//
Home to the annual Folkestone sandcastle competition, this is a rare high-quality sandy beach on a coastline dominated by shingle. As such, space is short supply on hot days and near non-existent at high tide. Toilets and nearby food and drink facilities make this a handy place for families. Look out for the statue of a mermaid perched on a rock gazing out to sea. Lifeguard service spring and summer weekends. No dogs May-Oct.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
At the centre of Folkestone's Creative Quarter, is this arts centre and venue, which hosts regular comedy and music gigs, film screenings, discussions, artisan markets and other community events. Unusual "modern Gothic" café-bar upstair.
Formerly the railway station for the boat trains, the Harbour Arm has been reopened to the public. There are several attractions along its length including many food and drink places. It is popular in the summer with live music events and sports matches shown on a large screen.
A large park which becomes progressively wilder the further from town you venture. By the entrance, it's all very civilised: bowling greens, pitch and putt, a play area. But a challenging walk or cycle towards the sea finds you descending through landslipped cliffs and scrubland. This part of the park is a nature reserve and site of special scientific interest (SSSI), home to over 150 bird species and typical coastal plants such as rock sea lavender and samphire. At the bottom of the descent, you can go rockpooling, hunt for fossils or fish in the sea.
Victorian engineered water-powered carriage ride, open weekends for transport between The Leas promenade and the stony beach/Lower Leas Coastal Park. Originally opened in 1885, the lift closed in 2017. It is expected to re-open in 2027 following renovation.
Open all year round, this is a wonderful seaside park containing an amphitheatre that provides free entertainment (mostly music and theatre) all throughout each summertime. Arrive early if you want to find a good seat! There is a large children's adventure play area along the seafront, suitable for most ages. The beaches throughout Kent, including Folkestone and Shepway have won awards for cleanliness and adhere strictly to European water quality standards.
Entertainment venue that, in the age of rock and roll, once pulled the biggest bands in the world. It now subsists on a diet of endless tribute acts and the occasional famous comedian.