Folkestone Area Guide

A vibrant artistic hub with a beautiful location on the Kent coast, Folkestone is renowned for its Creative Quarter, historic promenade and trendy shops and cafés. Property in Folkestone is within easy reach of countryside and city, with the North Downs close by and London just a short train ride away.

Welcome to Folkestone

With its cobbled streets, quirky boutique stores and seafront pubs, Folkestone is a town that offers something for everyone. Once a thriving holiday resort, it’s reinvented itself in recent years as a cultural gem, with art galleries, studios and shops selling everything from vintage fashion to antique furniture. Its proximity to the Channel is a bonus, too, with easy getaways to France available by car and ferry.

Why families love Folkestone

Families are often attracted to property in Folkestone by the excellent schools in the area. Top-rated local primaries include Sandgate, St Eanswythe’s and St Martin’s, while for older kids, there's Folkestone Academy, the Folkestone School for Girls and the Harvey Grammar School for boys aged 11 to 18.

Getting around in Folkestone

Folkestone lies around 70 miles from London and offers residents excellent transport links in and out of the capital. Direct trains to St Pancras depart Folkestone station every 30 minutes, with journey times of just under an hour, while you can also change there to reach Charing Cross. Ashford International is just 15 minutes away by train. Cheriton, a suburb of Folkestone, is the home of the Eurotunnel Shuttle, where you can drive to Calais in just 35 minutes.

A short history of Folkestone

Folkestone boasts a long and proud history as a port and fishing village, with evidence of a settlement at the site dating back to prehistoric times. Folkestone Roman Villa is thought to have had links to the empire's naval forces or used as a signalling station. Folkestone flourished in later centuries thanks to its transport links, and today it remains a vibrant hub providing a gateway for passengers in and out of Europe.

Things to do in Folkestone

For lovers of the great outdoors, there are plenty of exciting days out in and around Folkestone. Lower Leas Coastal Park is open to the public all year round, with family-friendly attractions, including a kids' play area and wildlife zone. Head to the Leas historic promenade for spectacular clifftop views across the Channel – on a clear day, you can see all the way to France.

Shopping and Dining in Folkestone

Folkestone Harbour Arm is home to many excellent restaurants and micropubs, as well as the town’s marketplace where you can browse the very best in locally produced jewellery, crafts, ceramics and vintage fashion. Top eateries in the town include Luben’s Pizza and Conchita’s Mexican restaurant, while superb pubs and bars, such as The Radnor Arms and the Rum Clinic, are plentiful.