With its busy harbour, lively nightlife and easy access to both London and France, as well as wonderful location on the beautiful North Downs, Folkestone is a popular choice of day trip for those “down from London” and equally anyone contemplating a slightly longer UK break. Read on for some of the best things to do in Folkestone:
Spend some time in the great outdoors
Stretching all the way between Folkestone and Sandgate, the Lower Leas Coastal Path is a recipient of the Green Flag Award, serving as a quality outdoor space. With plenty of wildlife to spot, plus special events throughout the year, there’s always something new to see, no matter when you choose to visit.
Take a walk along a scenic coastal path
Connected to the park, this mile-long promenade offers amazing views across the English Channel to France, and is popular with runners and walkers.
While away the hours at Folkestone Harbour Arm
No longer the transport hub it used to be until the opening of the nearby Channel Tunnel, these days Folkestone Harbour Arm is still a bustling part of town, thanks to its new life as a pier, filled with bars, restaurants and other eateries. Offering amazing views of the harbour itself, the arm has been sensitively restored to give a nod to its nautical past, and significance in the Second World War.
Spend the day on a sandy beach
Although many of the beaches in this part of Kent consist of shingle or pebble shorelines, Folkestone’s Sunny Sands offers golden sand, with all of the amenities you’d expect from a seaside destination, including various different places to grab an ice cream, or enjoy a bag of traditional fish and chips.
Wander around the Creative Quarter
The winding lanes which surround Folkestone’s Old High Street are filled with creativity - from shops, restaurants and cafes to galleries, bookshops and the kind of independent boutiques it’s hard to find anywhere else. Known as the Creative Quarter, it’s as photogenic as it is fascinating, and is the cultural heart of Folkestone, with artists of all kinds - from painters and photographers to jewellers and tattoo artists, choosing to base their studios here.
See a show at Leas Cliff Hall
It would be hard to miss Leas Cliff Hall, which sits in a prominent position on a cliff above the town, looking out over the English Channel. The 900-seat venue also has a standing capacity of 1,500 and hosts shows of all kinds, from rock concerts to ballet and of course, an annual Christmas pantomime.
Visit Folkestone Museum
There’s no better way to learn about the history of Folkestone and the surrounding area than with a trip to Folkestone Museum, which was established in the 1850s, and returned to public ownership in 2018. There’s a varied programme of events and exhibits to see, plus an education centre where you can find out everything you want to know about this fascinating part of the world.
Explore Kingsnorth Gardens
This ornamental park is close to the centre of Folkestone, and is an interesting mix of English, Italian and Oriental styles, all spread over 3.2 acres, which include a rose garden, fountains, and ornamental trees. An absolute must for nature lovers, Kingsnorth Gardens also has a dedicated play area, making it a good place to let the kids burn off some energy.
Learn about the Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain was fought just off the coast of Folkestone, so it’s fitting that the museum dedicated to the memory of the battle should be found close to here, too. The Kent Battle of Britain Museum opened in 1982, and is the largest private museum of its kind in the world, and contains a huge collection of artefacts providing a lasting memorial to one of the most significant events of the Second World War.
See the suburb of Sandgate
If Folkestone itself is a little too busy for you, the nearby suburb of Sandgate is also worth a visit. With a beautiful, quiet beach, luxury houses and amazing, coastal location, this former smuggler’s hangout is now an upmarket area of Folkestone, and a pleasant spot to spend an afternoon shopping for antiques, eating in one of the many restaurants and cafes, or just daydreaming on the beach.
Get lost in the Warren
East Cliff and Warren Country Park, just outside Folkestone, offers an excellent vantage point from which to view the White Cliffs Kent is famous for, but it’s also a Site of Special Scientific Interest in its own right, and an important local nature reserve. While walks on the east side of the park are best left to seasoned hikers, the area closest to the town offers far more gentle exercise, with a playground, mini golf course, and three Martello Towers.
Find out what’s showing on the Silver Screen
The Silver Screen is Folkestone’s independent, two-screen cinema, located in the former town hall. Bringing a touch of old-style glamour back to movie night with it’s old fashioned ambience, it’s the perfect place to kick back and relax after a day of sightseeing.
