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Folkestone is one of Kent’s most interesting coastal towns, combining a working harbour, creative energy, cliff-top walks, sandy and shingle beaches, and a growing food and art scene. It is one of the best day trips from London if you want a seaside destination that feels lively, walkable and a little different from the usual resort town.
This complete Folkestone travel guide covers the best things to do in Folkestone, the best beaches, hidden gems, how to get there, where to stay, and the best ways to spend a day or weekend in town. Whether you are visiting for the Harbour Arm, the Creative Quarter, or the coastal views from the Leas, Folkestone has enough variety to make it worth more than a quick stop.
Why Visit Folkestone?
Folkestone stands out because it offers a mix of seaside charm and creative culture that is harder to find in other Kent towns. You get beach access, independent cafés, public art, cliff walks, harbour views and a town centre that feels much more local and lived-in than many coastal resorts.
It is also one of the fastest coastal trips from London, which makes it ideal for day-trippers, couples, walkers and anyone who wants a practical but rewarding escape from the city. Folkestone works especially well if you like good food, scenic views and a more relaxed but modern seaside atmosphere.
How To Get To Folkestone
Folkestone is very easy to reach, which is one of its biggest strengths for visitors planning a day trip or short break.
By train: High-speed trains from London St Pancras to Folkestone Central can take around 55 minutes, making it one of the quickest seaside towns to reach from London. Slower services are also available and can be useful for cheaper fares.
By car: The drive from London is usually under 2 hours, depending on traffic. Parking is available in and around the town centre, Harbour Arm and beach areas, though it is worth arriving early on sunny weekends and during school holidays.
By coach: Coaches connect Folkestone with London and other major towns, usually taking around 2.5 to 3 hours. This is the budget-friendly option, but not the fastest.
Once you arrive, Folkestone is easy to explore on foot, especially around the harbour, promenade, Creative Quarter and central seafront. If you want to visit nearby places such as The Warren or Capel-le-Ferne, a car or local bus will make things easier.
Best Time To Visit Folkestone
The best time to visit Folkestone is from late spring through early autumn, when the weather is most likely to suit outdoor walks, beach time and harbour visits. Summer is the liveliest season, with the Harbour Arm at its busiest, the sea front at its most active and the town’s food and events scene in full swing.
Spring and early autumn are often the best balance of weather and crowds. These months are usually more comfortable for walking the Leas, exploring the Creative Quarter and visiting the beaches without the peak-season rush.
Winter is quieter and can still be enjoyable if you prefer dramatic coastal views, café stops and a slower pace. It is also a good time for photographers and anyone who likes the atmosphere of an off-season seaside town.
Best Things To Do In Folkestone
Folkestone Harbour Arm
Folkestone Harbour Arm is the town’s standout attraction and one of the main reasons visitors come here. Once part of the old harbour railway infrastructure, it has been transformed into a lively waterfront space filled with food stalls, bars, coffee spots, live events and sea views.
This is one of the best places in Kent for a relaxed food-and-view experience by the coast. It is especially good for sunset drinks, casual lunch stops and anyone who wants a social, walkable seaside setting.
Entry Fee: Free
Address: Harbour Approach Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1QH
Sunny Sands Beach
Sunny Sands is Folkestone’s best-known beach and one of the few places in town with a more classic beach feel. It is sandy rather than purely shingle, which makes it especially useful for families and visitors who want a proper beach stop close to the centre.
Because it sits near the harbour and town, it is one of the most convenient beaches in Kent for a quick coastal visit. It works well for a beach day, a short break or a combined harbour-and-seafront itinerary.
Entry Fee: Free
Address: Sunny Sands Beach, The Stade, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 6RB
Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach is a smaller and quieter stretch of coastline that feels more tucked away than Sunny Sands. It is a good option if you want a more peaceful beach experience while still staying close to the harbour and central seafront.
The mermaid sculpture gives it a bit of character and makes it a nice stop for a photo or a short scenic walk. It is more about atmosphere than facilities, which suits the more relaxed side of Folkestone.
Entry Fee: Free
Address: Mermaid Beach, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2DZ
Lower Leas Coastal Park
Lower Leas Coastal Park is one of Folkestone’s best family-friendly attractions and a standout free space for visitors of all ages. It combines landscaped gardens, open green space, coastal paths and a large adventure play area, making it especially useful if you are visiting with children.
It is also one of the best places in town for a walk with views, picnic time or a break between beach stops. The park links neatly into the wider promenade and makes Folkestone feel much greener than many other seaside towns.
Entry Fee: Free
Address: Lower Sandgate Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2JP
The Leas Promenade
The Leas is one of Folkestone’s most rewarding walks and a key part of the town’s appeal. The promenade gives you long views over the Channel, sea air, benches, gardens and a very walkable coastal route above the town.
It is especially good at sunrise or sunset and is one of the best options if you want a scenic, low-effort walk rather than a formal hike. The Leas also helps connect the seafront with the older town areas and nearby attractions.
