Guidebook for Folkestone
Drinks & Nightlife
A popular, homely pub with log fires and a beautiful, large garden. Also serves nice food.
32 locals recommend
The Pullman
7-9 Church StA popular, homely pub with log fires and a beautiful, large garden. Also serves nice food.
By day, a nice place to get something to eat; by night, a popular place to go for a drink serving several local ales. Lots of seating plus a dancefloor with live music or DJs.
14 locals recommend
The Beer Shop
Cheriton PlaceBy day, a nice place to get something to eat; by night, a popular place to go for a drink serving several local ales. Lots of seating plus a dancefloor with live music or DJs.
There are several places to enjoy a drink on or near The Harbour Arm. The Waiting Room is the Harbour Arm’s main bar where there is often live music or DJs. Wild Box serves cocktails and the clue is in the name with the Lighthouse Champagne Bar at the tip of the Harbour Arm.
The Waiting Room
Harbour Approach RoadThere are several places to enjoy a drink on or near The Harbour Arm. The Waiting Room is the Harbour Arm’s main bar where there is often live music or DJs. Wild Box serves cocktails and the clue is in the name with the Lighthouse Champagne Bar at the tip of the Harbour Arm.
A brilliant selection of craft beers and drinks from across Europe with an intimate, friendly atmosphere.
The Old Buoy
45 Tontine StA brilliant selection of craft beers and drinks from across Europe with an intimate, friendly atmosphere.
A warm and welcoming place to drink, serving real ale and cider or whatever takes your fancy.
15 locals recommend
Kipps' Alehouse
11-15 The Old High StA warm and welcoming place to drink, serving real ale and cider or whatever takes your fancy.
A cosy independent bar and gallery with regular live music and DJs. Large outside space round the back.
7 locals recommend
space-bar & gallery
7 The Old High StA cosy independent bar and gallery with regular live music and DJs. Large outside space round the back.
Countless rums and cocktails in a buzzing, vibrantly decorated basement bar with a dancefloor and DJs. Mama K who runs this place is a legend – make sure you try her rum punch!
8 locals recommend
The Rum Clinic
3A West TerraceCountless rums and cocktails in a buzzing, vibrantly decorated basement bar with a dancefloor and DJs. Mama K who runs this place is a legend – make sure you try her rum punch!
The Pilot Beach Bar
Bar on the beach next to the old Harbour station.
Arts & Culture
Quarterhouse
49 Tontine StTheatre, cinema and live music venue.
The Creative Quarter is a lively artistic community. It’s centred around the Old High Street and Tontine Street, both of which start within a 5 minute walk from here. The Old High Street is a pretty cobbled hill full of independent shops, coffee shops, restaurants and small art galleries. Tontine Street also has some quirky shops and some nice places to eat as well as the Quarterhouse: a theatre, cinema and live music venue - please see quarterhouse.co.uk for what’s on. There’s also a lovely café/bar upstairs at The Quarterhouse called The Clearing.
33 locals recommend
The Creative Quarter
34 The Old High StThe Creative Quarter is a lively artistic community. It’s centred around the Old High Street and Tontine Street, both of which start within a 5 minute walk from here. The Old High Street is a pretty cobbled hill full of independent shops, coffee shops, restaurants and small art galleries. Tontine Street also has some quirky shops and some nice places to eat as well as the Quarterhouse: a theatre, cinema and live music venue - please see quarterhouse.co.uk for what’s on. There’s also a lovely café/bar upstairs at The Quarterhouse called The Clearing.
Once every three years between July and November (most recently in 2021), Folkestone is blessed with the Triennial Festival - the largest exhibition of newly commissioned artwork in the UK. Artists use the town as their gallery, utilising public spaces to create striking new art that reflects issues affecting both Folkestone and the wider world. A large number of these artworks remain in situ around the town and are known as Folkestone Artworks – the UK’s largest urban contemporary art exhibition. The artworks tell a variety of stories about Folkestone. They are free and permanently accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Please visit creativefolkestone.org.uk/folkestoneartworks/maps-and-routes to download a map and guide.
Folkestone Artworks
Mill BayOnce every three years between July and November (most recently in 2021), Folkestone is blessed with the Triennial Festival - the largest exhibition of newly commissioned artwork in the UK. Artists use the town as their gallery, utilising public spaces to create striking new art that reflects issues affecting both Folkestone and the wider world. A large number of these artworks remain in situ around the town and are known as Folkestone Artworks – the UK’s largest urban contemporary art exhibition. The artworks tell a variety of stories about Folkestone. They are free and permanently accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Please visit creativefolkestone.org.uk/folkestoneartworks/maps-and-routes to download a map and guide.
