Van Hire Herne Bay

Herne Bay radiates traditional seaside charm along Kent’s northern coast, where Victorian seafront gardens meet modern beach life. This family-friendly resort town maintains its classic coastal character while offering strong connections to nearby towns, blending seaside leisure with practical amenities.

Getting Around Herne Bay

The A299 Thanet Way serves as Herne Bay’s main artery, providing direct access to Whitstable and coastal destinations.

The B2205 Whitstable Road, incorporating Sea Street, Avenue Road and Canterbury Road, connects the town centre to Canterbury. The A291 Canterbury Road offers an alternative route to Canterbury.

Local connectivity is enhanced by Beltinge Road serving eastern Herne Bay, Reculver Road leading to Reculver Towers and Lower Herne Road and Bullockstone Road accessing rural areas. Thornden Wood Road, Ford Hill, Heart in Hand Road and Margate Road complete the network, connecting to surrounding destinations.

Van Parking Options

In the heart of the town, Beach Street Car Park and William Street Car Park provide round-the-clock parking options. Nearby, Neptune Car Park on Central Parade and another Car Park in the same area also operate 24/7, making them perfect for visitors exploring the waterfront. Additionally, Market Street Car Park and the Ticketless Barrier Controlled Car Park on Queen Street are located within walking distance of the main attractions.

The Herne Bay Cultural Trail Car Park on William Street and Memorial Park Car Park on Avenue of Remembrance are ideal for those visiting the town’s cultural sites and green spaces. Chapel Street Car Park, located on Chapel Street, provides further options close to popular recreational spots. For commuters, Car Park Herne Bay Station | APCOA on The Circus is a 24/7 facility offering convenient access to the railway. Nearby, Swalecliffe Avenue Car Park is another round-the-clock option for those needing flexibility.

Visitors heading towards the coast will find Hampton Pier Car Park, which is adjacent to public toilets, a practical choice for those exploring the seaside. This car park is also open 24/7, ensuring easy access to coastal views and attractions.

Petrol Stations And Vehicle Services

Sainsbury’s operates two stations: Altira Business Park (6 AM-11 PM, shorter Sunday hours) and Reeves Way in Chesterfield (weekdays 6 AM-10 PM, Sundays from 7 AM). Esso on King’s Road serves until 11 PM daily, while Richmond Service Station and Texaco on High Street cater to locals. Shell on Thanet Way in Chestfield provides 24/7 service with fuel, car wash and convenience store.

For repairs, Broadway Garage on The Broadway offers top-rated MOT services and attracts travellers to Faversham. Harbour Jims Autos, Motortech MOT Centre and The Vehicle Workshop on Sea Street provide efficient service. J.G Vehicle Repairs on King’s Road maintains five-star reviews, while G M Autos and Park Hall Motors on Richmond Street handle inspections. Parts and tyres are available at Charlie Browns Auto Centres on Sea Street, D & J Tyres on King’s Road and Chris Riches Ltd on Pier Avenue.

Car wash options in Herne Bay are known for their reliability. Hand Car Wash & Valeting Centre on Avenue Road, IMO in Chesterfield and Richmond Service Station. CrystalClear Mobile Valeting offers 24/7 service, while Moxey’s Detailing on Herne Avenue and Dawdle Detailing on Longtail Rise provide thorough cleaning. VRDetailing on Gordon Road serves customers heading to Margate.

Hardware Stores, Garden Centres And Storage Facilities

Baydis on William Street leads Herne Bay’s hardware stores, while Mitcham Building Supplies on Eddington Lane offers extended hours and convenient access to Ramsgate. Screwfix and Toolstation in Altira Business Park provide comprehensive tool selections, complemented by Homebase’s diverse inventory and Huws Gray on Sea Street’s landscaping supplies. Herne Bay Plumbing & Bathroom Supplies on The Links and Screwfix Whitstable specialise in bathroom fixtures.

There are multiple garden centres in Herne Bay. Garden centres Vincent Nurseries & Plant Centre on Eddington Lane and Canterbury Garden Centre on Canterbury Road. Johnsons Garden Centre and Pet Superstore on Old Thanet Way serves customers travelling to Broadstairs, while Garden X offers seasonal selections.

Storage solutions include Wantsum Self Storage in Birchington, Need a Space Self Storage on Herne Bay Road in Whitstable, Mareth Holdings LLP in Station Yard and EVRI Hermes Depot on Eddington Lane for logistics services.

Drive Thru And Restaurants

Herne Bay’s dining scene boasts an array of delightful restaurants, perfect for every palate. The Green Door Deli on William Street is a top-rated option with a 4.9 average from over 250 reviews, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and fresh, delicious meals, available Monday to Saturday. Another standout is Mortimers, offering classic British cuisine and hearty breakfasts on Mortimer Street, with Sunday service starting at 10AM.

For something unique, The Wallflower Café on High Street is a must-visit vegan and vegetarian eatery, known for its exceptional dishes. Visitors from Sandwich often rave about its creative menu, making it worth the trip. Makcaris Café and Ice Cream Parlour, located on Central Parade, provides a combination of sweet treats and traditional café fare, extending its hours slightly on Saturdays.

Fast food lovers can head to KFC Whitstable Highgate Park and McDonald’s, both situated in Chestfield. KFC operates daily until 10PM, while McDonald’s provides 24/7 service, making them reliable choices for a quick meal.

For coffee enthusiasts, Garage Coffee Roasters on Richmond Street stands out as a top-rated destination with a 4.9 average score. Its expertly brewed coffee and charming atmosphere make it a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Beanos Café on Mortimer Street is another excellent choice, offering a cosy spot to enjoy coffee and light bites every day. If you’re on the go, the Costa Coffee Drive Thru in Chestfield is a convenient option, serving high-quality coffee and snacks with efficient service throughout the week.

Herne Bay offers a variety of shopping and utility options for residents and visitors. The Local Shop on Sea Street is a versatile convenience store, providing groceries, lottery tickets and cashpoint services, open daily from early morning until late evening. For recycling needs, the Herne Bay Household Waste Recycling Centre on Westbrook Lane is a well-organised facility with helpful staff. Open Monday to Saturday with shorter hours on Sundays, it also serves as a useful stop for those travelling from Sittingbourne.

Finally, Sonnys on Mortimer Street is a discount shop that offers a wide range of items, earning its reputation as a treasure trove of affordable finds. Open daily, it’s a reliable choice for those looking for budget-friendly shopping.