Entry Fee: Free
Address: The Leas, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2ED
Folkestone Creative Quarter
The Creative Quarter is the part of Folkestone that gives the town its artistic identity. You will find independent shops, small galleries, studios, cafés and street art, all of which help the area feel more original than a standard seaside high street.
This is one of the best places to include if you want your guide to reflect Folkestone’s modern personality rather than just its beaches. It is especially good for visitors who like browsing, coffee stops and a slower wander through a characterful area.
Entry Fee: Free
Address: Old High Street, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1RL
Folkestone Museum
Folkestone Museum is useful for adding more depth to your guide, especially for visitors who want local history alongside the coast. It gives you a better understanding of the town’s development, heritage and identity.
This is a good indoor option for a rainy day or a quieter part of a Folkestone itinerary. It also works well for families and visitors who want a break between harbour and beach time.
Entry Fee: Free
Address: 1-2 Guildhall Street, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1DY
Quarterhouse
Quarterhouse is Folkestone’s main arts and performance venue and another good reason the town stands out from other Kent seaside destinations. It hosts theatre, live events, music, screenings and cultural programmes that give the town year-round energy.
If your audience is interested in culture as well as coast, this is worth including because it helps position Folkestone as more than just a beach town. It is particularly useful for evening plans or weekend break visitors.
Entry Fee: Varies by event
Address: Mill Bay, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1BN
Leas Cliff Hall
Leas Cliff Hall is one of Folkestone’s most recognisable landmarks and a major entertainment venue on the seafront. It is a strong addition to the guide because it adds concerts, comedy, theatre and event-based appeal to the town’s visitor offer.
Even if readers are not attending a show, the building itself is worth mentioning because it is one of the most visible parts of the seafront and reinforces Folkestone’s status as a more developed coastal destination.
Entry Fee: Varies by event
Address: The Leas, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2DZ
The Warren
The Warren is one of Folkestone’s best hidden gems and a great section for visitors who want wild scenery and a quieter coastal experience. It is a more natural, rugged stretch of coast than the central beaches, with dramatic views and a less polished feel.
This is a strong choice for walkers, photographers and people who want to see a different side of Folkestone beyond the Harbour Arm and promenade. It is one of the best places in the area for a more atmospheric coastal visit.
Entry Fee: Free
Address: The Warren, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 6NU
Capel-le-Ferne and the Battle of Britain Memorial
Just above Folkestone, Capel-le-Ferne is home to the Battle of Britain Memorial, one of the most important remembrance sites on the south Kent coast. It offers powerful views across the Channel and a peaceful, reflective atmosphere.
This is a strong stop for anyone interested in wartime history, panoramic scenery or meaningful heritage sites. It also gives the guide a broader appeal beyond beaches and food.
Entry Fee: Free
Address: New Dover Road, Capel-le-Ferne, Folkestone, Kent, CT18 7JJ
Folkestone Old High Street
Folkestone Old High Street is one of the town’s most photogenic areas, lined with characterful buildings, independent businesses and a strong sense of place. It connects well with the Creative Quarter and gives visitors a more historic side of the town.
This is a good area for browsing, coffee, photography and a slower wander. It also helps support the “creative seaside town” angle that makes Folkestone different from the usual Kent coast destinations.
Entry Fee: Free
Address: Old High Street, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1RL
Port Lympne Safari and Wild Animal Reserve
Port Lympne is one of the most memorable attractions near Folkestone and a strong addition if you want the guide to cover more than just the town centre and seafront. Set in a large landscaped reserve, it combines safari-style wildlife viewing with dramatic scenery, walking routes and a more unusual day out in Kent.
It is especially good for families, animal lovers and visitors looking for a full-day experience rather than a short coastal stop. Because it sits just outside Folkestone, it also works well as an add-on for people staying in town for a weekend break.
Entry Fee: Varies by ticket type
Address: Aldington Road, Lympne, Hythe, Kent, CT21 4LR
Best Beaches In Folkestone
Folkestone is not a classic sandy-resort town in the way Broadstairs or Margate can be, but it does offer a useful mix of beach types. Sunny Sands is the best option for sand, Mermaid Beach offers a quieter coastal feel, and The Warren gives you something more dramatic and natural.
If you want a beach day with easy access and food nearby, Sunny Sands and the Harbour Arm area are the best choices. If you want a more scenic or low-key coast walk, The Warren and the promenade are better picks.
Where to Stay in Folkestone
Folkestone has a strong mix of seafront hotels, practical chain stays, boutique guesthouses and self-catering apartments. If you want the best location, stay near the Harbour Arm, Leas promenade or the Creative Quarter for easy access to the main sights, beaches and restaurants.
Hotels
The View Hotel Folkestone:
A modern seafront hotel with easy access to the Leas, the promenade and central Folkestone. A strong choice for visitors who want sea views and a convenient base close to the town’s main attractions.