Parks & Nature
My favourite place in Folkestone! It's a beautiful, peaceful (though getting increasingly popular) country park with beaches, cliffs, wild grassland and stunning walks. Parking is extremely limited so it’s best accessed via footpaths from East Cliff (main path behind the tennis courts). In addition, you can walk or drive down Swiss Way to Little Switzerland Campsite where there’s a café with incredible views out to sea - parking is only for customers of the café.
You can go on many walks and adventures in The Warren, my favourite is to walk along the paths in between the railway line and the sea, cross over the railway bridge (on Google Maps) and follow the path west into the jungle-esque woods where there are tree swings and a zig zag path up the cliff. This will bring you out at the Clifftop Café in Capel-le-Ferne which should be open between 10am – 4:30pm for a much needed tea break!
34 locals recommend
The Warren
My favourite place in Folkestone! It's a beautiful, peaceful (though getting increasingly popular) country park with beaches, cliffs, wild grassland and stunning walks. Parking is extremely limited so it’s best accessed via footpaths from East Cliff (main path behind the tennis courts). In addition, you can walk or drive down Swiss Way to Little Switzerland Campsite where there’s a café with incredible views out to sea - parking is only for customers of the café.
You can go on many walks and adventures in The Warren, my favourite is to walk along the paths in between the railway line and the sea, cross over the railway bridge (on Google Maps) and follow the path west into the jungle-esque woods where there are tree swings and a zig zag path up the cliff. This will bring you out at the Clifftop Café in Capel-le-Ferne which should be open between 10am – 4:30pm for a much needed tea break!
Folkestone Downs (also known as the hills) are another beautiful place to go for a walk or a drive. The area is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and forms a part of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are stunning views from Crete Road East and Crete Road West and places you can pull your car over to look out over Folkestone and out to sea. If you’re lucky, you might also see the beautiful Highland cows that graze here.
Folkestone Downs
Folkestone Downs (also known as the hills) are another beautiful place to go for a walk or a drive. The area is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and forms a part of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are stunning views from Crete Road East and Crete Road West and places you can pull your car over to look out over Folkestone and out to sea. If you’re lucky, you might also see the beautiful Highland cows that graze here.
Sunny Sands is a sandy beach that gets very busy on hot Summer days. There’s a kiosk serving drinks, ice creams, etc and there are toilets.
45 locals recommend
Sunny Sands Kiosk
The StadeSunny Sands is a sandy beach that gets very busy on hot Summer days. There’s a kiosk serving drinks, ice creams, etc and there are toilets.
I highly recommend walking through the Lower Leas Coastal Park. There are three zones: beautiful formal gardens; a free, huge wooden adventure playground (fun for children and adults – I’m speaking from experience!); a wild area with numerous spots to sit and look at the stunning views. There’s a café and separate toilets in the park. There’s also an amphitheatre which hosts free theatre and musical performances during the Summer. You can walk to the Lower Leas Coastal Park from Marine Parade or go down the Zig Zag Path next to the bandstand on The Leas. The Lower Leas Coastal Park is parallel to the long stony beaches which lead to Sandgate. There are often beautiful sunsets on this beach.
75 locals recommend
Lower Leas Coastal Park
Lower Sandgate RoadI highly recommend walking through the Lower Leas Coastal Park. There are three zones: beautiful formal gardens; a free, huge wooden adventure playground (fun for children and adults – I’m speaking from experience!); a wild area with numerous spots to sit and look at the stunning views. There’s a café and separate toilets in the park. There’s also an amphitheatre which hosts free theatre and musical performances during the Summer. You can walk to the Lower Leas Coastal Park from Marine Parade or go down the Zig Zag Path next to the bandstand on The Leas. The Lower Leas Coastal Park is parallel to the long stony beaches which lead to Sandgate. There are often beautiful sunsets on this beach.
The White Cliffs of Dover are magnificent and another beautiful place to walk. They are looked after by the National Trust and there’s a car park and café at the beginning.
102 locals recommend
The White Cliffs of Dover
Upper RoadThe White Cliffs of Dover are magnificent and another beautiful place to walk. They are looked after by the National Trust and there’s a car park and café at the beginning.
