Folkestone

About

Is Folkestone easy to reach?

Set on the Kent coast and just 55 minutes from London St Pancras International via high-speed rail, Folkestone combines seaside charm with international connectivity. Its proximity to London makes it one of the capital’s most accessible coastal escapes, while the nearby Eurotunnel terminal places mainland Europe within effortless reach. 

Folkestone a creative coastal destination

Over the past decade, Folkestone has evolved into a dynamic tourism destination known for exceptional access, areas of outstanding natural beauty, flourishing foodie scene, nationally recognised creative quarter, and beautiful beaches. Visitors arrive for the sea air and stay for the culture, cuisine and character that now define the town.

Explore Folkestone's unique accommodation for a characterful coastal stay

Folkestone’s accommodation offer reflects its creative energy, quality tourism offer and distinct coastal setting, making it perfect for a weekend trip or longer stay. On the harbour, Rocksalt Rooms offers boutique bedrooms near the town’s iconic restaurant, with uninterrupted sea views across the Channel. Equally impressive vistas can be enjoyed at The View Hotel Folkestone, positioned on The Leas promenade, while the charming London Paris Hotel offers bespoke bedroom design with contemporary comfort. For curated holiday homes and stylish coastal cottages, Keepers Cottages and Bloom Stays provide high-quality self-catering options ideal for families and longer stays. 

Discover Folkestone's food & wine with its award-winning culinary scene

Folkestone has firmly established itself as an award-winning foodie destination. At its heart is Rocksalt, a celebrated waterfront restaurant showcasing seasonal, locally sourced seafood and modern British cuisine. Nearby, Marleys brings a cosy neighbourhood charm to the Old High Street, using the freshest local ingredients that regularly have locals queuing out of the door.

For steak and classic grill dishes, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Folkestone offers a refined dining experience, while wine lovers gravitate towards Pomus, known for its intimate setting, curated wine list and small plates. Both Little Rock and Shesells Seashells offer seaside dining experiences, delighting visitors with exquisite local sea food.

Independent cafés, bakeries and casual bars are scattered through the town and beach front with local favourites Steep Street Coffee House, Rachel's and Okay Coffee fuelling mornings in the town and the Creative Quarter. Beachfront spots such as The Pilot Beach Bar and Sailbox offer a relaxed, sociable atmosphere with panoramic views. Locally renowned, Dockers Bakery serves freshly baked bread and quality coffee from its welcoming bakery in Park Farm and is always worth getting up early for!

Just beyond the town, Terlingham Vineyard offers tours and tastings, reflecting Kent’s reputation as the Garden of England and as an award-winning English wine region.

Ten top things to see and do in Folkestone

• Folkestone’s coastline is a central part of its charm, offering something for every kind of visitor. Sunny Sands, the town’s main sandy beach, is ideal for families during the warmer months, providing gentle surf, soft sand for building sandcastles, and safe spaces for children to play. In the off-season, it becomes a favourite for dog walkers, where pups can run freely along the shore while their owners enjoy the fresh sea air. From relaxed strolls along the promenade to active days on the water, Folkestone’s beach life balances family-friendly fun, wellness experiences, and outdoor adventure, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking the perfect coastal escape.
• The Creative Quarter, centred around the Old High Street, is home to independent boutiques, artist studios and galleries. The Folkestone Artworks trail - the UK’s largest urban outdoor contemporary art exhibition - turns the town itself into an open-air gallery. Every three years, the Folkestone Triennial transforms the town into a public exhibition - inspired by Folkestone’s coastal landscape, history, and contemporary life - offering bold, thought-provoking art in everyday spaces - it will return in 2028.
• The harbour and nearby beaches also make Folkestone a hub for water sports. Try paddleboarding along the calm harbour waters or head out to the beach for kayaking, taking in panoramic views of the Channel and surrounding coastline.
• For a unique and rejuvenating seaside experience, Folkestone now proudly hosts Sea Scrub - the UK’s largest beach sauna, a brand-new wellness attraction in 2026, where guests can enjoy hot tubs, saunas and cold plunges with spectacular sea views. 
• F51, is one of the world’s first multi-storey skateparks, and draws national attention as a landmark youth and sports facility, ideal if travelling with teenagers and sporting fans.
• The harbour architecture tells the story of its past, with the transformed tram lines walkway, renovated train and tram carriages and Harbour Station - many of which are now housing restaurants and eateries for full immersion into the town’s maritime history.
• The Leas promenade recalls the town’s Victorian heyday with the beautiful bandstand and newly renovated funicular which will operate again from Summer 2026 - transporting seasiders from the town to the beach.
• Film lovers can visit Silver Screen Cinema, an independent cinema housed in the old town hall and theatregoers will relish the varied programme at the town’s Tower Theatre.
• Independent shopping thrives in the Old High Street, where artisan makers, vintage stores and galleries create a browsing experience far removed from the typical high street. From gifts to clothing to art and stationery, the shops are unique, creative and a huge part of the Folkestone cultural scene. Seasonal markets on the Harbour Arm and at The Goods Yard further support local producers and creatives and delight visitors year-round.  
• Just minutes inland lies the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering rolling countryside, walking trails and panoramic views across fields and sea.

Visit Folkestone in Kent, a destination with real depth

Folkestone’s appeal lies in its balance - it is easily accessible yet refreshingly distinct. It is creative yet rooted in heritage. It offers both relaxed beach life and ambitious cultural innovation. From harbour-side hotels to sea-view dining; from independent galleries to sunset drinks on the Harbour Arm; from vineyard tastings to cliff-top walks in the Kent Downs - Folkestone offers an experience that feels contemporary, authentic and inspiring. Whether it’s for Londoners seeking sea air, European travellers exploring the county, or domestic visitors looking for culture by the coast, Folkestone stands out as one of the UK’s most compelling and complete seaside destinations.

More Folkestone information

The Folkestone Tourist Information Centre is located in the Town Hall on Guildhall Street. You'll find plenty of information about the local area, events, attractions and accommodation in Folkestone.

Places to visit near Folkestone

Hythe (4.5 miles away)

Dymchurch (9.5 miles away)