The Royal Norfolk Hotel:
A traditional coastal hotel with a classic seaside feel and a location that works well for both beach time and town access. Best for travellers who want a straightforward stay near the seafront.
voco The Clifton Folkestone by IHG:
An upscale hotel with a polished feel, popular with guests looking for a more comfortable and stylish stay. Well-suited to couples, weekend breaks and visitors who want a hotel with a little more character.
The Grand Burstin Hotel:
A large hotel close to the harbour area, making it a practical option for visitors who want easy access to the seafront and central Folkestone. Best for budget-conscious travellers, short stays and group visits.
Burlington Hotel, BW Premier Collection by Best Western:
A well-known Folkestone hotel with a more traditional feel and a good location for exploring the cliff tops and seafront. A useful option for guests who want a dependable stay with easy access to the promenade.
Holiday Inn Express Folkestone Channel Tunnel by IHG:
A practical and modern hotel that works well for road travellers, ferry passengers and short overnight stays. Especially useful if you want easy access in and out of town.
The Southcliff Hotel:
A smaller seafront hotel with a relaxed feel and a location that suits visitors wanting to stay near the promenade. A good pick for simple coastal breaks and easy access to the town centre.
The Carlton Hotel:
A straightforward hotel offering a handy base for exploring Folkestone’s beaches, harbour and central attractions. Suitable for visitors who want a simple and convenient stay.
Westward Ho Hotel:
A compact hotel with a friendly, low-key feel and a good location for accessing Folkestone’s seafront and town centre. Best for short stays and practical seaside visits.
The Portland Hotel:
A simple and convenient hotel with easy access to Folkestone’s main areas. A useful choice for travellers looking for a budget-friendly stay close to the coast.
OYO Gran Canaria Hotel:
A basic, budget-friendly stay suited to travellers who want a simple overnight base rather than a full-service hotel experience. Best for short, practical trips.
Country inns, guesthouses, and B&Bs
Stay 2a Boutique Rooms:
A stylish guesthouse-style stay with a more personal feel than a large hotel. A good choice for couples and travellers who want something a little more refined.
The Ship Inn Folkestone:
A characterful place to stay that suits visitors who want a more traditional and local feel. Good for travellers looking for a relaxed base with easy access to the town.
10to12 Folkestone:
A comfortable and stylish guesthouse option with a more intimate feel than a chain hotel. Ideal for short stays and weekend trips.
The Wycliffe Guest House:
A dependable guest house with a friendly atmosphere and a useful location for exploring Folkestone on foot. A solid choice for travellers wanting value and convenience.
The Relish:
A well-regarded guesthouse offering a more polished, boutique-style stay. Best for visitors who want a quieter, more comfortable base near the seafront.
Sunnylodge:
A smaller accommodation option that works well for visitors looking for a quieter, more low-key place to stay in Folkestone. Good for independent travellers and short breaks.
Apartments:
The Hideaway:
A self-contained stay that suits visitors who want privacy and flexibility. A good option for couples or independent travellers planning a longer Folkestone break.
Folkestone Harbour Modern Comfortable Flat:
A practical apartment near the harbour, ideal for guests who want to stay close to the seafront, food spots and central attractions.
Dine with the Sunset:
A self-catering stay with a scenic feel, suited to travellers who want more space and a relaxed coastal base. Good for longer visits and independent breaks.
CosyApt – 8ight Havens Folkestone:
A compact apartment option that works well for couples or solo travellers who want independence and a home-from-home setup.
Stylish Eco Aparthotel in Folkestone:
A modern self-catering stay with a more design-led feel, ideal for travellers who want comfort, privacy and a slightly more contemporary base.
Tips for Choosing Accommodation in Dover
- Book early for summer weekends, school holidays and event periods, when the best seafront rooms tend to go quickly. If you want the easiest access to the main sights, choose somewhere near the Harbour Arm, Leas or Creative Quarter.
- For a quieter stay, look slightly away from the busiest seafront stretch. If you are arriving by train, staying near Folkestone Central or the town centre can make things much easier. If you are driving, parking and access may matter more than being right on the coast.
Suggested 2-Day Folkestone Itinerary
On day one, focus on the Harbour Arm, Sunny Sands, the Creative Quarter and the Leas. That gives you the main Folkestone experience in one easy route and is ideal for first-time visitors or day-trippers.
On day two, move out towards The Warren, Capel-le-Ferne and the quieter coastal paths. This gives the article a more useful itinerary angle and helps readers see how to combine central attractions with the wider coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Folkestone worth visiting?
Yes. Folkestone is one of the best coastal towns in Kent if you want food, views, art, beaches and a walkable centre.
Is Folkestone good for a day trip from London?
Yes. It is one of the easiest and fastest seaside towns to reach from London by train.
What is Folkestone best known for?
Folkestone is best known for the Harbour Arm, Creative Quarter, cliff-top walks and its mix of beaches and culture.
Does Folkestone have sandy beaches?
Yes, Sunny Sands is the best sandy beach in Folkestone, though other beaches are more shingle or mixed.
How long should I spend in Folkestone?
A day is enough for the highlights, but one or two nights is better if you want to enjoy the beaches, food and coastal walks properly.
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