Have you dreamed of meandering stone pathways along the oceanside? Folkestone will provide you with ample opportunity to embrace the ocean’s beauty. With a myriad of parks, boardwalks, and sightseeing points, this town is perfect for any sea lover. Hoping for more? The town is host to a bustling creative scene as well as endless food and drink options. Read on to learn about the best things to do in Folkestone!
1. Promenade out to sea on Folkestone's Harbour Arm
Come visit the Harbour Arm for food, drink, and heritage. This beautiful space is open every day to tour, with specific events on the weekend revolving around food, music, and entertainment. With plenty of space for leisure or fun, the Harbour Arm has become a local favorite and always boasts a crowd. This boardwalk will let you relax in the sunshine while enjoying British culture.
Folkestone's Harbour Arm
Address: Harbour Approach Rd, Folkestone CT20 1, UK
Website: Folkestone’s Harbour Arm
2. Enjoy the view from the Lower Leas Coastal Park
A beautiful seaside park for all ages, there is no better place to spend an afternoon. The park is split between three recreational areas: the formal zone, with beautiful forestry, the fun zone, for children, and the wild zone, a wildlife habitation. The extensive park will allow you to explore at your leisure. With a massive playground, a view of the ocean, accessible bathrooms and plenty of picnic areas, the Lower Leas Coastal Park is an ideal getaway.
Lower Leas Coastal Park
Address: Lower Sandgate Rd, Folkestone CT20, UK
Website: Lower Leas Coastal Park
3. Discover history at the Kent Battle of Britain Museum
Get up close and personal with historic aviation at this museum. Located on an original World War II airfield, it is the oldest museum dedicated to the Battle of Britain in the UK. Visitors remark on the interactive elements of the museum and the amount of detail - one could spend hours discovering the past!
Kent Battle of Britain Museum
Address: Aerodrome Rd, Hawkinge, Folkestone CT18 7AG, UK
Website: Kent Battle of Britain Museum
4. A day at Sandgate Beach
Head down the seashore to Sandgate Beach, a beautiful coastal getaway. With plenty of pubs, restaurants, and cafes, Sandgate Beach is an ideal day adventure. A quaint edge of Folkestone, this waterfront area will transport you back to beach vacations. Though the beach itself is pebbly, the surrounding walkways will provide plenty of time in the sunshine.
Sandgate Beach
Address: Sandgate Esplanade, Sandgate, Folkestone, England
Website: Sandgate Beach
5. Hiking at East Cliff and Warren Country Park
For breathtaking views from above and below, visit East Cliff and Warren Country Park. The dramatic scenery of the White Cliffs, East Cliff, and surrounding oceans provides an awe-inspiring frame to your walk. The paths climb up and down the scraggly rock edifices, allowing you to observe from the top or to sit by the ocean for the afternoon.
East Cliff and Warren Country Park
Address: Wear Bay Road, Folkestone CT19 6BL, UK
Website: East Cliff and Warren Country Park
6. Music at the Leas Bandstand
Have you seen musicians perform under a 19th-century tent? Believe it or not, the Leas Bandstand is just that - a canopy from 1889 supported through iron columns. A local favorite, the Leas Bandstand hosts musical groups and makes you feel like you’re back in small town England of the early days.
The Leas Bandstand
Address: The Leas, Folkestone CT20 2EB, UK
Website: The Leas Bandstand
7. Explore the arts at Quarterhouse
A venue for music, comedy, film and theatre events, Quarterhouse is perfect for an evening indoors. Shows range from TedX talks, to gardening shows, to music concerts and kids events, providing everyone a chance to see what they like. Locals love the friendly staff and excellent bar. The building itself is perfect for housing events and is located near many bars and restaurants.
Quarterhouse
Address: Tontine Street, Folkestone CT20 1JR, UK
Website: Quarerhouse
8. Admire the beauty of Church of St. Mary and St. Eanswythe
Stop by this historic church on top of a hill in the oldest part of Folkestone. Protip: the large church often hosts concerts. Not in the mood for a concert? Stroll the gardens or meander through the cemetery - an easy way to learn more about Folkestone’s history.
Church of St. Mary and St. Eanswythe
Address: Church St, Folkestone CT20 1SW, UK
Website: Church of St. Mary and St. Eanswythe
9. The Leas Lift
Built in 1885, this historic lift would transport you down to the seashore. Despite the fact the lift isn’t functional, the priceless history behind it is well worth a visit. The views from the top are also a favorite of visitors.
The Leas Lift
Address: Lower Sandgate Road, Folkestone CT20 1QJ, UK
Website: The Leas Lift
10. Let your imagination wander in the Folkestone Creative Quarter
An area of town catering exclusively to the creative arts, the Creative Quarter is a place to experience British culture. Home to artists’ studios, creative businesses, aspiring artists and retailers, there is plenty to see in this section of historic Folkestone.
Creative Quarter
Address: Quarterhouse, Mill Bay, Folkestone CT20 1BN, UK
Website: Creative Quarter
Discover the British seaside in historic Folkestone
The idyllic town of Folkestone is perfect for any visitor. Want to enjoy breath-taking views off of cliff-sides, or down below on pebble beaches and parks? Want to engage with locals, visit art galleries, and learn about the history of this gorgeous area of England? No matter what you want, Folkestone is an ideal place to find it.
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