The Western Heights are one of the most impressive and vast fortifications in Britain. It’s a fascinating place to walk around and explore with incredible views across Dover and out to sea. The Western Heights Preservation Society run free tours inside the Drop Redoubt fort on the third Sunday of April, June, July and August. Please visit doverwesternheights.org/tours for more information.
10 locals recommend
Western Heights Of Dover
Drop Redoubt RoadThe Western Heights are one of the most impressive and vast fortifications in Britain. It’s a fascinating place to walk around and explore with incredible views across Dover and out to sea. The Western Heights Preservation Society run free tours inside the Drop Redoubt fort on the third Sunday of April, June, July and August. Please visit doverwesternheights.org/tours for more information.
Port Lympne is a breeding sanctuary for rare and endangered species set in 600 acres of countryside looking out across Romney Marsh. Wherever possible, Port Lympne return animals born there to protected areas of their natural habitat. The estate incorporates a historic mansion, landscaped gardens and vast open spaces where many of the animals roam freely.
104 locals recommend
Port Lympne Reserve Giraffe Cottage
Aldington RoadPort Lympne is a breeding sanctuary for rare and endangered species set in 600 acres of countryside looking out across Romney Marsh. Wherever possible, Port Lympne return animals born there to protected areas of their natural habitat. The estate incorporates a historic mansion, landscaped gardens and vast open spaces where many of the animals roam freely.
Beautiful, stony beach very close to the Lower Leas Coastal Park. Toilets nearby (in the coastal park) and the Mermaid Café for food and drinks.
11 locals recommend
Mermaids Cafe
Beautiful, stony beach very close to the Lower Leas Coastal Park. Toilets nearby (in the coastal park) and the Mermaid Café for food and drinks.
Essentials
Londis
Closest shop to the flat (4 minute walk away).
The second closest shop to the flat but has a bigger selection than the Londis. 9 minute's walk away.
Tesco Express
Bouverie Road WestThe second closest shop to the flat but has a bigger selection than the Londis. 9 minute's walk away.
Getting Around
Folkestone Central station
Station ApproachClosest train station.
Folkestone Bus Station
Middelburg SquareBuses to Canterbury, Dover and along the coast all the way to Lydd.
Food Scene
One of my favourite places to eat in Folkestone. Fresh, homemade and as local as possible food in a cosy, welcoming restaurant. Marley’s has something for everyone and is understandably very popular so booking is essential.
12 locals recommend
Jamjar Folkestone
2-4 The Old High StOne of my favourite places to eat in Folkestone. Fresh, homemade and as local as possible food in a cosy, welcoming restaurant. Marley’s has something for everyone and is understandably very popular so booking is essential.
This restaurant may not look like much from the outside but it serves absolutely incredible Nepalese food and is understandably one of the highest rated places to eat in the whole of Kent! They also do takeaway (collection only).
6 locals recommend
Annapurna Restaurant
15 Cheriton PlThis restaurant may not look like much from the outside but it serves absolutely incredible Nepalese food and is understandably one of the highest rated places to eat in the whole of Kent! They also do takeaway (collection only).
Turn right at the top of the Old High Street and you’ll find this large restaurant where they serve delicious sourdough pizzas baked in a wood fired oven.
27 locals recommend
Luben's Pizza
24 Rendezvous StTurn right at the top of the Old High Street and you’ll find this large restaurant where they serve delicious sourdough pizzas baked in a wood fired oven.
On the corner of Tontine Street is a place that doesn’t look too special from the outside but it is. Tip is a truly lovely lady and here her and her friends cook wonderful and good value Thai food. It’s takeaway only but there are benches around the Harbour you can sit on or bring it back to the flat as it’s less than a 5 minute walk.
Tip's Wok Box
Tontine StreetOn the corner of Tontine Street is a place that doesn’t look too special from the outside but it is. Tip is a truly lovely lady and here her and her friends cook wonderful and good value Thai food. It’s takeaway only but there are benches around the Harbour you can sit on or bring it back to the flat as it’s less than a 5 minute walk.
In an old shipping container, find a plant based culinary experience with a health conscious and sustainable approach to eating.
8 locals recommend
Dr Legumes
10 Rendezvous StreetIn an old shipping container, find a plant based culinary experience with a health conscious and sustainable approach to eating.
