Visiting Folkestone

Regenerating a town

Folkestone in the midst of a huge regeneration.

Creative Folkestone

In the old part of the town, branded as the Creative Quarter, is Creative Folkestone, a visionary arts charity dedicated to transforming Folkestone through collective creative activity, making the town a better place to live, work, play and visit.

Creative Folkestone believe that everyone is creative, and that creativity has the power to change people and places for the better. They have developed five key projects that are embedded in the creative transformation of Folkestone: Quarterhouse (the cultural hub of Folkestone), Creative Quarter (Folkestone’s cultural heart), Folkestone Artworks (the UK’s largest urban outdoor exhibition of contemporary art), Book Festival and Folkestone Triennial (one of the UK’s most ambitious art exhibitions).

The Harbour Arm

Originally the railway terminal for the Folkestone- Boulogne Ferry and departure point for soldiers on their way to the Western Front, the Harbour Arm still embraces the town’s working fishing harbour, becoming a pivotal point in the town’s future and its historical past.  Small, independent businesses along the pier give it its unique flavour, and its reputation is growing as restoration continues along the platform and across the railway bridge and beyond, with the addition of an onsite bakery and brewery with other seasonal events.

Battle of Britain Memorial

The Battle of Britain Memorial in nearby Capel-le-Ferne is a state of the art visitor centre and memorial site dedicated to the Few, the airmen who fought in the Battle of Britain during WW2. The National Memorial to the Few is a peaceful space, ideal for quiet reflection, atop the famous White Cliffs and offering superb views across the Channel to France.  The central statue of a lone pilot is complemented by the Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall, two replica aircraft and other items of interest. There is also the Battle of Britain Museum in the nearby village of Hawkinge.

The Leas Coastal Path, Folkestone
Photo © Gary JJ Spate

Being a seaside town there are many hotels to choose from in Folkestone. From small boutique establishments overlooking the English Channel to the national chains there will always be a room available.

Visit booking.com for hotel availability.

By train

High speed trains run regularly from London St Pancras International, getting you to Folkestone in just over 50 minutes. Folkestone Central Station is a short walk from the centre of town and approximately 15 minutes from the Creative Quarter and harbour area. For full details visit Southeastern Railway.

By car

From the M20, turn off at junction 13.

By bus or coach

A direct National Express coach service runs from London Victoria Coach Station to the main bus station in Folkestone’s town centre. Stagecoach operates a network of routes linking local towns and villages to Folkestone.

Taxis

Folkestone Taxis
01303 252000

JJs Taxis
01303 244442

Premier Taxis
01303 270000

Channel Cars
01303 252252