Folkestone, situated in the County of Kent (South East England) is a delightful coastal small town. There are a good number of exciting things to do in Folkestone which makes it a perfect destination for day trips and memorable experiences.
Our unplanned weekend getaway led us to explore this quaint town, revealing an unexpectedly wonderful find. With a small population of only 50,000 people, we felt right at home. Surprisingly enough, Folkestone is still under the shades for London Weekend Getaways making it less commercialised and crowded.
In this blog we’ll write about the top things to do in Folkestone, to help you plan your perfect peaceful London Weekend Getaway! But first, let’s talk about how to get there!
London to Folkestone Train
The trip from London to Folkestone Central Station is quick and convenient. A direct train from several stations in London to Folkestone Central Station can get you there in only 55 minutes. Two of many train options
Stratford International Station to Folkestone Central Station – 1 hour, 0 stops
London Victoria to Folkestone Central Station – 1 hour, 0 stops
Simply use Google Maps based on your current location to discover the most suitable choice for your journey!
Top 8 Things To Do In Folkestone
One of the best things at Folkestone is that everything is so near, one can literally cover the highlights of the entire town over a weekend. Here are a few things you must do whilst visiting the charming coastal town!
Visit Beaches in Folkestone
Caption: Image taken at Mermaid Beach, Folkestone
Mermaids Beach: Mermaids Beach in Folkestone is a popular pebble beach. Legend has it that this stretch of shoreline was once a place where mermaids were believed to have graced the waves with their presence. Fascinating! It is easy to reach from both the town centre and Leas Coastal Park. A great spot to spend a few hours at, take a dip in the ocean if the weather allows.
Sunny Sands Beach Folkestone: Sunny Sands Beach is Folkestone’s most popular beach. Close to the harbour, It’s a delightful place to soak up the sun or have fun in the water. Unlike the beach near the Harbour Arm, Sunny Sands has soft sandy shores with fewer pebbles.
This beach is famous for hosting the annual Folkestone sandcastle-making competition. If you plan to go around this time, there is a chance to add an extra dose of fun and creativity to your visit.
Hythe Beach Folkestone: Hythe Beach is located on the picturesque south-eastern coast. About halfway between Folkestone and Dymchurch. It’s a pristine and beautiful beach covered in pebbles, sloping into the sea.
Visit The Creative Quarter aka High Old Street
In recent years, Folkestone’s city center has undergone a remarkable transformation. Evolving into a thriving cultural hotspot, embodied by the enchanting Creative Quarter.
The Creative Quarter is nestled between the charming harbour and the bustling town centre. It’s also quite near Sunny Sandy Beach. The area’s artistic charm and vibrant exteriors are highly appealing. Adorned with painted houses, is like stepping into a vibrant and imaginative world.
You’ll find many interesting independent shops, artists’ studios, and cute cafes. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves exploring and appreciating art.
Folkestone Harbour Arm
Just a 15 mins walk from the Creative Quarters, Folkestone’s Harbour Arm is a lively and popular spot. With nearly 30 independent food and drink vendors. It’s the perfect spot to meet friends, enjoy live music, and savour delicious treats.. It’s the place to be!
When you visit the Harbour Arm. You’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the fishing harbour and the stunning coastline, including the famous White Cliffs.
This place has a fascinating history. Now, it embraces the town’s working fishing harbour. Holding both its historical significance and a promising future.
Since its opening in 2015, Folkestone Harbour Arm has become a major attraction on the Kent coast. Stretching into the English Channel. It offers unique views of the White Cliffs and even glimpses of France. When you visit here, don’t miss the lighthouse at the end of the walking stretch!
Visit their website to knoe the latest updates on festivals, food and more – Folkestone Harbour Arm
Explore the Leas Promenade
Folkestone’s exceptional clifftop promenade, The Leas, is a true gem. This picturesque masterpiece, designed by Decimus Burton in the mid-1800s. The same talented mind behind iconic buildings and gardens at London Zoo and Kew Gardens.
The Leas boasts magnificent structures, charming squares, and well-tended gardens. A delightful bandstand graces the area, hosting exciting events during the Summer season.
On the western side of the town lies a mile-long stretch of promenade known as The Leas. Once belonging to Lord Radnor, it was a favoured destination for Victorian visitors.
Folkestone Artworks
Folkestone Artworks is a fantastic collection of art spread all over the town. You can find these artworks in different places. From the busy town center to the peaceful spots near the coast.
