Folkestone, a unique coastal town in Kent, has started off 2025 in a blaze of glory.
After being named the best place to live in the South East by the Sunday Times, it’s now been hailed as the best place to visit in the UK in 2025 by Time Out – another feather in the cap for this “top-tier seaside spot”.
Time Out was particularly taken with Folkestone’s “balmy, sweeping beach”. While the British weather can sometimes be a bit of let down, on a sunny day, the town can look almost tropical with its sparkling blue waters and golden sands.
Whatever the weather, visitors are guaranteed a fantastic shopping, eating and cultural experience. The seaside town of Folkestone is full of life and colour, offering an enticing coastal vibe all year round.
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The town is packed with independent shops, cafes and restaurants, perfect for a leisurely stroll before deciding where to eat and drink. One visitor told KentLive that they found cheap parking in the town centre “very easily”, which is always a bonus and a great start to any day out.
Despite the criticisms the British seaside towns usually face, there are plenty of positives to be found in Folkestone. The Harbour Arm is undoubtedly a highlight, brimming with food stalls offering tempting eats and friendly vendors always up for a chat.
For those with a sweet tooth, the blondies – similar to brownies but made with brown sugar instead of cocoa – are said to be divine. Grab some food and drink, take a seat and soak up the coastal atmosphere.
Whether you’re after quirky bars or award-winning restaurants, you’ll find them here. Cavells at Folkestone Harbour is a new addition from the team behind the popular Big Greek Bus. Opened in late summer last year, it serves a delicious selection of Greek, Lebanese and Syrian dishes.
Seafood lovers should head to Little Rock, an all-female-run restaurant located in a shipping container just off Folkestone Harbour Arm.
Another local favourite is Rocksalt, a luxury seafood venue that was named one of the UK’s best restaurants with a view in 2022. When TV personality Kelly Brook lived in Kent, it was one of her go-to spots.
Don’t miss the Creative Quarter in the Old High Street, where the brightly-painted independent shops are a feast for the eyes.
Locals are fond of their town, which offers a unique shopping experience with its array of independent stores providing an alternative to the everyday high street brands found across the nation. For those visiting, there’s a wealth of options for picking up souvenirs and keepsakes to remember your journey.
The town’s vibrant music scene is reflected in its music shops, and with Folkestone’s trendy reputation, you’ll find plenty of independent and vintage clothing stores that might just enhance your wardrobe.
A trip to the enchanting Kingsnorth Gardens is essential when visiting Folkestone. Located just a short stroll from the town centre and near Folkestone Central station, at the junction of Shorncliffe Road and Cheriton Road, this “magical oasis” boasts over a century of history.
Visitors can enjoy a delightful blend of oriental, Italian, and traditional English formal gardens. If you plan your visit for April, you’ll be greeted by a kaleidoscope of blooming flowers, ornamental ponds, fountains, seasonal display beds, and a rockery.
Notable features include the specimen trees, such as the Japanese Acers, renowned for their striking pink blossoms in April.
For further adventures, explore the Bouverie Place Shopping Centre and the Lower Leas Coastal Park. Don’t miss the opportunity to see one of Anthony Gormley’s iron men sculptures, standing beneath the harbour arm looking out to sea, or Cornelia Parker’s impressive bronze mermaid situated on the rocks above the beach.
If you’re journeying from London, the trip is just shy of an hour from King’s Cross railway station. You can reach Calais from Folkestone via the Eurostar in a swift 35 minutes.
Time Out has curated a fantastic itinerary for a day-trip, offering a mix of outdoor activities, window shopping including art, and pit stops for refreshments. The Folkestone Triennial, a three-month-long art extravaganza, is also highlighted.
Running from July 19 to October 19, this year’s event aims to delve deeper into the origins of human settlement in the town. Creative Folkestone, the organisation behind the event, promises an exploration into Folkestone’s “deep past”.
Time Out heaps praise on Folkestone, stating: “For a while, Folkestone was something of an under-the-radar seaside destination – but those days are now long gone.”
“In recent years the Kentish town has cemented its rep as a top-tier seaside spot, delightful for its colourful, cobbled Old High Street of indie shops, its ever-growing culinary scene, its balmy, sweeping beach and surrounding areas of natural beauty.”
A visit to the town’s Leas Lift, a funicular, is also recommended. A funicular consists of two carriages on a rail travelling up and down a steep slope via a pulley at the top.
Last year, this attraction was voted fifth in the Seaside Heritage Network’s Bucket and Spade List of the Top 10 favourite seaside places and experiences in the UK. Despite the fact that the lift hasn’t been operational for years, it still made it onto the coveted list.
The cliffside lift, which closed in 2016 and was subsequently placed on the Heritage at Risk register, had been used by an impressive 36 million people. However, there is good news as a fundraising target of £6.6m has been reached, including £4.8m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, meaning the Leas Lift is set to reopen in 2025.
Folkestone is a charming mix of old and new, with heritage and new arrivals blending seamlessly. Regeneration projects like the Harbour Arm keep the town feeling fresh and relevant, while its history is ever-present, like an old railway line, tastefully preserved with beautiful planted flowers, and the thrilling return of the Leas Lift.
However, as reported by KentLive this week, plans for the transformation of Folkestone Harbour have suffered a significant setback after Folkestone and Hythe District Council voted to reject the controversial scheme. The project, which includes 410 homes and 54 commercial units as part of the ongoing redevelopment of the town’s harbour and seafront, now faces an uncertain future.
Where to park in Folkestone
There’s no shortage of parking options in the area, all of which can be viewed on Folkestone and Hythe District Council’s comprehensive webpage, complete with detailed information and a map.