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The things to do in Folkestone, England, go far beyond its scenic shoreline. This coastal town in Kent is fast becoming a creative hub with urban art trails, vintage shops, repurposed harbours, and a thriving local food scene. Once a major Victorian seaside resort, things to explore in Folkestone has reinvented itself through culture and community. From cliff-top walks and wartime relics to artist studios and indie cafés, every corner tells a story. With the Eurotunnel nearby, it’s the perfect stop for a weekend or day trip.
10 Best Things To Do In Folkestone
The best things to do in Folkestone include cliff walks, vintage shops, steam trains, art trails, and creative food, beyond just sandy shores.
1. Wander The Creative Quarter
Photo: Arlind D / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The things to see in Folkestone often begin in the Creative Quarter, where restored Victorian buildings now house over 100 working artists. Established in 2002, this urban renewal project brought life back to Tontine Street with studios, galleries, and cafés. You can browse handmade crafts, observe live demonstrations, and join workshops in spaces filled with ongoing artistic activity. It’s a perfect spot to experience how Folkestone’s past has been turned into a modern creative community.
Location: Tontine Street, Folkestone CT20 1BN
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
2. Follow The Folkestone Artworks Trail
Photo: Oast House Archive / Wikimedia Commons
Artworks Trail is the UK’s largest urban outdoor sculpture exhibition. Created in 2008, it features over 70 pieces by globally known artists, each reflecting Folkestone’s coast, history, or culture. From Antony Gormley to Yoko Ono, their works are placed in unexpected public spots—under bridges, on rooftops, and beside the sea. This free, self-guided trail turns a stroll through town into a journey of discovery and imagination.
Location: Multiple outdoor sites across Folkestone town centre
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
3. Marvel At Historic Folkestone Harbour Station
Photo: C Hallam / Wikimedia Commons
Visit the historic Harbour Station, opened in 1850 as part of the world’s first international rail-sea-rail route. Trains once met ships for travel between London and Paris. During WWI, millions of soldiers passed through here. Though no longer operational, its curved viaduct and restored platforms offer striking views and history panels. It remains a moving landmark that connects visitors with Folkestone’s pivotal role in global travel and war.
Location: Folkestone Harbour, Marine Parade, CT20 1TX
Timings: 24*7
4. Ride The Leas Lift
Photo: Charlotte-Crofton / Wikimedia Commons
Ride the Leas Lift, a Victorian funicular first installed in 1885. It climbs the 170-foot cliff using a water-powered system—one of the few of its kind still operating. Restored in 2011, its original wooden cabins and ironwork have been preserved. The ride links the seafront to The Leas promenade and offers clear views of the English Channel. A brief journey here becomes a living piece of transport history.
Location: Grand Parade, Folkestone CT20 2DZ
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
5. Explore Folkestone Museum’s Heritage Collections
Photo: Fæ / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Visit Folkestone Museum, which is home to fossil discoveries, Anglo-Saxon artefacts, and Victorian paintings. Founded after a local fossil auction in 1857, its collections tell the story of the town’s shift from fishing port to resort. Housed in the Grace Hill building since 1888, the museum offers insight into the natural, social, and cultural forces that shaped Folkestone’s identity over time. Interactive displays make it engaging for all ages.
Location: Grace Hill, Folkestone CT20 2TF
Timings: 10 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
6. Experience A Performance At Quarterhouse
Photo: Creative Folkestone / Wikimedia Commons
Among various artistic things to see in Folkestone, catching a live event at Quarterhouse stands out. A striking arts venue that opened in 2013, its unique fluted façade hides a 220-seat theatre, gallery, and workshop spaces. The venue showcases plays, concerts, films, and community events, helping revive Folkestone’s cultural life. Built on historic Tontine Street, it connects the town’s Victorian entertainment roots with today’s creative energy, offering a varied programme that attracts both local audiences and national performers.
Location: Tontine Street, Folkestone CT20 1BN
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
7. Discover The Folkestone Triennial’s Outdoor Exhibitions
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / PxHere / Image For Representation Only
A standout among things to explore in Folkestone is the Folkestone Triennial, a public art festival launched in 2008. Every three years, internationally known artists install large-scale works across the town—on rooftops, beaches, and derelict sites. The pieces reflect Folkestone’s port heritage, wartime past, and changing identity. Though temporary, many artworks remain in place, creating a unique visual journey. It’s an open-air gallery that challenges, surprises, and connects art directly with public life.
Location: Various sites across Folkestone’s urban and coastal landscape
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
8. Savour Flavours On The Harbour Arm
Photo: Kindel Media / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Harbour Arm is a 19th-century pier transformed into a lively spot for food, drinks, and views. Originally built for the steamship trade, it now offers street food stalls, live music, and pop-up cinema events. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, sip cocktails overlooking the Channel, or browse craft markets. The Arm blends historic dockside character with a buzzing modern social scene that’s become a local favourite.
Location: The Harbour Arm, Folkestone CT20 1QN
Timings: 11 AM – 11 PM
9. Cycle A Portion Of The Saxon Shore Way
Photo: Rahul Pandit / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Things to experience in Folkestone for outdoor lovers include cycling part of the Saxon Shore Way—an ancient Roman coastal path. The stretch near Folkestone runs from the Harbour to Capel‐le‐Ferne, taking you along former sea defences, cliff edges, and scenic towpaths. Along the way, you’ll see wartime pillboxes, chalk cliffs, and wide views across the Channel. The route blends history and landscape into a relaxed ride perfect for exploring this unique corner of Kent.
Location: Start near Folkestone Harbour, join at Harbour Parade
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
10. Uncover Stories On A Ghost Walking Tour
Photo: Plato Terentev / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
For something spine-tingling, an unusual thing to do in Folkestone is to join a ghost walking tour. Led by costumed guides, these evening walks uncover tales of smugglers, wartime spirits, and long-lost sailors. You’ll visit eerie crypts under churches and hear unsettling stories tied to the Harbour Arm. Combining historical facts with haunting legends, the tour brings Folkestone’s past to life in thrilling ways. It’s storytelling at its most atmospheric and memorable.
Location: Departing from Folkestone Tourist Information, 15 Rendezvous St
Timings: 7:30 PM (Fridays and Saturdays)
Our curated list of things to do in Folkestone stretches far beyond a simple day at the beach. Whether you’re admiring public art, reliving wartime history, or discovering hidden cafés along cobbled lanes, Folkestone blends tradition with creativity in unforgettable ways. It’s the perfect coastal town for a weekend escape. Book your Folkestone adventure with TripXL today and unlock the surprising treasures of what to do in Folkestone, England.
Cover Photo: Derek Vines / Wikimedia Commons
