A beautiful coastal resort town resting between two towering cliffs, Folkestone is home to arcades, amusement fairs and pebbly beaches. Famed for its Victorian architecture and old-fashioned fishing harbour, this charming port city is dotted with promenades, pavilions and cafes.
Things to do in Folkestone
Experience the culture of Folkestone in the Creative Quarter, a transformed downtown centre bursting with life. Pop into art galleries, fashionable boutiques and lively espresso shops, before heading to the Old High Street. Admire the stained-glass art at Church of St. Mary and St. Eanswythe, then stroll the picturesque squares and gardens of The Leas historic neighbourhood.
Pay your respects at the National Memorial to the Few, a memorial to Churchill’s “few” battle pilots. Explore a Luftwaffe room and the aircraft armaments exhibit at the Kent Battle of Britain Museum, where you’ll also find maps, photographs and memorabilia from aircraft fighter crashes.
Climb aboard the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, known as the "world's biggest smallest railway", which features an impressive collection of one-third-scale steam locomotives that traverse the tracks for more than 20 kilometres. Spend an afternoon visiting small villages and beaches along the route, ending at the Dungeness National Nature Reserve.
You can also visit three recreational zones at Lower Leas Coastal Park, which host an adventure fun zone, funicular railway and a wild zone devoted to conservation and wildlife habitats.
Getting around Folkestone
Buses and taxis operate throughout Folkestone, while the Channel Tunnel provides undersea transportation to France. You can rent a car in town or at London City Airport, about 117 kilometres away.