Sightseeing
Fishing boats and a lovely walkway across the old railway bridge.
31 locals recommend
Folkestone Harbour
Fishing boats and a lovely walkway across the old railway bridge.
Folkestone Harbour Arm is a promenade out at sea with beautiful views back to the town. It’s open every day from dusk to dawn for walking (weather dependant) and, from March to October, there are lots of lovely places to get food and drinks, as well as live music at weekends and a great atmosphere. There are also regular markets and stalls next to the Harbour Arm and in the old station. The Arm is open until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays and is one of the best places to go for an evening out. Please check folkestoneharbourarm.co.uk for specific opening times and details of what’s on. There’s also an open air cinema next to the Harbour Arm which shows a variety of films throughout the Summer– please see screen.folkestoneharbourarm.co.uk for details. In addition, there are some places to eat in the East Yard next to the Harbour Arm - the majority of these are open all year round.
105 locals recommend
Folkestone Harbour Arm
Harbour Approach RoadFolkestone Harbour Arm is a promenade out at sea with beautiful views back to the town. It’s open every day from dusk to dawn for walking (weather dependant) and, from March to October, there are lots of lovely places to get food and drinks, as well as live music at weekends and a great atmosphere. There are also regular markets and stalls next to the Harbour Arm and in the old station. The Arm is open until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays and is one of the best places to go for an evening out. Please check folkestoneharbourarm.co.uk for specific opening times and details of what’s on. There’s also an open air cinema next to the Harbour Arm which shows a variety of films throughout the Summer– please see screen.folkestoneharbourarm.co.uk for details. In addition, there are some places to eat in the East Yard next to the Harbour Arm - the majority of these are open all year round.
The Bayle is an old, pretty section of the town where the lovely 15th Century British Lion pub is, as well as the historic Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe.
The Bayle
The BayleThe Bayle is an old, pretty section of the town where the lovely 15th Century British Lion pub is, as well as the historic Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe.
The Leas is a mile long stretch of grassy promenade which starts at the Step Short Memorial Arch in the town centre and goes all the way along to the top of Sandgate. There are stunning views out to sea and lots of beautiful buildings as you head West, including the Grand and Metropole Hotels. The Zig Zag Path (about half way along The Leas) takes you down to The Lower Leas Coastal Park.
6 locals recommend
The Folkestone Leas Lift
Lower Sandgate RoadThe Leas is a mile long stretch of grassy promenade which starts at the Step Short Memorial Arch in the town centre and goes all the way along to the top of Sandgate. There are stunning views out to sea and lots of beautiful buildings as you head West, including the Grand and Metropole Hotels. The Zig Zag Path (about half way along The Leas) takes you down to The Lower Leas Coastal Park.
For more beautiful views, head up to Capel-le-Ferne and walk along the cliff tops. You can visit the Battle of Britain memorial and, at the opposite end of Capel, you’ll find the Abbot’s Cliff sound mirror and gun emplacements from the war. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can walk along the cliffs all the way to Dover. It’s my favourite walk in the area and I highly recommend it if you have time (allow a few hours and take a picnic!). When you reach Dover, you can get a bus or train back to Folkestone.
Capel-le-Ferne
For more beautiful views, head up to Capel-le-Ferne and walk along the cliff tops. You can visit the Battle of Britain memorial and, at the opposite end of Capel, you’ll find the Abbot’s Cliff sound mirror and gun emplacements from the war. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can walk along the cliffs all the way to Dover. It’s my favourite walk in the area and I highly recommend it if you have time (allow a few hours and take a picnic!). When you reach Dover, you can get a bus or train back to Folkestone.
Dover Castle is the most iconic of all English castles and a great day out – I’ve been countless times and always spend the whole day there. You can climb the Great Tower, meet the characters and immerse yourself in medieval life then delve deep within the White Cliffs to the Secret Wartime Tunnels where you can tour an underground hospital and learn about Operation Dynamo and the Dunkirk evacuation which was masterminded from the tunnels.
357 locals recommend
Dover Castle
Castle Hill RoadDover Castle is the most iconic of all English castles and a great day out – I’ve been countless times and always spend the whole day there. You can climb the Great Tower, meet the characters and immerse yourself in medieval life then delve deep within the White Cliffs to the Secret Wartime Tunnels where you can tour an underground hospital and learn about Operation Dynamo and the Dunkirk evacuation which was masterminded from the tunnels.