{"id":273094,"date":"2025-06-19T12:04:12","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T12:04:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tripxl.com\/blog\/?p=273094"},"modified":"2025-06-19T12:04:12","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T12:04:12","slug":"things-to-do-in-folkestone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tripxl.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-folkestone\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Things To Do In Folkestone: Art, History & Seaside Vibes"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 caf\u00e9s, every corner tells a story. With the Eurotunnel nearby, it\u2019s the perfect stop for a weekend or day trip.<\/em><\/p>\n

10 Best Things To Do In Folkestone<\/h2>\n

The best things to do in Folkestone include cliff walks, vintage shops, steam trains, art trails, and creative food, beyond just sandy shores.<\/p>\n

1. Wander The Creative Quarter<\/h3>\n
\"Wander<\/div>\n

Photo: Arlind D \/ Pexels \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

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 caf\u00e9s. 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\u2019s past has been turned into a modern creative community.<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Tontine Street, Folkestone CT20 1BN
\nTimings:<\/strong> 10 AM – 5 PM<\/p>\n

2. Follow The Folkestone Artworks Trail<\/h3>\n
\"An<\/div>\n

Photo: Oast House Archive \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Artworks Trail is the UK\u2019s largest urban outdoor sculpture exhibition. Created in 2008, it features over 70 pieces by globally known artists, each reflecting Folkestone\u2019s coast, history, or culture. From Antony Gormley to Yoko Ono, their works are placed in unexpected public spots\u2014under bridges, on rooftops, and beside the sea. This free, self-guided trail turns a stroll through town into a journey of discovery and imagination.<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Multiple outdoor sites across Folkestone town centre
\nTimings:<\/strong> 9 AM – 6 PM<\/p>\n

3. Marvel At Historic Folkestone Harbour Station<\/h3>\n
\"Your<\/div>\n

Photo: C Hallam \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Visit the historic Harbour Station, opened in 1850 as part of the world\u2019s 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\u2019s pivotal role in global travel and war.<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Folkestone Harbour, Marine Parade, CT20 1TX
\nTimings:<\/strong> 24*7<\/p>\n

4. Ride The Leas Lift<\/h3>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Photo: Charlotte-Crofton \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Ride the Leas Lift, a Victorian funicular first installed in 1885. It climbs the 170-foot cliff using a water-powered system\u2014one 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.<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Grand Parade, Folkestone CT20 2DZ
\nTimings:<\/strong> 7 AM – 7 PM<\/p>\n

5. Explore Folkestone Museum\u2019s Heritage Collections<\/h3>\n
\"Anglo-Saxon<\/div>\n

Photo: F\u00e6 \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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\u2019s identity over time. Interactive displays make it engaging for all ages.<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Grace Hill, Folkestone CT20 2TF
\nTimings:<\/strong> 10 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)<\/p>\n

6. Experience A Performance At Quarterhouse<\/h3>\n
\"Among<\/div>\n

Photo: Creative Folkestone \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

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 fa\u00e7ade hides a 220-seat theatre, gallery, and workshop spaces. The venue showcases plays, concerts, films, and community events, helping revive Folkestone\u2019s cultural life. Built on historic Tontine Street, it connects the town\u2019s Victorian entertainment roots with today\u2019s creative energy, offering a varied programme that attracts both local audiences and national performers.<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Tontine Street, Folkestone CT20 1BN
\nTimings:<\/strong> 10 AM – 6 PM<\/p>\n

7. Discover The Folkestone Triennial\u2019s Outdoor Exhibitions<\/h3>\n
\"Outdoor<\/div>\n

Photo: CC0 Public Domain \/ PxHere \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2014on rooftops, beaches, and derelict sites. The pieces reflect Folkestone\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Various sites across Folkestone\u2019s urban and coastal landscape
\nTimings:<\/strong> 9 AM – 6 PM<\/p>\n

8. Savour Flavours On The Harbour Arm<\/h3>\n
\"Enjoying<\/div>\n

Photo: Kindel Media \/ Pexels \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2019s become a local favourite.<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> The Harbour Arm, Folkestone CT20 1QN
\nTimings:<\/strong> 11 AM – 11 PM <\/p>\n

9. Cycle A Portion Of The Saxon Shore Way<\/h3>\n
\"Saxon<\/div>\n

Photo: Rahul Pandit \/ Pexels \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Things to experience in Folkestone for outdoor lovers include cycling part of the Saxon Shore Way\u2014an ancient Roman coastal path. The stretch near Folkestone runs from the Harbour to Capel\u2010le\u2010Ferne, taking you along former sea defences, cliff edges, and scenic towpaths. Along the way, you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Start near Folkestone Harbour, join at Harbour Parade
\nTimings:<\/strong> 8 AM – 6 PM<\/p>\n

10. Uncover Stories On A Ghost Walking Tour<\/h3>\n
\"Join<\/div>\n

Photo: Plato Terentev \/ Pexels \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2019ll visit eerie crypts under churches and hear unsettling stories tied to the Harbour Arm. Combining historical facts with haunting legends, the tour brings Folkestone\u2019s past to life in thrilling ways. It\u2019s storytelling at its most atmospheric and memorable.<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Departing from Folkestone Tourist Information, 15 Rendezvous St
\nTimings:<\/strong> 7:30 PM (Fridays and Saturdays)<\/p>\n

Our curated list of things to do in Folkestone stretches far beyond a simple day at the beach. Whether you\u2019re admiring public art, reliving wartime history, or discovering hidden caf\u00e9s along cobbled lanes, Folkestone blends tradition with creativity in unforgettable ways. It\u2019s 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

Cover Photo: Derek Vines \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Frequently Asked Questions <\/h2>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t