Folkestone was once a busy harbor and bustling seaside town like many other harbors. It fell into hard times. But now it has found a new lease of life with the regeneration of the old harbor arm. The independent shopping scene of the creative quarter, a vibrant beachfront bar and food scene, an extensive public art trail, and beautiful coastal parks and gardens. Folk is once again a destination that has everyone talking and wanting to visit. There are extraordinary beaches in Folestone here, namely Sunny Sands Beach, Mermaid Beach, Folkestone Beach, Sandgate Beach, etc.
Folkestone is one of the best choices for refreshing weekend getaways. This coastline is awesome and super fit for all kinds of people, like couples, solo travelers, parents with kids, and friends too. If you are planning a trip down to the coast, here are eight of the best things to do in Folkestone, straight from the heart of the town’s revitalized waterfront and historic quarters.
Things to do in Folkestone, UK
These are the most famous locations and spots in Folkestone. I guide you through them one by one, which you must experience when you visit here. Just check the weather before you make your trip to Folkestone.
1. Historic Folkestone Harbour Arm
The Folkestone Harbour Arm stands as the crown jewel of the town’s regeneration. Originally functioning as a working Victorian railway station and ferry terminal, the pier has been ingeniously transformed into a pedestrian-first social promenade. Walking along the arm gives you the experience of the preserved train tracks, vintage signage, and the old signal box (now a coffee shop) while taking in panoramic views of the English Channel. It sets the vibrant tone for the entire seafront.
2. Savor Coffee and Pastries at Harbor Coffee Co.
Perched right along the harbor among converted shipping containers, Harbor Coffee Co. has quickly become a local favorite. Grab a seat on their upper-deck terrace (if the sea breeze isn’t blowing your hat off) and treat yourself to an expertly brewed coffee paired with a freshly baked pastry. It’s an ideal spot to watch the world go by with the sparkling blue sea as your backdrop.
3. Discover the Public Art Trail and the Baroque Beach Hut
Folkestone takes its public art scene seriously, featuring a sprawling trail of whimsical and striking installations scattered across town. You can spot everything from large acoustic horns you can actually blow into to the striking, Instagram-famous Baroque-inspired beach hut tucked along the coast. Tracking down these hidden artistic gems adds a fun, exploratory element to a seaside walk.
4. Feast on Fresh Seafood at Chummy’s Seafood
No trip to Folkestone is complete without visiting Chummy’s Seafood, an absolute institution right on the seafront. Whether you opt for a classic portion of dressed crab, fresh crayfish, or other local delicacies, it delivers an authentic taste of the Kent coast. Just be sure to keep an eye out for opportunistic seagulls while you enjoy your meal! Seafood restaurants in Folkestone are very delicious. You get a lot of varieties in seafood, especially!
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5. Relax in Retro Bumper Cars at Pilot Beach Bar
For a truly unique drinking experience, head over to the Pilot Beach Bar right on the beach. Alongside refreshing drinks and coffee, this laid-back spot features vintage bumper cars and classic rides from a former fairground. Sitting inside a retro bumper car with a drink in hand offers a quirky nod to traditional seaside nostalgia without taking itself too seriously.
6. Escape Into the Leas Coastal Park
When you fancy a break from the pebble beach, a short flight of steps leads you right into the Leas Coastal Park—a lush, sheltered woodland country park running parallel to the shore. Under the shade of the canopy, you can wander past unique sights like historic toll houses from the old turnpike road and massive eucalyptus trees introduced from Australia centuries ago.
7. Hike Up or Down the Iconic Zigzag Path
Connecting the clifftop to the lower coastal paths, the historic Zigzag Path is a steep, tropical-scented route framed by lush greenery and fragrant plants. Walking up or down the winding switchbacks offers stunning vantage points of the coastline. (Bonus tip: keep an eye on the ongoing refurbishment of the Folkestone Cliff Railway if you’d prefer a vintage funicular ride instead of climbing the hill on foot!)
8. Wander Through the Vibrant Creative Quarter
Located in the town’s Old High Street, this area is filled with independent retailers, artists’ studios, galleries, and unique cafes housed in historic buildings. It’s a fantastic place to lose track of time browsing local galleries, picking up unique finds, or grabbing another artisanal coffee from spots like Steep Street Coffee, which feels wonderfully reminiscent of a cozy library.
If you love these kinds of destinations around Europe, kindly check out our Europe articles.