Herne Bay

The name is derived from the herons that frequented the salt-water shallows between the town and neighbouring Whitstable, known as Swalecliffe. Herne Bay came into prominence during the late Victorian era as a "sea-side" resort. Thus much of the seafront architecture is late Victorian. Its shingle beach and "easy" tides have always been popular and until the main iron pier of the town was destroyed by the great storm of 1982-3, Herne Bay was popular with beach-pier fishermen.