Unusual things to do in Folkestone
Walk or climb the Zig-Zag Path
Leading down the cliff from the Upper Leas to the beach, the Zig-Zag path was created in 1921, and remains a stunning part of Folkestone’s heritage, with artificial caves dotted in the rocks where you can stop and rest for a few minutes as you make your way down (or up!) the steep path to the sea.
See the white horse on the hill
This part of England is famous for its hillside carvings, the one of which sits on a hill just outside Folkestone. Although you might assume the Folkestone White Horse to be ancient in its origins, it was actually created for the millennium, as part of a bid to regenerate interest in the area. Designed by local artist Charlie Newington, a time capsule containing the names of those who worked on the horse is buried near its heart.
Ride the Leas Lift
If the Zig Zag path is a little too much for you, the Leas Lift offers an easier option to get from the promenade to the beach and back again. Installed in 1885, this funicular railway is one of the oldest of its kind in the UK, and is a fun way to dip a toe in Folkestone’s history, while saving yourself a long walk to the beach.
Work on your golf skills
Whether you’re a beginner golfer or a seasoned pro, a 30 minute lesson with a PGA professional is the perfect way to learn the basics, work on your game, or as an excellent gift for the golfer in your life.
Things to do in Folkestone for kids
Whatever your age, Folkestone’s certain to have something to offer. Here are some of the best things to do in Folkestone for kids:
Port Lympne Wild Animal Park
Just a short drive from Folkestone, this 600-acre estate is based around Port Lympne Mansion, and features a wide range of animals, including lions, bears and giraffes, plus the UK’s largest herd of black rhinos, and several endangered species. As well as animal encounters and safari park tours, guests can also choose to stay on site, with accommodation ranging from the opulence of the mansion itself, to the Treehouse Hotel, or glamping pods.
Folkestone Ski Centre
You don’t need real snow to learn to ski in Kent: the dry slopes of Folkestone Ski Centre offer everything from skiing, to snowboarding and tobogganing, and is suitable for everyone from absolute beginners, to more experienced skiers.
Mudpie Pottery Painting Creative Studio
Let the kids get creative at this family-owned studio offering pottery painting, foam clay and decopatch. Oh, and there’s also plenty of cake and ice cream on offer, too! While it’s perfect for the kids, Mudpie is also popular with adults looking to while away a rainy afternoon in Kent, or get the creative juices flowing.
Elham Valley Railway Museum
Step back in time to the golden age of rail travel at Elham Valley Railway Museum, which is home to the largest running railway model of the Channel Tunnel, plus other artefacts and exhibitions telling the fascinating story of rail travel.
Best places to stay in Folkestone
Having worked out how you’ll spend your time in Folkestone, all that remains is to find somewhere to stay from our selection of the best hotels and guest houses in the area.
The View Hotel
Sea views, an elegant façade and a bar/restaurant to relax in, this stylish boutique hotel is one of the best in Folkestone.
The Relish
A contemporary hotel in the fashionable west-end of town, The Relish is close to all of Folkestone’s major attractions.
Best Western Plus Burlington Hotel
A traditional Victorian exterior meets a stylish, modern interior, just 10 minutes from Folkestone Town Centre.
Wycliffe Guest House
A family-owned bed and breakfast overlooking the picturesque Trinity Gardens, and offering comfortable and affordable accommodation.
The Portland Hotel
Situated on the clifftop and offering beautiful views from its sun terrace and garden, The Portland Hotel has its own bar and bistro restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day is market day in Folkestone?
Every Sunday from 10am-4pm, the marketplace on Folkestone Harbour Arm comes alive, offering fashion, jewellery, furniture and more.
Can you swim in Folkestone?
There are lifeguards on duty at Folkestone’s Sunny Sands beach, making it the safest place to swim in the area. However, you should always exercise caution when swimming in open water, and pay close attention to the tides and rip currents. Swimming is not permitted in Folkestone Harbour.
