Folkestone
This once down-at-heel port town continues to undergo a remarkable regeneration. Want culture , thriving food and shopping scene plus the beach thrown in for good measure? Look no further. Part of our Top 300 Places to Live series.
In association with
WHY?
This seaside town is getting a reputation for its artistic heart – from the Triennial, a regenerative art festival that takes place in Folkestone every three years, to the Book Festival (usually in Nov). Then you’ve also got The Creative Quarter, which was part of the city’s regeneration project and is now the wonderfully colourful home to an eclectic mix of artist studios and creative businesses. Aaaand it’s on the foodie map. What more reason do you need?
EAT
For fancy dining there’s RockSalt perched over Folkestone harbour with panoramic floor to ceiling views out over the English Channel. Or for beachside dining there’s the sister eatery, Little Rock. Think Ibiza meets Kent coast with its palm trees, sun sails and gleaming white terrace and ocean views.
Salivating yet? And if you’re looking for something to wash all that tucker down then sit down and relax at Muddy Award-winning The Pilot Beach Bar or head to the Lighthouse Champagne Bar, tucked into the Folkestone Lighthouse at the tip of Folkestone Harbour Arm. Soak in the views and enjoy Champagne by the glass or the bottle. Or try up-and-coming, Folkestone Wine Company. This is a small, 26-seat, independent near Folkestone harbour.
For cafés, situated in Folkestone’s Creative is Marley’s, who’s just scooped Best Casual Dining in our Muddy Awards 2024 and best known for their delicious brunches and ability to cater for veggies and vegans. Expect no-fuss, delicious food in a relaxed environment. We also love all-day eatery, a café and grocery, Gourmet Kitchen with lots of Spanish and French influences.
SHOP
Folkestone’s Creative Quarter, a stone’s throw from the sea, has been steadily and successfully developed to regenerate Folkestone through creativity and is now a bustling and thriving district that is home to a wide-range of independent shops and studios. Take your time to walk up its cobbled streets and do not miss the following shops to browse and enjoy. Head to Rennie’s for curious vintage finds or Moo like a Monkey for wooden eco-friendly toys and children’s clothes (kids can play while you shop – hurrah).
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Folkestone is also a national cycle route if you want to saddle up. Alternatively, you have beaches all around you including pretty Sunny Sands beach in Folkestone itself with rockpools galore at low tide. And for something a little different, then why not take them skiing, snowboarding or tobogganing on the 60-metre ski slope at nearby Folkestone Sports Centre.
COMMUNITY
Folkestone’s community is as vibrant as its seaside views, the town buzzes with exciting events throughout the year, like the Folkestone Triennial, which transforms the streets into an open-air gallery showcasing local and international artists. Folkestone’s Harbour Festival is another hit, celebrating the town’s maritime heritage with live music, food stalls, and boat races.
Local clubs thrive here too, with everything from knitting circles to book clubs meeting regularly at venues like the Folkestone Town Hall.
Don’t forget to pop this in your diary for 2025! The iconic Kate Bush Day aka Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever in Folkestone is an impressive sight to see. Get ready to see hundreds dressed in red and dancing to Kate Bush’s ethereal song Wuthering Heights along the Harbour Arm. It’s a wonderful community event and completely free to watch and participate in.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Folkestone’s restored Harbour Arm is a beautiful promenade out at sea which offers a whole load more than just a pretty awesome view. There’s live music and events throughout the year, plus a brilliant collection of small, independent businesses. It’s become a true destination for food and drink fans – with top food critics travelling to try the street food sellers.
If the wind and waves are getting too much, wander down to The Goods Yard, featuring the best of Folkestone’s traders just in a sheltered, outdoor space. Expect live music, DJs and performances, also home to Harbour Screen with its programme of film and sports – there’s always something to look forward to. Only open Saturday and Sundays.
Plus don’t miss this family seaside attraction at Folkestone Harbour, Putters, the brand new Adventure Golf Course and Cafe now open if you need yet another reason to visit Folkestone Harbour Arm!
The kids will love The Battle of Britain Memorial – it may be a memorial but it’s also a great place for a day out with the family! It’s well worth a visit and appropriate for all ages combining hands-on fun and learning with plenty of things to see and do, together with a café with great views of the French coast.
Nearby there’s also the largest free adventure play area in the South-East, potter around Lower Leas Coastal Park with its pine avenues and admire the flowers that bloom all year thanks to its unique microclimate. Events take place throughout the summer including concerts at its 350-seat amphitheater, children’s workshops and drama performances.
Lower Leas Coastal Park is a fantastic place to while away the morning with your family. Kids can get stuck into its playground – the largest free adventure play area in the South-East no less – and you can potter around its pine avenues with flowers blooming all year thanks to its unique microclimate. Events take place throughout the summer including concerts at its 350-seat amphitheatre, children’s workshops and drama performances.
Or why not try an escape room? Leas Lift Lockout will sure keep the whole family entertained! In teams of 2-6 enter a world of adventure and work together to solve a mystery and escape the locked room in just 60mins. Challenge accepted!
CULTURE
A visit to the Leas Lift, a charming Victorian funicular railway, transports you back in time while offering stunning views of the coastline. For art lovers, the Folkestone Artworks is the UK’s largest urban outdoor contemporary art exhibition. Brings vibrant, world-class installations to the town’s streets, beaches, and parks.
If rain takes over, go to Silver Screen Cinema, an independent two-screen cinema in Folkestone’s historic town hall. From the antique box office ticket vending machines, to the classic auditoriums, the Silver Screen has provided the town with a uniquely traditional cinema experience for over 25 years.
Don’t miss St Mary & St Eanswythe’s Church, home to the remains of St. Eanswythe, one of England’s earliest saints. Folkestone is a cultural gem waiting to be discovered!
AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE
The average sold price for a property in Folkestone in the last 12 months is £282,304. For detached properties it was £479,053, semi-detached £347,465 and terraced were £258,941.
HOT PROPERTY
NURSERIES
Nurseries attached to local independent schools include Muddy Knees Nursery at Dover College Prep; the Nursery at Spring Grove; Bridge Nursery, The Stables Nursery and Ashford Prep Nursery, all at Ashford Prep; the Nursery at Junior King’s, Canterbury; Woodland Nursery, St Edmund’s and Garden Cottage Nursery, Kent College, Canterbury. Casper Nursery in Capel Street, Shorncliffe Nursery (in Shorncliffe Community Centre, Mackenzie Drive) and Playbox Day Nursery (on Biggins Wood Rd) are all Ofsted Rated as Outstanding.
SCHOOLS
A decent amount of choice – excellent Boys and Girls separate grammar schools in Dover. Or for independents, you’ve got Dover College for prep and senior just up the coast. Or some do travel over towards Ashford to enjoy schooling at nurturing Spring Grove.
BEST KEPT SECRET
You’ll be hard pushed to find anything cooler or more quirky than The Potting Shed. An antique shop at the front. Then there’s a potting shed in the middle, and you go through a doorway into the cocktail bar hidden within. Provided you know the password, of course – which changes daily. Love. This.
COMMUTE
The fast train from Folkestone Central can take you into London St Pancras is less than 1 hr thanks to the new high speed train links. Otherwise you are well positioned for trips to Canterbury or your seaside sibling towns.
View the full Top 300 Places to Live.