charity shop bargains, and books. The high street features boutique shops and a few household names. On the pier, independent traders set up shop in little huts.

Shop for food at the local Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, or Lidl, or pick up fresh produce from greengrocers, bakers and butchers. If you go into the bakery, buy yourself a Gypsy Tart – a deliciously sweet treat that originates in Kent.

Herne Bay history

Herne Bay’s history mainly revolves around the pier. Built in 1832, the pier has been taken down, rebuilt, or repaired three times. In 1970, the newly renovated Grand Pavilion at the end of the pier caught fire. Then, in 1978 and 1979, severe storms caused the central portion of the pier to collapse. Too solid for demolition, the pier head remains at sea today. After years of being home to a sports centre, the pier redevelopment began in 2008. It is now a hub of family entertainment with classic fairground rides, ice cream stalls, shopping huts and crabbing competitions.  

Entertainment in Herne Bay

The King’s Hall is an Edwardian concert hall overlooking the coast, hosting live music, discos, afternoon tea dances, and more. Walk along the seafront, and you’ll find amusement centres, play parks, and the Art Deco Bandstand. Many pubs here have live music on the weekends, or if you fancy something a little quieter, there are some lovely wine bars to unwind in.

Each Summer, Herne Bay hosts a month-long festival celebrating performance, literature, visual arts, and Kent heritage. This festival features many events, including folk and jazz music, the Herne Bay carnival, fireworks, a fun fair, and more.

Leisure in Herne Bay

Get active at the local gym offering swimming and fitness classes, too. Memorial Park has tennis courts that are free to use, turn up and play. Roll up for outdoor bowls, take a swing at golf at the driving range, dive into a swimming lesson – plenty keeps you busy here in Herne Bay.

Getting around Herne Bay

Thanks to the many transport links, moving around the town and further afield is easy here. Herne Bay has a regular bus service taking you to Canterbury, Whitstable and neighbouring suburbs. There is also a train station that goes towards London and Margate. The M2 is on your doorstep, connecting you to the M25 and beyond.

To hear more about Herne Bay or the properties in the area, contact us.