The coastal park, contemporary art and layers of history give Folkestone different facets to explore during a stay. Lower Leas Coastal Park is a linear park between Folkestone and Sandgate; Folkestone Museum traces the town’s development from a modest coastal community to its heyday as a fashionable seaside resort and beyond. There are also walking routes, public art and buildings with stories of their own.
Coast and Walking Routes
Lower Leas Coastal Park was developed for recreation and to experience the coast. One cycling connection relevant to planning is National Cycle Route 2, which runs along Lower Sandgate Road. Folkestone Downs offer spectacular views over the town. When walking on Folkestone Downs, take care on the steep, muddy slopes and watch out for grazing livestock.
The Folkestone Circular Walk is an inclusive 3.4-mile (5.5 km) route, tested by Wild With Wheels CIC. The details make it easy to distinguish between the walking options: a route length is given for the Circular Walk, while on the Downs particular care is needed on the slopes and around grazing livestock.
Art, Promenade and Food
Folkestone Artworks is the largest urban exhibition of contemporary art in the United Kingdom. Admission is free, and the exhibition is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Folkestone Artworks offers recommended walking routes for exploring the exhibition. Details may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before your visit.
Folkestone Harbour Arm is open daily for walks; access conditions may change. Check the latest information before your visit. At Folkestone Harbour Arm, The Goods Yard is an outdoor street food venue and event space. Vendors and programming may change. If you have a particular food option or event in mind, check the latest information beforehand.
Local History and Buildings
Folkestone Museum in Kent traces Folkestone’s history from its beginnings as a modest coastal community through its heyday as a fashionable seaside resort and beyond. Another cultural focal point is the colourful Creative Quarter, centred on Old High Street, Tontine Street and Mill Bay.
Layers of history can also be seen at the parish church of St Mary and St Eanswythe. Christian worship has taken place in or near the church since the mid-7th century, when St Eanswythe founded her monastery; the chancel arch arcade, by contrast, dates from the 13th century. The church is usually open for visits on Mondays and from Wednesdays to Saturdays, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, subject to the availability of volunteer church stewards. Check the church’s weekly notices before visiting.
Folkestone Roman Villa is an underground archaeological structure preserved on a clifftop at East Cliff, overlooking East Wear Bay. Folkestone Leas Lift is a Grade II* listed funicular railway, first opened in 1885. The lift is currently being restored; check on the restoration before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Bilsington, Ringwould, Newenden, Langley, Cranbrook, New Romney, Waltham, Otham
For the wider travel guide: Kent.
