Things To Do
in Folkestone
Folkestone is a compact port town on the Kent coast overlooking the English Channel, known for its dramatic cliffs, seaside promenades and a revived creative quarter. Once a major Victorian resort and gateway to continental Europe, it blends maritime history with contemporary galleries, cafes and public art. The town is also a practical hub — with the Eurotunnel terminal nearby and high-speed rail links to London — making it a good base for exploring the White Cliffs and the Kent Downs.
Visitors find a mix of relaxed seaside atmosphere, coastal walking opportunities and an emerging food and cultural scene.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Folkestone Town Hall, an impressive Victorian building that showcases the town's architectural heritage. Stroll along the charming streets lined with unique shops and cafes, soaking in the local atmosphere. Stop by the Folkestone Museum to learn about the area's rich history and its significance as a port town.
After lunch at a cozy café, make your way to the Leas Promenade for breathtaking coastal views and a leisurely walk along the seafront. Visit the Folkestone Creative Quarter, where local artists display their work and you can explore quirky boutiques. Don't forget to check out the vibrant street art that adorns many buildings in the area.
As the sun sets, dine at one of Folkestone's waterfront restaurants, where fresh seafood dishes are a highlight. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach, listening to the gentle waves and watching the lights reflecting on the water. Wrap up your day with a visit to the Folkestone Harbour Arm, where you can find live music and a lively atmosphere.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café before heading to Folkestone's sandy beach for a morning of sun and fun. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the calm waters and get a different perspective of the coastline. For those looking for a thrill, consider booking a windsurfing lesson with local instructors.
After a morning of adventure, take a break at one of the beachside eateries for lunch, enjoying local fish and chips. Spend your afternoon lounging on the beach, building sandcastles or playing beach volleyball with friends. You could also take a guided boat trip for a chance to see marine life and stunning cliff views from the water.
As evening approaches, head to the beach for a picturesque sunset, capturing the moment with photographs. Enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant, sampling local delicacies while listening to the sound of the sea. Conclude your day with a relaxing walk along the shore, reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕️Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-18 |
| 🍺Pint of beer at a pub | $5-7 |
| 🚆One-way local train ticket | $5-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Accessible coastal scenery and cliff-top walks close to London
- Revitalised Creative Quarter with galleries, cafes and markets
- Good transport links (Eurotunnel nearby, high-speed rail to London)
- Fresh local seafood and seasonal Kent produce
- Can be busy during summer and holiday periods
- Limited late-night entertainment compared with larger cities
- Weather can be changeable and windy on the coast
- Some attractions and eateries operate seasonal hours
Places to Visit in Folkestone
Visit one of these nice places.
Sweeping views of the Channel, dramatic cliffs and long promenade — great for sunrise and golden-hour shots.
Colourful boats, industrial textures and sunset reflections; the Harbour Arm adds lively foreground interest.
Unique reclaimed land with coastal wildlife, geometric paths and unobstructed views of the Channel and shipping lanes.
Bright murals, independent shopfronts and quirky streetscapes perfect for urban and street photography.
Landscaped gardens and seaside features with good vantage points for candid shots and family scenes.
Iconic chalk cliffs providing dramatic coastal panoramas — a short drive away and well worth visiting for wide vistas.
Food in Folkestone
Folkestone Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A seaside staple — beer-battered cod or haddock served with chips; try a harbour-side chippy for classic ambience.
Must-Try!
Fresh shellfish from the Kent coast during season; available at specialist seafood restaurants and some markets.
Traditional roast beef or lamb with roast potatoes, veg and gravy, widely on offer at local pubs on Sundays.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Held regularly (check local schedule) featuring local produce, cheeses, baked goods and seasonal items from Kent producers.
A rotating collection of street-food vendors and small kitchens on the Harbour Arm serving seafood, burgers, wood-fired pizza and more — great for casual sampling.
Occasional artisan markets with handmade foods, pastries and specialty coffee; good for unique local treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect for orderly queues, saying 'please' and 'thank you', and general politeness are expected in shops and on public transport.
