11 places to go in Folkestone, Kent.
I recently spent a week in Folkestone, and here are my top must-see places to go if you are paying a visit to the seaside town. Please note most of these attractions are free to enjoy!
Is Folkestone Worth Visiting?
Folkestone is like a second home to me, the 6-week summer holiday wouldn’t be complete without a stay in the seaside town. For the most part, this is because my family live in Folkestone, and thus, the childcare comes for free! Over the years, I have fallen in love with Folkestone, its seaside charm, artistic flare, bustling food and beverage scene, and its natural environment by the Coast and the Downs. Those who have followed me for a while may remember my Folkestone Working Staycation blog, giving you an insight into the town as a whole and some of its history; in this blog post, I endeavour to share an update with these 11 places to go in Folkestone to inspire a visit or stay to this Kentish seaside town.
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Folkestone Creative Quarter
Folkestone’s ‘cultural heart’. Located within the Old High Street, and Tontine Street it brings together small independents, creative spaces and places, community events, workshops, children’s stay and play sessions. and every three years the Folkestone Triennial. Well worth a visit!
Folkestone Harbour
Who doesn’t love a harbour? This one is working harbour and nods to the past with its rich history. A great place to sit, sample the local cockles or a Mr Whippy!
Lower Leas Coastal Path & Park
This park is like something you would find in Centre Parcs or the like, its nestled between the seafront and the cliff and is surrounded by tall tree’s and landscaped gardens. It is buggy, scooter and wheelchair friendly. with its footpath stretching from Folkestone Harbour arm beach to Mermaid Beach and into Sandgate. Our personal favorite in the park is the pirate ship. Ahoy Matey’s!
Folkestone Beaches, Sunny Sands & Mermaid Beach The Warren
Folkestone has a multitude of beaches on offer depending on what you fancy. Sunny Sands, (pictured) as the name would suggest is Folkestone’s sandy beach. It also features Julia Donaldson Singing Mermaid! The Warren, is further round the coast from Sunny Sands, this is the place to search for sea glass. Mermaid Beach, located below the lower leas coastal park, towards Sandgate is a pebble beach, from here you can spot the full colourful display of beach huts.
Folkestone Zig-Zag Path
The Zig Zag path connects the Upper Lea’s to the Lower Lea’s. Access the footpath by the Bandstand and take a scenic walk down, there’s lots of photo opportunities and the children will enjoy spotting the ‘mouse’ at the top end. At the bottom you reach the Folkestone amphitheater where performances take place during the summer months.
Lea’s Cliff Hall
Over the years I’ve been to a Kistory night, Pete Doherty gig and the Drifters most recently for my Dad’s 80th celebration. It always promises to be a great night out and so accessible from town. Top tip, enjoy a drink in the bar overlooking the sea during the interval!
Folkestone Museum
This is a real find and the perfect activity on a rainy day. It was absolutely torrential the morning we went in here and we spent a good couple of hours learning about the Folkestone fishing, war time and hisotory on immigration as well as being mesmerised by their vast butterfly, insect and fossil collections.
A Walk along The Leas
This is a given but it is a must to do! Its a wide expanse and a good stretch for the legs, also great training ground for little cyclists! It connects West Folkestone to Folkestone town centre and the Road to Rememberance. En route you will go past much loved Folkestone Grand, Bandstand and war memorial.
Folkestone Harbour Arm
Whether you are looking for something to scoff - there are plenty of yummy eateries along the arm, to quaff - the champagne bar at the lighthouse is worth the walk, to watch the latest sports fixture on the big screen or if you look a bit harder you might find the Antony Gormley statue.
Folkestone Fountains
The perfect place to come on a sunny morning with the children, from here you can walk onto the Harbour Arm, to Sunny Sands or up to the Creative Quarter.
Folkestone Bookshop, Tontine Street
We spent a great morning in here, at the fabulous Mint Rainbow Mama book reading. This is how book shops should be, a cosy community space with interesting nooks and crannies, honesty ‘help yourself’ hot drink station and a great selection of new and pre loved books to choose from.
Places to Eat & Drink in Folkestone
Folkestone has a bustling and buzzing hospitality scene. Be sure to check out these recommendations on your next visit.
Balcony Bar - for incredible views
Folklore - for late-night drinking and dancing
The Pullman - for food, drink and good vibes in a cosy pub
Marley’s Cafe - for exquisite cake and cafe culture
Punch & Judy - for a great breakfast
Sunshine Bistro - for all the family in the town centre
The British Lion - the oldest pub in Folkestone and super charm
Little Rock - for fresh fish on the beach, done well.
London to Paris - for new boutique accommodation and brilliant food Harbour location
The list goes on! More recommendations can be found here.
Things to do in Folkestone, final thoughts
All in all, I always leave Folkestone wanting more. Perhaps that’s because I am multi-tasking from the moment I arrive to the moment I leave - combining my freelance marketing work, with parenting and socialising with my family! But seriously, there are so many places to check out, I always have a plan for where I will go next time I visit - and no doubt, that visit won’t be too far away…
I would recommend a 2 or 3-night stay in Folkestone is a good amount of time to spend in Folkestone, of course, staying for longer is always an option and exploring the rest of the county, on this stay I took a visit to Margate and Canterbury. And if the weather was behaving itself, I would have taken the children to The Warren to hunt down some Folkestone Sea Glass. Factoring in chill time to enjoy it all, not just race around ticking the sights off your list is always a good idea.
One of the charms of Folkestone is that it is lively and buzzy without the mass crowds - or indeed I didn’t witness that. So in some ways, it is still very much a lovely secret waiting to be explored and enjoyed.
Read My Working Staycation Blog on Folkestone and the Art Triennial here