Attracting tourists since Victorian times, nestled between chalky cliffs and the Kent Downs, Folkestone is a charming port town which was an important harbour and shipping port for most of the 19th and 20th centuries.
While it may have declined in popularity in the 1960s, as package holidays became popular overseas, it’s certainly back at the top!
With its “eye-catching regeneration” along with “impressive schools”, this year Folkestone was awarded the Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide for South East England. The judges also made note of the “artists’ studios”, “cool shops” and the “restored Harbour Arm” as contributing factors in the accolade, as well as transport, broadband speeds and access to green spaces. Folkestone has also come out top in a study from Cotswold Outdoor (cotswoldoutdoor.com) which recently revealed Folkestone as one of the most Instagrammable countryside locations in the UK. Encouraging people to visit rural destinations instead of just exploring cities, Kent was one of the top counties for natural beauty and it was glorious Folkestone which lead the study with 443,491 Instagram hashtags. A spokesperson for Cotswold Outdoor said: 'Smaller towns and cities in the UK receive nowhere near as much financial investment as larger cities do. The local businesses in those like the ones in Folkestone rely greatly on tourists and visitors driving through them in order to thrive, it’s really important that as a nation we highlight the beauty and significance of our lesser-known destinations too.'
For families, education will be key and there are a number of well-regarded schools available. For those commuting, high-speed trains to St Pancras International station in London take just under an hour. Folkestone is often seen as the gateway to Europe and it takes around 35 minutes to reach Calais via the Eurotunnel.
Folkestone offers coastal beauty, cultural heritage and excellent amenities from its fine landscape and this year’s accolades are certainly well deserved.
If you’re new to the area or simply need a reminder of the history of Folkestone, then Folkestone Museum (folkestonemuseum.co.uk) is recommended as it takes visitors on a journey through its origins as a humble coastal community to exciting things to do. The Kent Battle of Britain Museum (kbobm.org) is also worth a look. Of course, picturesque beaches here are a must visit, with Sunny Sands Beach and Mermaid Beach the most popular. Mermaid Beach not only provides a picture-perfect serene escape, but a sense of magic, too. According to local folklore, the beach derives its name from the mythical creatures said to have inhabited its waters for centuries. Tales of mermaids and sea spirits guiding lost sailors may be seen as mere fantasy, but they’ve been passed down through generations and there’s no harm in keeping the magic alive! Green spaces come with spectacular views across the town and there’s some great walks and adventures to be had… the Kent Downs National Landscape website (kentdowns.org.uk) has some great recommendations. Finally, the Creative Quarter, described as the town’s “cultural heart”, has something for everyone. Set among quaint cobblestone streets and brightly coloured buildings, there are places to eat, interior designers, art galleries as well as vibrant boutiques to discover!
The Good Food Guide recently described the town’s food scene as having a “skip in its step for several years” and while it may not be your average restaurant base, one Folkestone restaurant has also been recognised by the guide. Described as a “prime attraction” the beachside fish restaurant Little Rock (littlerockfolkestone.co.uk) is housed within a shipping container and recently celebrated three years on Folkestone seafront. It’s a go-to for fresh, local and seasonal fish and seafood. In the heart of the Creative Quarter, El Cortador Tapas Restaurant and Bar (elcortadorfolkestone.com) brings a slice of Spain to the town. Tapas plates include Manchego queso y membrillo (classic Spanish cheese with a side of quince jelly) as well as pinchitos de pollo (four chicken breasts marinated with cumin, coriander, garlic and lime). Keeping within the quarter, at 2-4 South Street is Marleys (marleysfolkestone.co.uk) which moved to its new location in 2023. Run by self-declared and passionate foodies, Mark and Charly, the duo established the eatery in 2018 and have worked tirelessly to offer British comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere while focussing on local produce. Their “we love local” slogan is at the heart of the business, so expect to see produce picked by the makers, bakers and butchers in Kent.
From the essential to the quirky, Folkestone has shops for everyone’s pleasure. And, talking about essentials, a sustainable aspect is at the heart of RE:STOCK (restockshop.co.uk), Folkestone’s refill store. The shop, as well as new website, has many ethically sourced products with zero waste and delivery can be made via their e-bike along with a click and collect service. In Old High Street, Not For Humans (notforhumans.co.uk) is a pet boutique with locally handmade, pet accessories treats, as well as sustainable dog food and natural treats and chews. Keeping their “pawprint” low, they support friends, makers and fellow businesses from Folkestone and the local area. Moving along to 35 Old High Street and you’ll find Objectables (objectables.co.uk) a greetings card publisher designing and selling a variety of cards for every occasion. Many are quirky, funny, and sure to raise a smile with the recipient. Gifts and games are also available. Moda (modafolkestone.com) an award-winning shop in Rendezvous Street, stocks an eclectic mix of home decor, quirky gifts, cards, prints, jewellery and home fragrance. Handmade and Fairtrade items and products from British designers and brands are also available.
A warm welcome awaits from Mark and Leigh Nevill, owners of 10t012 Folkestone (10to12folkestone.co.uk). The beautiful Victorian house has 12 spacious ensuite rooms and even a pub in the basement! Accredited in The Michelin Guide since 2016, the accommodation is perfect for couples, friends, families and corporate groups are also catered for. There’s a varied, hot and cold, continental buffet breakfast which is included in the room rate price and booking direct will also get you the best value stay! As well as being one of the places to eat, Rocksalt (rocksaltfolkestone.co.uk) also provides a relaxing place to rest your head. Four stylish ‘boutique bolt hole’ rooms are located in a nearby annexe and are priced from £85 per night for two adults sharing a standard double on a B&B basis. The deluxe beds are dressed with Egyptian cotton, and there’s free WiFi access, complimentary toiletries and breakfast! Two of the rooms have stunning views over the harbour and out to sea. Finally, The View Hotel (viewhotelfolkestone.co.uk) is located in the famous Leas in Folkestone and ideal for both leisure and business travellers who want easy access to the town and nearby attractions. Dog friendly rooms are available at an additional charge.