Keep a respectful distance in conversations and on public transport; Brits generally value personal space.
Be on time for tours, train departures and appointments; public transport often runs to schedule.
Follow signs on cliffs and nature reserves, keep dogs under control in sensitive habitats, and take litter home or use bins.
Safety
Tipping in Folkestone
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In sit-down restaurants, 10–15% is common if service isn’t included; in pubs and casual eateries tipping is less expected—rounding up or leaving small change is fine. For taxis, round up the fare or add 10% for longer or particularly helpful drivers.
Contactless card payments and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely accepted; most shops and restaurants accept debit/credit cards. Carry some cash for small markets, independent stalls or where card machines are unavailable.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, increasing daylight and blooming coastal flora make it a pleasant time for walks; some attractions and pop-ups reopen after winter. Weather can still be changeable — pack layers and waterproofs.
Warmest and busiest season with long days, events and open Harbour Arm vendors; beaches and coastal paths are popular. Book accommodation ahead for weekends and public holidays and expect higher prices.
Cooler temperatures, quieter streets and dramatic skies ideal for photography; migrating birds and changing colours add to coastal charm. Bring a windproof jacket as it can be breezy on the cliffs.
Colder, often blustery weather with fewer tourists and some seasonal closures; good for moody seascapes and low-season rates. Be cautious on icy paths and check opening hours for attractions and eateries.
Folkestone at Night
Hiking in Folkestone
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A long-distance footpath crossing parts of Kent with chalk ridge scenery; accessible from nearby points for day walks or longer sections.
Short, easy coastal walks on reclaimed land with clear paths, good for families and birdwatching with sea views and shipping lanes.
Iconic cliff-top routes offering dramatic views over the Channel; routes vary in length and can link with coastal villages.
Local coastal reserves with varied terrain, wildflowers and habitats for wildlife; series of footpaths with coastal outlooks.
A coastal route that traces parts of Kent’s shoreline; sections near Folkestone offer historically interesting and scenic walking options.
Airports
How to reach Folkestone by plane.
About 60–80 km west of Folkestone (roughly 1–1.5 hours by car or train connections). Major international flights and good onward transport links via train or coach.
Larger international hub approx. 100–120 km from Folkestone (1.5–2 hours by car in good traffic); rail options typically involve transfers via London.
Small regional airport to the south-east (30–40 minutes by car) with limited scheduled services and charter flights; useful if flights align with your schedule.
Smaller business-focused airport in east London; accessible by public transport though typically involves a transfer and longer journey time.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
People who commute to London via high-speed rail or work regionally; this group has grown with improved transport links.
Folkestone attracts retirees who enjoy the quieter coastal lifestyle and seaside amenities.
An emerging community of artists, gallery owners and small creative businesses centered in the Creative Quarter.
Local families who benefit from schools, parks and community activities; a mix of long-term residents and newcomers.
A mix of British-born residents and communities with roots across Europe and beyond, reflecting the town’s historic links to cross-Channel travel.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local non-league football (Folkestone Invicta and historic clubs) has a following, and community football is popular among youths and adults alike.
Cricket clubs and village teams are common in Kent; weekend matches are a summer tradition.
Proximity to the sea supports sailing, dinghy racing and paddle sports, often organized by local clubs.
Road cycling on quiet country lanes and coastal routes is popular, as are community running clubs and parkruns in nearby parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Folkestone.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafés and many restaurants offer vegetarian options; markets and independent eateries often have plant-based choices. In pubs, expect at least one vegetarian main or a creative side-plate option.
Vegan choices are increasingly available but more limited than vegetarian options; check menus in advance and consider visiting specialty cafes in the Creative Quarter.
Gluten-free options are available in many modern restaurants and cafés; mention the restriction when ordering as cross-contamination is possible in traditional kitchens.
Staff are generally accustomed to common allergies — always inform servers about severe allergies and double-check ingredient lists for seafood and dairy which are common in local dishes.