I suggest you explore several notable artworks in Folkestone. These include the sculpture of a man created by Antony Gormley, situated beneath the Harbour Arm. This is a figure looking out to the sea. It represents the connection between humans and the vast ocean.
You should also check out the lighthouse adorned with text by Ian Hamilton Finlay. The Folkestone Mermaid by Cornelia Parker near Sunny Sands Beach, and the vibrant ‘holiday homes’ designed by Richard Woods within Folkestone Harbour.
Besides these, there are many more interesting artworks to discover. It’s a source of inspiration filled with artistic wonder.
Discover the Lower Leas Coastal Park
Lower Leas Coastal Park is a wonderful park located along the coast of Folkestone near the mermaid beach. In the park, you can find the Adventure Playground, a fun and exciting play area for kids.
There’s also the Amphitheatre, an open space for events and performances. It’s a unique and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. There was a jazz performance happening when we were visiting at the amphitheatre which made this trip so much more special.
Visit Folkestone Museum and Art Gallery
The Folkestone Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm, located just above the Creative Quarter in the town centre. It’s in a beautiful old guildhall building. Having exhibits about the town’s maritime history, along with fossils and maps. It used to be a town hall but turned into a museum in 2017. Now, they have workshops and events regularly. You can visit the museum for free, but they’re happy to accept donations.
The recently inaugurated Folkestone Art Gallery offers two levels of modern art pieces adorning its walls. Created by Robert Buchanan, a highly skilled young artist known for his expertise in wildlife illustrations, this bright and spacious venue provides an excellent opportunity for exploration.
Visit the Battle of Britain Memorial
Located on the White Cliffs at Capel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone, on the coast of Kent. The Battle of Britain Memorial is just a quick drive away from the town centre.
At this memorial site, you’ll encounter a poignant statue of Harry Gray, gazing out to sea. Symbolising the collective efforts of those who achieved victory in the battle.
Play Golf like a Pro
There are several golf courses and facilities in and around Folkestone where you can play golf, both traditional golf and possibly miniature golf (putting). Some popular options for golf in the Folkestone area include:
- Putters: Right on the beach next to the Harbour Arm, you’ll find a brand-new 12-hole adventure golf course at Putters.
- Etchinghill Golf Club: Located just outside Folkestone, this club offers an 18-hole course set in the picturesque Kent countryside.
- Sene Valley Golf Club: This course is known for its friendly atmosphere and scenic layout, offering 18 holes of golf.
- Dymchurch Pitch and Putt: If you’re looking for a putting experience or a more relaxed game, Dymchurch, a short drive from Folkestone, offers a pitch and putt course by the coast.
It’s always a good idea to check with local sources, golf clubs, or websites to get the most up-to-date information about golfing opportunities in Folkestone.
We planned our Folkestone Day trip itinerary. Ensuring a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Sharing our itinerary map with you –
Where to eat in Folkestone
Sharing our top fav food spots in Folkestone-
Gourmet Kitchen
Perfect breakfast spot! We dug into a seriously tasty brunch, full of flavour and top-notch ingredients that didn’t leave us feeling greasy. I went for the vegan goodness while my partner tackled the classic full English. And the cherry on top? The staff were super cool and made us feel right at home.
Marleys at Old High Street
Great vibes, staff that are all smiles, and some seriously fantastic food.We made a stop here for lunch and later for a coffee and cake.A Lot of options on the menu! A must visit
Rocksalt at Folkestone’s Harbour Arm
Totally worth the anticipation! After some struggle to secure a reservation due to the constant full house, we finally made it, and it lived up to all expectations. The service was impeccable, the food was absolutely fantastic, and the cocktails were beyond amazing. Plus, the restaurant’s view of the harbour through the glass railing was a real treat.
That’s it from our side on the beautiful Folkestone. I trust you’ve had a great time learning about the top attractions in Folkestone. With such a wealth of activities and sights, picking what to cover was quite the challenge!
FAQ
1. Can you swim in the sea at Folkestone?
Yes, you can. For the safest swimming experience on Folkestone’s coast, head to Sunny Sands Beach. Another option is to swim in the shelter of the breakwater rocks at Mermaid Beach. Remember to swim only during daylight hours and avoid going alone for your safety.
2. Is the sea at Folkestone clean?
There have been no pollution incidents reported. The most recent classification for the beach is “Good.” This rating is from samples taken from 2018 through 2022.
3. Is Folkestone Beach dog friendly?
Although Folkestone Beach is generally dog-friendly. It is important to note that there may be restrictions in certain areas. during specific times of the year. Check local guidelines before taking your dog to the beach.
