Frances’ guidebook to the wonders of Folkestone
Sightseeing
Beautiful park next to the sea with amazing children's play area and picnic spots. There is an outside amphitheatre and a stunning zig zag path with fabulous views leading up to the Leas.
75 locals recommend
Lower Leas Coastal Park
Lower Sandgate RoadBeautiful park next to the sea with amazing children's play area and picnic spots. There is an outside amphitheatre and a stunning zig zag path with fabulous views leading up to the Leas.
Unspoilt sandy beach popular with fossil hunters.
Note: the beach is tidal so best check tide times before travelling
34 locals recommend
The Warren
Unspoilt sandy beach popular with fossil hunters.
Note: the beach is tidal so best check tide times before travelling
Champagne bar, excellent choice of food outlets, free music events, outdoor cinema, mini golf course
105 locals recommend
Folkestone Harbour Arm
Harbour Approach RoadChampagne bar, excellent choice of food outlets, free music events, outdoor cinema, mini golf course
Sandy beach. Tidal so best to check tide times before going as not much beach to be seen at high tide.
45 locals recommend
Sunny Sands Kiosk
The StadeSandy beach. Tidal so best to check tide times before going as not much beach to be seen at high tide.
Folkestone War Memorial is in The Leas area of Folkestone, Kent. Unveiled in 1922, it commemorates the 578 men of Folkestone who served in the First World War, and those who passed through Folkestone Harbour during the war, when Folkestone Harbour railway station nearby was an important point of departure and return for passage to the Western Front via Boulogne. The road from the station to the harbour was renamed the "Road of Remembrance" after the war.
Folkestone Library
2 Grace HillFolkestone War Memorial is in The Leas area of Folkestone, Kent. Unveiled in 1922, it commemorates the 578 men of Folkestone who served in the First World War, and those who passed through Folkestone Harbour during the war, when Folkestone Harbour railway station nearby was an important point of departure and return for passage to the Western Front via Boulogne. The road from the station to the harbour was renamed the "Road of Remembrance" after the war.
War memorial to the pilots who fought in the Second World War. Fabulous views out to sea.
28 locals recommend
Battle of Britain Memorial
New Dover RoadWar memorial to the pilots who fought in the Second World War. Fabulous views out to sea.
Food scene
Cafe with stunning views of Mermaid beach, and, on a clear day, of France.
11 locals recommend
Mermaids Cafe
Cafe with stunning views of Mermaid beach, and, on a clear day, of France.
Great friendly coffee shop with delicious cakes, good coffee, and large drinks menu.
28 locals recommend
Steep Street Coffee House
24 The Old High StGreat friendly coffee shop with delicious cakes, good coffee, and large drinks menu.
Django's Cafe Bar
17 Rendezvous StFantastic for breakfast! Outside seating.
Great if you prefer healthier food. Good for vegetarians and vegans. Has outside seating.
12 locals recommend
Market Square
19-21 Rendezvous StGreat if you prefer healthier food. Good for vegetarians and vegans. Has outside seating.
The Pullman
7-9 Church StGreat food. Lively atmosphere. Fantastic garden.
The True Briton
24 Harbour StGreat food. Outside seating.
Great food. Fabulous garden. Must book in advance as very popular.
17 locals recommend
EL CORTADOR Tapas Bar
41 The Old High StGreat food. Fabulous garden. Must book in advance as very popular.
The Big Greek Bus
Harbour Approach RoadLovely Greek food served in a beautiful setting on Folkestone Harbour Arm
Great sourdough pizza. Can order from The Feast Yard over the road to eat outside.
27 locals recommend
Luben's Pizza
24 Rendezvous StGreat sourdough pizza. Can order from The Feast Yard over the road to eat outside.
Jamjar Folkestone
2-4 The Old High StExcellent food. Good for vegetarians.
Planet Earth Kitchen
10 Rendezvous StExcellent vegan and vegetarian restaurant.
Rocksalt
4-5 Fish MarketExcellent food. Cocktail bar. Fantastic views over the sea.
Annapurna Restaurant
15 Cheriton PlFantastic Nepalese restaurant.
Aspendos Restaurant
West TerraceExcellent Turkish restaurant with terrace
Bikash
22-26 The LeasIndian restaurant
Curry Garden
54 Tontine StreetExcellent Indian restaurant
Sport
Folkestone's Sea Sports Centre is based at Folkestone Sunny Sands and offers everyone the chance to get out on the water. Whether you are a nervous beginner or keen to improve the skills you already have, instructors will be on hand to work with you whatever your level. We have fun, affordable activities for the whole family which include Kayaking, Dinghy Sailing and Stand Up Paddleboarding which is currently taking the world by storm.
31 locals recommend
Folkestone Harbour
Folkestone's Sea Sports Centre is based at Folkestone Sunny Sands and offers everyone the chance to get out on the water. Whether you are a nervous beginner or keen to improve the skills you already have, instructors will be on hand to work with you whatever your level. We have fun, affordable activities for the whole family which include Kayaking, Dinghy Sailing and Stand Up Paddleboarding which is currently taking the world by storm.
Folkestone Sports Centre
Radnor Park AvenueSkywalk, artificial ski slope, swimming, fitness
Open air sports facility on Folkestone's East Cliff, has stunning views over the town and across to France.
Great for all ages and abilities; for family fun or the more serious enthusiast.
You can just turn up - there will be someone in the on-site kiosk selling tickets.
Eight lawn tennis courts
An 18 hole pitch and putt course
An 18 hole putting green
Six lane bowling green
East Cliff Sports
Wear Bay RoadOpen air sports facility on Folkestone's East Cliff, has stunning views over the town and across to France.
Great for all ages and abilities; for family fun or the more serious enthusiast.
You can just turn up - there will be someone in the on-site kiosk selling tickets.
Eight lawn tennis courts
An 18 hole pitch and putt course
An 18 hole putting green
Six lane bowling green
Cocktail bar
FOLKLORE
69 The Old High StreetCocktail bar with outside terrace
Taste of the Caribbean in Folkestone. Wide range of rums. Caribbean music.
8 locals recommend
The Rum Clinic
3A West TerraceTaste of the Caribbean in Folkestone. Wide range of rums. Caribbean music.
Pub
British Lion
8-10 The BayleThe oldest pub in Folkestone serving excellent pub food.